Keeping your riding lawn mower or tractor in peak condition requires reliable equipment, and a quality jack is a cornerstone of any serious maintenance toolkit. Whether you’re performing routine blade sharpening, addressing an unexpected flat tire, or conducting more complex repairs, having the right jack for the job is paramount for both efficiency and, most importantly, safety.
The market offers a variety of jacks designed for different weights, clearance heights, and specific tasks. From compact scissor jacks for emergency tire changes to robust hydraulic floor jacks and dedicated jack stands for secure support, selecting the best tool can be daunting. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best jacks suited for your riding lawn mower and tractor needs.
Our Top Picks for Riding Mower Jacks
- BIG RED T820014S Torin Hydraulic Trolley Floor Jack
- Powerbuilt 3 Ton All-in-One Hydraulic Bottle Jack and Jackstand
- Pro-Lift F-767 Grey Low Profile Floor Jack
- Pittsburgh Automotive 3 Ton Heavy Duty Ultra Low Profile Steel Floor Jack
- Strongway Transmission Jack — 1000-Lb. Capacity
- BIG RED 2 Ton Steel Car Jack Stands, 2 Pack
- AV Steel Scissor Jack for Car 3 Ton Heavy-Duty Car Jack Kit
- ESCO 3 Ton Performance Shorty Low Profile Jack Stands, 1 Pair
- BIG RED AT46002ABR Torin Double Locking Steel Jack Stands, 2 Pack
- Torin T10152 Black Steel Scissor Jack
BIG RED T820014S Torin Hydraulic Trolley Floor Jack
This 1.5-ton hydraulic trolley jack from BIG RED is a fantastic general-purpose option for lifting riding mowers. Its low minimum lifting height of just over 5 inches makes it easy to slide under machines with limited clearance. Constructed from heavy-duty steel, it is built for long-term durability and reliable performance in your garage or workshop.
A key feature for user safety is the integrated safety bypass system, which prevents overloading and ensures safe operation every time. The included blow-mold carrying case is a significant benefit, keeping your jack protected and organized when not in use, and making it easy to transport to your worksite.
Powerbuilt 3 Ton All-in-One Hydraulic Bottle Jack and Jackstand
This innovative product from Powerbuilt combines a 3-ton bottle jack with a built-in jack stand, effectively eliminating the need for a separate support device. This all-in-one design is perfect for those who value speed and convenience, as it simplifies the lifting and securing process into a single step.
The built-in ratcheting safety bar locks the unit securely in the raised position, providing peace of mind while you work underneath your equipment. Its wide base adds significant stability, which is particularly useful on softer surfaces like a lawn or gravel driveway, making it a great choice for tractors and heavier mowers.
Pro-Lift F-767 Grey Low Profile Floor Jack
The Pro-Lift F-767 is an excellent 2-ton floor jack specifically designed for vehicles and equipment with low ground clearance. With a starting height of only 3-3/8 inches, it can easily access the lifting points on most riding mowers without any trouble. Its solid steel construction provides a sturdy and dependable foundation for your lifting tasks.
User safety is reinforced with features like a safety release valve and a patented bypass device that protects against over-pumping. This ensures the jack operates within its safe limits, giving you confidence during every use. The lifting range up to 15 inches provides ample working room for common maintenance procedures.
Pittsburgh Automotive 3 Ton Heavy Duty Ultra Low Profile Steel Floor Jack
Built with heavy-duty, all-welded steel construction, this 3-ton floor jack from Pittsburgh Automotive is made to handle demanding jobs. Its ultra-low profile design, starting at just 5 inches, is well-suited for tractors and riding mowers, while its impressive 18-1/4 inch maximum lift provides plenty of height for extensive repairs.
The rapid pump feature allows for quick initial lifting, reducing the time and effort required to raise your equipment. For lowering, a simple half-turn of the release valve is all that’s needed, allowing for precise and controlled descent of your mower or tractor.
Strongway Transmission Jack — 1000-Lb. Capacity
For those tackling more advanced mechanical work, such as removing a mower deck or transmission, the Strongway Transmission Jack is a specialized tool that offers superior control. Its 1000-pound capacity is ample for most riding mower components, and the adjustable arms and chain secure the load safely during lowering and raising.
The high-quality steel frame is built for durability and reliability. A key benefit is the long-lasting, lead-free paint finish, which is applied after a chemical wash to help prevent rust and is resistant to oil and grease for easier cleanup after the job is done.
BIG RED 2 Ton Steel Car Jack Stands, 2 Pack
Safety is non-negotiable when working under heavy equipment. This pair of 2-ton jack stands from BIG RED is an essential companion to any hydraulic jack. Each stand can support 4,400 pounds, providing a combined safety capacity that far exceeds the weight of any riding mower.
They feature an adjustable sawtooth design with a multi-position ratchet bar for precise height adjustments and a secure, self-locking mechanism. The large concave top saddle offers excellent load support and helps stabilize the vehicle frame or axle, creating a safe working environment.
AV Steel Scissor Jack for Car 3 Ton Heavy-Duty Car Jack Kit
This heavy-duty 3-ton scissor jack is a compact and portable solution, ideal for emergency tire changes or light maintenance in the field. Its drop-forged alloyed steel construction ensures durability, while the reinforced base plate provides a stable footing on various surfaces.
With a lifting range from 4.6 to 17.8 inches, it is versatile enough to handle a wide array of vehicles and equipment. The included ratcheting handle makes operation easier and faster than traditional L-wrenches. Its space-saving design and convenient carry bag make it simple to store in a tractor’s tool compartment.
ESCO 3 Ton Performance Shorty Low Profile Jack Stands, 1 Pair
The ESCO Performance Shorty Jack Stands are an excellent choice for low-clearance equipment. Their compact design does not compromise on strength, with a massive 6,000-pound capacity per stand. This makes them incredibly reliable for securing your riding mower or compact tractor.
They offer 7 adjustable height positions for flexibility. A significant advantage is their corrosion resistance, thanks to an anodized post and a powder-coated base. This treatment helps them withstand the humid conditions often found in garages and sheds, ensuring a long service life.
BIG RED AT46002ABR Torin Double Locking Steel Jack Stands, 2 Pack
For the ultimate in safety and support, these 6-ton double-locking jack stands from BIG RED are a top-tier choice. Each stand boasts a 12,000-pound capacity, offering an immense safety margin for heavier garden tractors and commercial mowing equipment.
The standout feature is the double-lock protection mechanism, which adds a critical secondary layer of safety to prevent accidental collapse. Combined with a large saddle for better load contact and a wide foot base for superior stability, these stands are built for maximum security and peace of mind.
Torin T10152 Black Steel Scissor Jack
A classic and reliable scissor jack like the Torin T10152 is a fundamental tool for any equipment owner. Known for their simplicity and straightforward operation, scissor jacks are perfect for quick lifts, such as changing a flat tire on a riding mower trailer or performing minor adjustments.
Constructed from robust black steel, this jack provides dependable performance in a compact form factor. Its simple design means there are fewer parts to fail, and it stores away easily in a small space, making it an excellent backup or primary jack for lighter tasks.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Jack for Your Riding Lawn Mower or Tractor
When I need to change a blade, fix a tire, or do any undercarriage work on my riding mower, a good jack is non-negotiable. You can’t just use any car jack you have lying around; these machines have a specific weight distribution and clearance. So, let’s talk about what I look for when picking one of the 10 best jacks for riding lawn mowers and tractors.
First and foremost is lifting capacity. This is the maximum weight the jack can safely lift. Your average riding mower might weigh 500 to 600 pounds, but larger garden tractors can easily tip the scales at over 1,000 pounds. I always check the mower’s manual for its weight and then choose a jack with a capacity that exceeds that number. A 1.5-ton (3,000 lb) capacity is a safe and common bet for most residential machines, giving you a huge safety margin.
Next, consider the lift range. This is the span between the lowest and highest points the jack can reach. The saddle (the part that touches your mower) needs to fit under the mower’s frame or axle when it’s at its lowest point. Then, it needs to lift high enough to give you the workspace you need. I look for a minimum lift height of around 5 inches and a maximum of at least 15 inches. This range usually provides enough room to remove a wheel comfortably.
The type of jack is a big decision. Hydraulic bottle jacks are powerful and compact, but they can be a bit tippy if not perfectly positioned. Hydraulic floor jacks are more stable and easier to maneuver, but they are bulkier to store. Scissor jacks are lightweight and affordable, but they require a lot of cranking and aren’t as robust for heavier tractors. For my money, a dedicated tractor jack or a low-profile hydraulic floor jack offers the best mix of stability and ease of use.
Finally, don’t forget about safety and stability. A wide, solid base is crucial to prevent the jack from tipping. I also make sure the jack has a reliable safety release valve that allows for a slow, controlled descent. And this is my golden rule: never, ever get under a mower supported only by a jack. Once it’s lifted, I immediately slide jack stands under the frame. The jack is for lifting; the stands are for holding. This two-step process is the only way I feel safe working underneath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular car jack for my riding lawn mower?
You might be able to, but I don’t recommend it. Car jacks are designed for vehicles with much higher ground clearance. Your mower sits much lower, so a standard car jack likely won’t fit underneath the frame or axle. Even if it does, car jacks can be unstable on soft grass or gravel, creating a serious safety hazard. It’s much safer to use a jack designed for the lower profile and specific weight points of a lawn tractor.
What is the safest way to jack up my riding mower?
Safety is my number one priority. First, I park the mower on a flat, hard surface like a concrete driveway. I set the parking brake, turn off the engine, and remove the key. I always block the wheels that will remain on the ground to prevent any rolling. I then carefully position the jack under a solid part of the frame or the axle—never under the plastic body or a fragile component. After lifting it to the desired height, I immediately place jack stands under the frame to support the weight. The hydraulic jack is just for lifting; the stands are what keep you safe while you work.
How much weight can a typical lawn tractor jack lift?
The lifting capacity varies, but a common and very capable rating for home use is 1.5 tons, which is 3,000 pounds. Since most residential riding mowers and tractors weigh well under 1,500 pounds, this provides a very comfortable safety factor. Always check the specific capacity of the jack you’re looking at and compare it to your machine’s operating weight, which you can find in the owner’s manual. It’s always better to have more capacity than you think you need.
Do I need special equipment to change a tire on my mower?
Besides the jack and jack stands, the main other piece of equipment you’ll need is the correct socket and a strong breaker bar or a torque wrench to loosen the lug nuts. The nuts are often put on very tightly at the factory and can be difficult to remove. An impact wrench can make this job much easier if you have one. You’ll also want a spare tire or a way to repair the flat one. Having a dedicated set of tools for this job makes the process much smoother.
What’s the difference between a bottle jack and a floor jack for this task?
A bottle jack is more compact and vertically oriented, making it easy to store. However, it has a smaller base, which can sometimes be less stable. A floor jack has a long handle and lies horizontally, with a wider base for better stability. It’s also easier to roll into position under your mower. For general use, I find a low-profile hydraulic floor jack to be the most user-friendly and stable option for lifting one of the 10 best jacks for riding lawn mowers and tractors.
Are there any jacks that can lift the entire front or back of the mower at once?
Yes, there are specialized jacks called “tractor lift jacks” or “sleeve jacks” that are designed to do exactly this. They often have a wide cradle that slides under the front or rear axle, allowing you to lift one entire end of the machine off the ground. This is super helpful for tasks like removing both front wheels for sharpening or replacing both back tires. They are a fantastic tool if you do a lot of your own maintenance.