How Does 'Rapid Pump' Work On Harbor Freight Daytona Floor Jacks?

Whether you're a professional shop mechanic or just changing your own oil at home, a trustworthy floor jack is a must-have tool. Harbor Freight has lots of useful items for working on cars, including Daytona floor jacks.  Some Daytona floor jacks have a feature called 'Rapid Pump,'  which helps these models lift a vehicle quicker than a one without the feature. Rapid pump relies on a hydraulic system with two pistons instead of one; this helps raise the saddle much faster when not under load. 

Once the saddle meets resistance the two pistons work together to lift the load. The foam padded handle and internal spring lock make each stroke easier and smoother, and Harbor Freight says rapid pump jacks can lift most vehicles in just 3 1/2 pumps of the handle. Once engaged, the rapid pump system gives you twice the lift with each stroke thanks to the dual-piston system. The model shown above stands just 3 1/4 inches off the ground but can raise itself to a saddle height of nearly two feet. This makes it good for working on everything from low-slung sports cars to tall, heavy SUVs.

The rapid pump system is available on various models of Harbor Freight Daytona super duty and long reach jacks and is rated for more than 5,000 lifts. Rapid pump jacks can lift as much as 8,000 pounds; an internal load limiter kicks in to prevent damage from going beyond each one's rated limit. Many Daytona super duty and professional series jacks also have a feature called Integrated Magnetic Filtration (IMF). The IMF system filters out metallic particles from the hydraulic fluid, which protects the pump and other internal components. The rapid pump system is also available on some Daytona racing jack models, and keeping up with maintenance will help whatever jack you choose last longer. 

Daytona recommends topping off hydraulic fluid when necessary and changing it out at least once every three years. Harbor Freight jacks are among the most popular floor jack brands according to reviewers, and the Daytona 4-ton rapid pump professional floor jack comes in four colors and meets American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Portable Automotive Service Equipment (PASE) standards. If your floor jack starts leaking fluid or suffers any mechanical damage, stop using it immediately and visit your local Harbor Freight store for a replacement. The warranty on Harbor Freight Daytona jacks is generally 90 days, although some models are guaranteed against defects for up to three years.