T-REX TFJ-12 1200kg Hydraulic Trolley Jack: Low-Profile Vehicle Lifting Guide

Testing statement: Firebusters has not personally tested this trolley jack. This guide is based on current T-REX/Edisons product specifications, the published TFJ-12 manual and Australian product-safety guidance. Specifications can change, so check the current product, markings and manual before use.

T-REX TFJ-12 1200kg Hydraulic Trolley Jack

The T-REX TFJ-12 is a low-profile hydraulic trolley jack with a maximum published lifting capacity of 1200kg.

Its main practical feature is an 88mm minimum saddle height, which allows access beneath vehicles where a taller trolley jack may not fit.

The jack then raises to a published maximum height of 358mm.

Verified Specifications

Product Card

88mm Minimum Height

The TFJ-12 has a published lowered height of 88mm.

That makes it a relatively low-profile trolley jack.

However, do not assume that the word “low-profile” means it will fit every lowered vehicle.

Before buying, measure:

• ground clearance at the approved lifting point
• clearance needed to roll the jack beneath the vehicle
• whether suspension or body components obstruct the approach

The jack must physically reach the correct manufacturer-approved lifting point rather than simply fit underneath a bumper or sill.

358mm Maximum Lift Height

The published maximum saddle height is 358mm.

That gives approximately 270mm of movement between the published minimum and maximum positions.

Maximum lift height is just as important as minimum clearance.

A jack may fit underneath a vehicle but still fail to raise the approved support point high enough for the intended work or support-stand position.

1200kg Capacity: What It Means

Vehicle weight distribution changes according to:

• which lifting point is used
• engine and drivetrain location
• vehicle loading
• whether one corner, one end or another approved point is raised

Consult the vehicle owner’s manual for approved lifting locations and procedures.

If there is doubt about whether the TFJ-12 has adequate capacity for the intended lift, use a higher-capacity correctly rated jack rather than relying on an estimate.

The Jack Is for Lifting — Not Supporting

A hydraulic trolley jack should be used to raise and lower the vehicle.

It should not be relied on as the sole support while a person works underneath.

If access beneath the vehicle is required, use appropriately rated vehicle support stands at the correct support locations.

Use Two Vehicle Support Stands

Australian product-safety guidance states that vehicle support stands should be used:

• on a hard, level surface
• in pairs
• with their locking mechanism fully engaged
• within their rated capacity
• at the correct vehicle support locations

Do not substitute bricks, timber blocks, concrete blocks or improvised supports for properly rated vehicle support stands.

Hard, Flat, Level Ground

A trolley jack needs a stable surface.

Australian product-safety guidance specifically calls for flat, hard, level ground.

A sound concrete floor is normally preferable.

Avoid using a trolley jack on:

• grass
• soil
• gravel
• soft asphalt
• sloping driveways
• broken or uneven paving

A jack wheel sinking or stopping unexpectedly can change the geometry of the lift and destabilise the vehicle.

The Trolley Jack Must Be Free to Roll

This point is easy to overlook.

As a trolley jack raises a vehicle, its lifting arm moves through an arc.

The jack therefore needs to roll slightly beneath the vehicle as the load rises and lowers.

Australian trolley-jack safety guidance specifically says the jack must remain free to roll during lifting and lowering.

Do not wedge or block the trolley jack’s wheels in position.

Chock the Wheels That Stay on the Ground

Before lifting:

• park on flat, hard, level ground
• select Park or the appropriate transmission position
• apply the parking brake as directed by the vehicle manufacturer
• chock the wheels that remain on the ground

Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s procedure because driveline and parking-brake arrangements vary between vehicles.

No One Should Remain Inside the Vehicle

Do not leave occupants inside a vehicle while it is being raised.

Movement inside the vehicle can shift the load and affect stability.

Dual-Piston Hydraulic Pump

The TFJ-12 uses a dual-piston pump system.

The purpose of the dual-pump arrangement is to raise the lifting arm more quickly during positioning and lifting than a basic single-piston setup.

It does not alter the jack’s 1200kg rated capacity.

Safety Pressure Valve

The product incorporates a safety pressure valve.

The TFJ-12 manual specifically warns that the safety valve must not be modified or adjusted.

The presence of an overload or pressure-protection feature is not permission to deliberately overload the jack.

Always observe the stated 1200kg maximum capacity.

A Note About the Manual’s Safety-Valve Wording

Some published copies of the TFJ-12 manual contain wording referring to a safety valve being configured for a higher test/load figure.

That does not change the jack’s rated capacity.

The product specification, product identification and published working limit for the TFJ-12 remain 1200kg.

Firebusters recommends treating 1200kg as the absolute maximum nominated capacity.

Saddle Size

Firebusters could not verify an exact published diameter or width for the TFJ-12 saddle/head cap from the current product specification.

For that reason, this guide does not invent a saddle measurement.

The important point is that the saddle must:

• contact an approved lifting point
• sit centrally beneath that point
• remain stable during the complete lifting operation

If your vehicle requires a specific jacking adaptor, pinch-weld adaptor or lifting pad, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements.

Compact Chassis

The complete jack measures approximately:

• 25cm wide
• 56cm long
• 15cm high

Product weight is approximately 14.5kg.

That makes it more portable than many larger-capacity steel workshop jacks, although 14.5kg is still substantial enough to require sensible handling.

Front Roller and Rear Castors

The TFJ-12 uses:

• a one-piece front roller bar
• 360-degree rear castor wheels

This arrangement allows the jack to be positioned under the lifting point and to move as the lifting geometry changes.

Keep the floor clean so small stones, tools or other debris do not obstruct the wheels.

Two-Piece Aluminium Handle

The jack uses a two-piece aluminium operating handle with:

• knurled grip
• bumper pad
• hydraulic pump operation
• controlled release/lowering function

Practice the release action with the jack unloaded before carrying out the first vehicle lift.

Vehicle lowering should always be slow and controlled.

Before Every Lift

• Check the jack for hydraulic leaks.
• Inspect the frame and lifting arm for damage.
• Check wheels and castors.
• Confirm the saddle is clean and undamaged.
• Check that the lowering valve operates correctly.
• Verify the vehicle lifting point.
• Verify jack capacity.
• Prepare correctly rated support stands.
• Chock the unlifted wheels.
• Remove people from the vehicle.

Correct Lifting Sequence

1. Park the vehicle on hard, flat, level ground.
2. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s parking and transmission instructions.
3. Chock the wheels remaining on the ground.
4. Locate the approved lifting point.
5. Position the jack centrally beneath it.
6. Ensure the trolley jack wheels can move freely.
7. Raise the vehicle slowly while watching stability.
8. Position two correctly rated support stands where appropriate.
9. Slowly lower the vehicle onto the stands.
10. Check that the vehicle is stable before working near or beneath it.

Never Work Under Hydraulic Pressure Alone

A hydraulic system can lose pressure due to:

• a seal failure
• a valve fault
• internal leakage
• external damage
• incorrect operation

Even a well-maintained jack should not be treated as a vehicle support stand.

Hydraulic Maintenance

The manual should be followed for the correct hydraulic-fluid specification and filling procedure.

Stop using the jack if:

• the lifting arm sinks while under load
• hydraulic oil leaks are present
• the jack fails to reach its normal height
• the lowering valve behaves unpredictably
• the frame or wheels are damaged

The TFJ-12 manual states that a jack which continues to sink after basic checks should be repaired by an authorised repairer.

Replacement Parts

Current Australian supplier listings show replacement components for this model including:

• hydraulic seal kit
• rear castor wheel
• return spring

Part design can change between manufacturing batches, so compare the replacement component with the existing part before ordering.

Australian Safety Standard

The TFJ-12 is currently advertised as complying with AS/NZS 2615:2016.

Australian trolley jacks used by consumers are also subject to mandatory product-safety requirements covering areas such as:

• construction
• performance
• load capacity
• instructions
• safety warnings

Check that the actual jack supplied has the required permanent markings and safety warnings.

Buyer Checklist

• Confirm the model is TFJ-12 / VHWJKFTR12AA.
• Confirm the intended load is within the 1200kg rating.
• Measure the vehicle lifting-point clearance against the 88mm minimum height.
• Check whether 358mm maximum height is sufficient.
• Identify the manufacturer’s approved jacking points.
• Check whether the vehicle requires a special saddle adaptor.
• Buy suitably rated support stands if working beneath the vehicle.
• Make sure you have a hard, flat, level work area.
• Check the jack’s safety markings and instructions when delivered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact model?

The jack is the T-REX TFJ-12, supplier code VHWJKFTR12AA.

What is its rated capacity?

1200kg maximum.

How low does it go?

The published minimum height is 88mm.

How high does it lift?

The published maximum height is 358mm.

How large is the jack?

Approximately 25 × 56 × 15cm.

How much does it weigh?

Approximately 14.5kg.

Does it have overload protection?

The supplier lists a safety pressure valve. Never adjust that valve and never intentionally exceed the jack’s 1200kg rated capacity.

What is the saddle diameter?

Firebusters could not verify an exact saddle dimension from the current published product specification.

Can I work underneath the vehicle while it is on this jack?

No. Never get under a vehicle supported only by a trolley jack. Transfer the vehicle onto correctly rated support stands first.

Can I use the jack on a driveway?

Only where the surface is hard, flat and level and suitable for the jack to roll during lifting and lowering. Sloping, soft or unstable surfaces should not be used.

Should the jack wheels be blocked?

No. Australian trolley-jack guidance says the trolley jack must remain free to roll during lifting and lowering.

Does it need assembling?

The current product listing states that no assembly is required.

Final Assessment

The T-REX TFJ-12 is a compact low-profile hydraulic trolley jack with a verified 1200kg capacity, 88–358mm lifting range, 14.5kg weight and 25 × 56 × 15cm chassis.

Its dual-piston pump, front roller, rear castors, aluminium/steel construction and safety pressure valve make it a practical home-garage lifting tool where its capacity and height range match the vehicle.

Its most important limitation is also simple: a trolley jack lifts a vehicle; it does not safely support a vehicle for someone to work underneath.

Firebusters recommendation: choose the TFJ-12 only after checking the vehicle’s approved lifting points, required lifting height and load against the jack’s specifications. If you intend to work underneath the vehicle, budget for a correctly rated pair of compliant vehicle support stands as part of the lifting setup.

Research Sources

• 
  T-REX TFJ-12 1200kg Trolley Jack – Current Product Listing
  
• 
  ACCC Product Safety – Trolley Jacks Guide
  
• 
  ACCC Product Safety – Vehicle Support Stands Guide
  

Specifications and product design can change. Check the rating label, instructions and current vehicle owner’s manual before every lifting operation.