The 9 Best Lawn Mower Lifts
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in March of 2019. If you want to clean, repair or diagnose a problem with your lawnmower, one of these lifts will let you get under it safely, so that you can more easily poke around wherever you have to. Whether you're using a pedal-operated jack or a basic lever-style model, always make sure to practice the recommended safety precautions, and never leave a raised jack unattended around children. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
November 16, 2020:
This update required a pretty extensive overhaul, and we replaced five of the existing options. Three appeared to have some questionable safety issues, and one, the MoJack EZ Max, had repeated reports of issues with its lowering mechanism. Also, Even though it comes from a respected company that produces other high-quality products, the Oregon 42-089 just didn’t have enough online reviews or opinions to give us the confidence to keep it on our list.
We added two lever-style models, the Ballard Inc Super and the Jungle Jim's Jack. These are both used by simply placing their hooks underneath the mower deck and lowering the handle, which raises the mower. Since they don’t have hydraulic pump mechanisms or other moving parts, there isn’t much you need to worry about when it comes to repairing or maintaining these lifts. Their straightforward operation also makes them convenient to use, and ideal for those who aren’t especially familiar with jack-style models.
We also added a unique option, the Cat 240115. Unlike the rest of the options that raise the mower front-to-back, this model lifts the side of the mower. This allows you to access more of the undercarriage, and lets you work without getting totally underneath the mower.
The most important thing to consider when choosing a lawnmower lift is whether or not it can safely support your mower. Find out how much your mower weighs by either consulting the owner's manual, or researching online, and then determine which lifts are rated to support that much weight. This is extremely important, and relying on a lift that’s too weak to support your mower can easily result in injury or death if you’re underneath it.
Regardless of which mower you choose, always read the safety and installation instructions first, before you even start assembling the unit. If you’re unsure about any part of the instructions, consult a professional or contact the manufacturer directly. Never crawl underneath a mower that is not stable and secure, and only use a lift on a hard, level surface.
One of the main reasons to use a lawn mower lift is to clean the deck. This collection of pressure washers can get that task done quickly, and with minimal effort. You might also be sharpening the blade, which can be done using either a bench grinder or angle grinder.
April 10, 2019:
This topic is a perfect example of a product that you might think would be hard to operate at first, given its torque and ability to withstand extreme weight loads from equipment that is already powerful and with many moving components that require regular maintenance. Like an automobile, many of a lawnmower's components require accessing the tool from underneath. That said, in addition to durability, my focus was to find as many versatile options as possible and ones capable of supporting wide wheelbases, sturdy locking mechanisms, and foot pedals for minimizing user fatigue due to manual cranking. This is not to say that I found manual hand cranks a bad thing on this list, but I wanted to include a mix of products offering both hydraulic and crank-style operation, depending on needs and preferences.
For example, both the MoJack Pro and EZ Max were durable options that I felt were worthy for inclusion, the former for its 27-inch lifting capacity and self-braking winch, while the latter offers an integrated clutch and a choice of operation by hand crank or using a power drill. I thought the PowerBuilt Triple Lift was a pretty special addition due to its 4,000-pound weight capacity and multifunctional ability to accommodate ATVs, lawnmowers, and even automobiles. Also included the Fischer Pro Series for its resilient H-frame support and integrated load limiter, which protects its hydraulic pump from damage. Finally, added the Pro Lift T-5500 for its convenient detachable handle and capability of doubling as a maintenance stand.