Norco 71202A 2 Ton Floor Jack

My Sears 3 ton jack finally failed after 10+ years of service so I thought I'd upgrade to a better piece of hardware made in the U.S. It quickly became apparent that finding an American made jack would be an effort. Almost everyone now is made in China. In the end I was able to find several U.S. manufactuers, but for my personal use at home, I couldn't afford or justify spending $600 on a Milwaukee. So this led me to the Norco line of floor jacks made in Taiwan with Japanese seals. The place of origin was a real turn-off for me until I started reading up on it. A lot of R&D was spent on the unit and it was put into the field for some time before it went into production. So I went for it and ordered it.After opening the box, I can see why it weighs 105 pounds! It's about three inches longer and 2 inches wider than my 3 ton Craftsman. This thing is a monster, but it has a 2 inch lower sadle height than what I've been using. The handle is a two piece design, with a solid end sleeved into the other, which is then bolted. Unfortunately mine was missing said bolt, but I quickly located one in my bolt bucket. This thing rolls awesome. The poly-type wheels are quiet and very smooth. If you have a painted/coated floor, I wouldn't think twice about rolling this one across it. Now, for it's lifting capabilites. I must be a bit spoiled by the 3 ton I had, because this one does require quite a bit more effort to lift a vehicle. I slid it under the back of my wifes 02' Envoy, the front of my 99' F-150, and the front of my 93' Cobra and they all lifted about the same. It feels really solid smooth. It does rise to full height in 10 1/2 strokes....I checked. The release valve is extremely nice. It takes just a little turn and it will bring the jack back down and is very easy to control. Overall, this is a very well built jack. I wish it lifed a bit easier, but like I mentioned my previous was a 3 ton model and this takes less pumps to full height.