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document updated 14 hours ago, on Nov 29, 2025

high-lift, AKA farm jack, AKA ...

AKA railroad jack, handyman jack, trail jack, or kanga-jack.

Versatility

Wikipedia says:

"such applications as lifting, winching, clamping, pulling and pushing. It is this versatility, along with the long travel it offers and its relative portability, which make the farm jack so popular with off-road drivers."

Downside: Safety

Other downsides

Downrated, smaller, more portable versions

These jacks are typically made in 4', 5', and 6' sizes, but they're less commonly available in 3' sizes and others.

They're typically made of cast steel, but I've read rumors that there are versions made mostly out of aluminum. (note that so far, I haven't been able to find one) A 4' farm jack weighs ~30 lbs, and a 3' weighs ~25 lbs, so while an aluminum one would have a lower weight capacity, it could also save a decent amount of weight.

TODO: Look into the Tauler Jack kit by Brennan's Garage [1] [2] [3] [4]

Attachments

Railroad jacks

Railroad jacks are actually a bit different, and somewhat more robust. [1] [$$$$$]

AKA 'simplex ratchet jack'