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Choose a Hi-Lift jack for trail recovery and farm work

By the Plain Prepper editors. Updated 2026-10-18.

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Quick answer

A Hi-Lift jack is a mechanical bar jack that lifts, winches, clamps and spreads. Hi-Lift rates every model at 4,660 lb with a 7,000 lb tested capacity. The 48 in X-TREME (XT-485) is the all-cast version with a Winch-Clamp-Spreader top attachment and lifts from 4.5 to 38.63 in. The 60 in Cast/Steel (HL-604) lifts to 49.75 in for lifted trucks, but Hi-Lift reduces its rating on the top 12 in of bar. The Lift-Mate (LM-100) lifts a vehicle by the wheel.

What a Hi-Lift jack does

A Hi-Lift is a tall steel I-beam bar with a climbing mechanism worked by a long handle. Hi-Lift says all its jacks can lift, winch, pull, clamp, hoist and spread, while a hydraulic jack only lifts. That is why off-roaders and farmers carry one: it can raise a stuck wheel, pull a vehicle a short distance with a chain or strap, or spread and clamp parts on a repair.

Hi-Lift lists a lift of 0.984 in per handle stroke and a starting height of 4.5 in for both the 48 in and 60 in jacks.

Three Hi-Lift picks compared

Pick	Build	Lift range	Rated load
X-TREME 48 in (XT-485)	All-cast, Winch-Clamp-Spreader top	4.5 to 38.63 in	4,660 lb
Cast/Steel 60 in (HL-604)	Cast with 4 stamped steel parts	4.5 to 49.75 in	4,660 lb (2,660 lb on top 12 in)
Lift-Mate (LM-100)	Wheel-lift accessory	Uses the jack	5,000 lb lift capacity

Figures are from Hi-Lift's product pages and its Hi-Lift vs hydraulic jack comparison.

48 in or 60 in

Hi-Lift lists a top lift height of 38.63 in for the 48 in jack and 49.75 in for the 60 in jack. Each stores at its own length, 48 in or 60 in. Hi-Lift also makes 36 in and 42 in sizes.

Pick the 60 in if your truck has large tires or a lift kit and the 48 in cannot raise a wheel off the ground. Keep in mind Hi-Lift's note that 60 in models drop to a 2,660 lb rated load and 4,000 lb maximum on the upper 12 in of the bar. For most stock trucks and SUVs, the 48 in is easier to mount and carry.

All-cast or cast and steel

Hi-Lift says the only physical difference is four parts: the top clamp-clevis, foot piece, handle socket and pitman. On the all-cast jack they are castings; on the Cast/Steel jack they are stamped high-strength steel, which Hi-Lift can make more cheaply in-house.

Hi-Lift states that functions and capacities are the same either way: 7,000 lb tested and 4,660 lb rated. The X-TREME adds the Winch-Clamp-Spreader attachment on an all-cast jack, so it is the one to buy if you plan to winch or clamp with it often.

Lifting by the wheel

Hi-Lift points out that many trucks and SUVs have larger tires or lift kits that demand a lot of lifting height from a bumper jack, and plastic bumpers give the jack nothing solid to lift. The Lift-Mate hooks onto the wheel so the jack lifts the wheel directly, which Hi-Lift says greatly reduces how far you have to climb the bar to get the tire clear.

If your vehicle has no solid steel bumper or rock slider to lift from, put a Lift-Mate in the kit with the jack.

Handle up: Hi-Lift's main safety rule

Hi-Lift says that during lifting and lowering, the weight of the load pushes up against the jack's handle. Its rules:

• Read the user's manual before using any jack.
• Hold the handle with both hands when lifting and lowering a load.
• When your hands are off the handle, clip it upright against the bar with the handle clip spring, especially with a load on the jack.
• Never leave the handle horizontal unless both hands are firmly on it, so it cannot fly up when you move the reversing latch.

Never get under a vehicle held only by a jack. Use a jack to lift, then support the vehicle on stands or solid blocking before any work beneath it.

Which one to pack

For a stock truck, Jeep or SUV that goes on trails or back roads, the 48 in X-TREME covers lifting plus winching and clamping. For a lifted truck, tractor or farm work, the 60 in Cast/Steel reaches higher, and Hi-Lift positions the cast and steel build as its lower-priced version.

Add the Lift-Mate if you will lift by the wheel. Mount the jack securely so it cannot shift in a crash, and pack gloves and a car emergency kit with it.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

How much weight can a Hi-Lift jack lift?

Hi-Lift rates its jacks at 4,660 lb with a 7,000 lb tested capacity. On 60 in models the rating drops to 2,660 lb on the top 12 in of bar.

What is the difference between all-cast and cast/steel Hi-Lift jacks?

Four parts: the top clamp-clevis, foot piece, handle socket and pitman are castings on the all-cast jack and stamped steel on the Cast/Steel jack. Hi-Lift says capacities are the same.

How high does a 48 in Hi-Lift jack lift?

Hi-Lift lists 4.5 to 38.63 in for 48 in models and 4.5 to 49.75 in for 60 in models.

Is a Hi-Lift jack safe?

Hi-Lift says any jack is dangerous if used wrong. Read the manual, keep both hands on the handle when lifting or lowering, and clip the handle upright when your hands are off it.

Sources

• Hi-Lift X-TREME Jack (hi-lift.com), Hi-Lift Jack Co.
• Hi-Lift Cast/Steel Jack (hi-lift.com), Hi-Lift Jack Co.
• Hi-Lift Jacks vs. hydraulic jacks (hi-lift.com), Hi-Lift Jack Co.
• All-Cast vs. Cast & Steel Jacks (hi-lift.com), Hi-Lift Jack Co.
• HANDLE UP! (hi-lift.com), Hi-Lift Jack Co.
• Lift-Mate (hi-lift.com), Hi-Lift Jack Co.

Sources checked 2026-10-18.