It works.  I've used it to jack up my tractor's rear-end to install & remove tire-chains...those tires contain 75% calcium chloride & water mix, and weigh a ton...so to speak.  I used it when building my barn to jack up one corner of the roof to level the girders...total estimated weight was approx four tons...no sweat.  I have no doubt it could handle the stated 16,000 pounds.