The decisive factor when comparing the Arcan A20019 against the Pittsburgh 3 Ton is the chassis material and overall weight, which directly dictates whether the tool functions as an easily transportable service jack or a stationary shop workhorse. While both units deliver an identical 6,000-pound lifting capacity suitable for passenger vehicles, SUVs, and light trucks, their physical design and hydraulic stroke profiles cater to distinctly different mechanical operating environments.
Select the Arcan A20019 if you require a portable 56-pound aluminum jack that can be lifted into a truck bed, moved between track stalls, or easily maneuvered across rough expansion joints. Choose the Pittsburgh 3 Ton if your jack stays firmly on the concrete floor of a dedicated garage bay where its 100-pound welded alloy steel frame and extended near-two-foot lift stroke can be fully utilized on higher-clearance chassis.
Arcan A20019 vs Pittsburgh 3 Ton at a Glance
| Feature | Arcan A20019 | Pittsburgh 3 Ton |
|---|---|---|
| Rated Capacity | 3 Ton (6,000 lbs) | 3 Ton (6,000 lbs) |
| Chassis Material | Aircraft-Grade Aluminum | Alloy Steel |
| Tool Weight | 56 lbs | 100 lbs |
| Maximum Lift Height | 18 inches | Almost 24 inches (2 feet) |
| Minimum Saddle Height | 3.75 inches | Low profile (2 feet listed in specs) |
| Hydraulic Lift Action | Quick-Rise performance system | Dual-piston Rapid Pump with foot pedal |
| Release Mechanism | Standard handle-turn bypass control | Universal joint release |
| Handle Design | Two-piece handle with side-mount frame handles | Two-piece knurled aluminum handle with foam bumper |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 1 Year | Not listed |
| Best For | Mobile mechanics, mobile track days, and multi-vehicle garages | Stationary home garages, lifted vehicles, and fixed service bays |
Chassis Material and Portability
The core structural divergence between these two lifting tools centers on the battle of aluminum vs steel floor jack 3 ton design. The Arcan A20019 is engineered with aircraft-grade aluminum, bringing the complete unit weight down to 56 pounds. This lightweight architecture allows an individual to load the jack into a vehicle trunk, hang it on an equipment rack, or carry it up stairs without excessive physical strain. To further assist with mobility, Arcan integrates dedicated side-mount handles onto the chassis, giving mechanics balanced handholds when positioning or lifting the jack off the ground.
In contrast, the Pittsburgh 3 Ton is forged entirely from heavy-duty alloy steel, tipping the scales at an imposing 100 pounds. While steel construction provides immense physical resilience against harsh impacts, dropped tools, and continuous daily punishment, it drastically limits overall mobility. Hauling a 100-pound steel jack across a threshold, over gravel, or into a service van requires substantial exertion and often two people to accomplish safely. When evaluating the Pittsburgh 3 Ton vs Arcan A20019 for working outside of a smooth shop floor, this 44-pound disparity shifts the entire operational experience.
For service technicians who frequently pack gear for paddock support, roadside assistance, or cross-town jobs, the weight savings of aluminum provide tangible ergonomic value. However, if the floor jack is destined to roll exclusively over smooth, poured concrete inside a workshop, the added steel mass of the Pittsburgh model serves as a firm foundation rather than a burden. Readers evaluating heavy frame alternatives often weigh similar structural trade-offs in our daytona 3 ton vs pittsburgh 3 ton breakdown.
Edge: Arcan A20019, because its 56-pound aluminum chassis and integrated carry handles offer vastly superior portability compared to the 100-pound steel alternative.
Maximum Lift Height and Frame Reach
A floor jack must provide enough vertical travel to clear vehicle suspension droop and seat jack stands securely beneath load points. The Arcan A20019 floor jack lift height maxes out at 18 inches, starting from an ultra-low minimum entry profile of 3.75 inches. This flat, low-slung reach ensures easy access under low-clearance performance cars, sports coupes, and track cars with deep aerodynamic splitters, while providing sufficient elevation to perform brake jobs, suspension swaps, and tire rotations on most passenger sedans.
The Pittsburgh 3 ton low profile jack specs present a notably higher ceiling, stating that it gets vehicles almost two feet off the ground. That extended reach-approaching roughly 24 inches-provides a significant mechanical advantage when working on taller crossovers, light pickup trucks, and body-on-frame sport utility vehicles where long-travel suspensions absorb initial saddle contact. The extra vertical clearance simplifies the installation of tall jack stands under unibody pinch welds or solid frame rails, giving mechanics more working room for transmission, exhaust, and differential repairs.
While the Arcan unit excels at slipping beneath low factory jacking points, its 18-inch ceiling can require secondary height adapters or block accessories when lifting tall suspension packages. The Pittsburgh delivers substantial ground clearance right out of the box, making it the more flexible choice for heavy truck maintenance. You can explore how height clearance balances across other competing brands in our arcan a20019 vs daytona 3 ton guide.
Edge: Pittsburgh 3 Ton, because its near-two-foot lifting range offers substantially more working room under taller SUVs and light trucks.
Hydraulic Speed and Pumping Mechanism
Pumping speed determines how quickly the saddle contacts the vehicle chassis and begins lifting the load. The Pittsburgh 3 ton rapid pump review metrics highlight an exclusive dual parallel pump system. This dual-piston mechanism is engineered to lift most standard vehicle loads to working height in just 3-1/2 pumps. Furthermore, Pittsburgh integrates a dedicated foot pedal into the base, enabling the technician to pump the saddle upward without stooping over the handle until the saddle is flush against the frame.
The Arcan A20019 review features a Quick-Rise performance system designed to reduce overall cycle time and pumping effort. While Arcan uses quick-rise hydraulic routing to elevate the arm swiftly before taking on vehicle resistance, the listing does not specify a precise stroke count to full extension, nor does the chassis include a secondary foot pedal. Operators must rely solely on the two-piece main handle to pump the lift arm upward from its initial rest position.
Under vehicle service conditions, the Pittsburgh’s dual-piston architecture combined with the foot pedal provides a smoother, faster staging phase, particularly when aligning the saddle under poorly lit lift points. The Arcan operates smoothly and reliably with internal bypass and overload valves to prevent structural over-extension, but the mechanical convenience of Pittsburgh’s dual parallel pump gives it an unmistakable operational advantage during setup. Similar dual-piston comparisons can be referenced in our pittsburgh 3 ton vs torin big red assessment.
Edge: Pittsburgh 3 Ton, because its dual-piston Rapid Pump action and auxiliary foot pedal raise the saddle to the vehicle chassis with far fewer strokes.
Handle Ergonomics and Load Control
Precision control during load descent is critical for workshop safety and preventing vehicle underbody damage. The Pittsburgh model features a universal joint release mechanism directly coupled to the two-piece knurled aluminum handle. A universal joint provides smooth, tactile rotational control when bleeding hydraulic pressure, allowing the user to lower vehicles gradually regardless of the angle at which the handle is pivoted. Additionally, the Pittsburgh handle is wrapped with a protective foam bumper to shield lower rocker panels and door skins from accidental dents during vigorous pumping.
The Arcan 3 ton aluminum jack review points to a clean, functional handle arrangement backed by internal safety systems. Its two-piece handle connects directly into the pump socket, operating standard hydraulic bypass valving that provides predictable descents. However, the listing does not specify a universal joint connection or an integrated foam handle sleeve on the Arcan frame. Instead, Arcan focuses its chassis ergonomics on the exterior structure, providing side-mounted handles built right into the aluminum side plates to simplify lateral repositioning under the car.
In practice, the Pittsburgh handle offers better safeguards against vehicle cosmetic damage thanks to the foam sleeve, and the knurled grip provides positive tactile feedback even when working with oily mechanic gloves. Arcan’s side-mounted chassis handles make fine positioning easier, but Pittsburgh’s handle controls edge ahead in day-to-day ease of operation. For further analysis of chassis handling and control ergonomics, check out our daytona 3 ton vs torin big red review.
Edge: Pittsburgh 3 Ton, because its knurled handle with foam bumper and universal joint release provides superior descending control and vehicle finish protection.
Frame Rigidity and Torsion Control
Structural rigidity during off-camber or heavy unibody lifting ensures the jack does not bind, twist, or walk unexpectedly. The Pittsburgh 3 Ton utilizes precision-welded alloy steel construction finished in an industrial-grade grey and red coating. The high tensile strength of alloy steel naturally resists lateral twist, while extra-wide steel casters on the base disperse weight evenly across concrete pads, minimizing deflection when lifting heavy chassis corners.
Aluminum floor jacks require thoughtful reinforcement to counteract natural material flex under load. Arcan addresses this by engineering a reinforced lift arm specifically for the A20019, providing increased strength and torsion control. This reinforced arm stiffens the assembly against twisting forces when a vehicle shifts slightly during ascent. Combined with factory overload and bypass valves, the Arcan frame maintains rigorous alignment and prevents over-extension of the hydraulic ram.
While Arcan’s torsion-controlled lift arm effectively prevents binding, the monolithic mass and precision-welded steel plates of the Pittsburgh design give it unmatched brute-force resilience against lateral shifting. If your garage floor has minor cracks or dips where side-load forces are introduced, the welded steel architecture of the Pittsburgh jack offers greater natural rigidity over repeated service cycles. Those weighing aluminum rigidity against competing traditional steel units should also read our arcan a20019 vs torin big red comparison.
Edge: Pittsburgh 3 Ton, because its precision-welded alloy steel frame and extra-wide steel casters provide maximum structural stability under heavy shop loads.
Pros and Cons
Arcan A20019
Pros
- Lightweight 56-pound aircraft-grade aluminum frame
- Low 3.75-inch minimum saddle height
- Convenient side-mount positioning handles
- Integrated bypass and overload safety valves
- Factory one-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Maximum lift height capped at 18 inches
- Lacks auxiliary foot pedal pump
Pittsburgh 3 Ton
Pros
- Dual-piston Rapid Pump raises in 3-1/2 strokes
- Substantial lift height reaching almost two feet
- Convenient foot pedal for rapid saddle contact
- Heavy-duty precision-welded alloy steel chassis
- Two-piece knurled aluminum handle with bumper
Cons
- Heavy 100-pound total chassis weight
- Warranty duration not listed on listing
View Pittsburgh 3 Ton on Amazon
Who Should Buy Each One
Choose the Arcan A20019 If
- You need a lightweight 56-pound aluminum jack that can be lifted into a truck bed or carried between workspaces.
- You service low-clearance sports cars and require a slim 3.75-inch minimum entry height.
- You value side-mounted frame handles for quick hand adjustments and multi-angle positioning under tight wheel arches.
- You prefer factory warranty peace of mind backed by a stated 1-year manufacturer coverage policy.
Choose the Pittsburgh 3 Ton If
- Your jack remains permanently stationed in a garage where a 100-pound steel tool does not need to be hand-carried.
- You work on taller SUVs, light trucks, or lifted vehicles that demand maximum lift height approaching two feet.
- You want the operational speed of a dual parallel pump system that reaches load height in roughly 3-1/2 strokes.
- You prefer positioning and initial saddle elevation using a dedicated mechanical foot pedal.
Final Verdict
For most dedicated DIY mechanics operating out of a permanent workshop, the Pittsburgh 3 Ton stands out as the more versatile lifting tool. Its heavy-duty alloy steel chassis, near-two-foot maximum lift elevation, and rapid dual-piston pump system tackle a broader variety of vehicle ride heights, from daily runabouts to tall light trucks. The inclusion of a universal joint release, a protective handle bumper, and a rapid-pumping foot pedal makes routine garage maintenance noticeably faster and more comfortable.
The Arcan A20019 remains the undisputed winner whenever portability, lower entry height, and transport convenience dictate the choice. At nearly half the weight of its steel rival, it provides genuine commercial-grade 3-ton capacity without requiring back-breaking effort to load, carry, or maneuver. If your garage space is tight, if you travel to track days, or if your vehicle sits lower to the asphalt, the Arcan A20019 is the ideal lightweight companion.
FAQ
Can the Arcan A20019 lift full-size pickup trucks and SUVs?
Yes, the Arcan A20019 features a 3-ton (6,000 lb) capacity that safely supports standard passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks. However, because its maximum lift height is 18 inches, you must verify that 18 inches provides sufficient ground clearance for your specific vehicle suspension and tire size.
Is Pittsburgh 3 Ton worth it for low-clearance vehicles?
The Pittsburgh listing specifies an extra-low profile design that reaches under most show cars and custom vehicles. While the spec table notes a 2-foot height specification, the listing confirms low-profile capability for low vehicle placement. However, drivers of ultra-low vehicles with aggressive aero splitters may still find the Arcan’s verified 3.75-inch minimum height easier to navigate.
How does the pumping speed compare between the two models?
The Pittsburgh 3 Ton features a dual parallel pump system that reaches work loads in approximately 3-1/2 strokes, complemented by a foot pedal for fast preliminary saddle alignment. The Arcan A20019 uses a Quick-Rise system to minimize effort and speed up contact, but it relies exclusively on manual handle pumping without an auxiliary foot pedal.
Which model is easier to move around a home garage?
For horizontal rolling across a smooth, level floor, both jacks roll reliably on their caster assemblies. However, the Arcan A20019 is far easier to maneuver around tight corners, lift over floor hoses, or transport manually because it weighs only 56 pounds and features integrated side handles, compared to the 100-pound solid steel Pittsburgh.
Do these floor jacks come with vehicle surface protection?
The Pittsburgh 3 Ton listing explicitly confirms a two-piece knurled aluminum handle equipped with a foam bumper to prevent damage to vehicle exterior finishes. The Arcan A20019 listing mentions a reinforced lift arm and low-profile access, but it does not specify an included handle foam bumper.
What warranties back the Arcan A20019 and Pittsburgh 3 Ton?
The Arcan A20019 comes backed by an official 1-year manufacturer warranty from Arcan. The Pittsburgh 3 Ton Amazon product listing does not specify a manufacturer warranty description.
Does either jack include built-in safety overload protection?
Yes, the Arcan A20019 specifically details integrated hydraulic bypass and overload valves designed to prevent over-extension and ensure controlled lifting operation. The Pittsburgh listing highlights industrial-quality construction and a universal joint release for precise load control, but it does not detail individual internal bypass valves on the listing page.
