Every year, thousands of workplace accidents involve vehicles slipping from unsupported lifts. In heavy-duty workshops, this risk is preventable — with one simple tool: the jack stand. A jack stand is not an accessory. It is a critical safety device designed to hold a raised vehicle securely in place once it has been lifted. While jacks and mobile lifts perform the lifting, jack stands ensure long-term stability and protection for technicians working underneath.
In industrial environments, such as fleet workshops or bus depots, SEFAC — a European leader in heavy-duty lifting solutions — designs and manufactures vehicle support stands engineered for loads of up to 20 tonnes.
These stands are often used in combination with SEFAC mobile column lifts, particularly the wireless models, to ensure absolute redundancy and safety during maintenance.
Fact: Under EN 1494 and OSHA 1910 standards, technicians must always secure vehicles on mechanical supports before working beneath them.
What is a jack stand?
A jack stand (also called a vehicle support stand or axle stand) is a mechanical structure used to support the weight of a lifted vehicle. Unlike a jack, it does not lift — it only holds the load safely in position.
Each stand has three essential components:
- A wide, stable base that distributes weight evenly.
- An adjustable column (ratchet, pin, or screw type) to reach the desired height.
- A locking mechanism that prevents any movement or collapse.
When used correctly, a jack stand carries the full load of the vehicle, protecting both the operator and the equipment from accidental drops. This is why every professional workshop — from light automotive garages to heavy-duty truck depots — treats jack stands as mandatory safety equipment.
SEFAC’s approach to jack stands
SEFAC’s heavy-duty support stands are specifically engineered for trucks, buses, and industrial vehicles. They can be positioned directly under chassis beams or axles after a mobile column lift has raised the vehicle.
These stands are made of high-grade structural steel, fitted with screw-type adjustment and locking collars for precision and safety. Each model is tested beyond its nominal capacity, ensuring compliance with international lifting standards.
Example: A SEFAC 10t jack stand can safely support one wheel station of an articulated truck during wheel or brake servicing — maintaining vehicle stability even when the lift is lowered.
Types of jack stands
Jack stands come in multiple configurations depending on load capacity, locking system, and intended use. Below are the most common types used across automotive and heavy-duty sectors.
Adjustable ratchet jack stand
The ratchet jack stand is the most familiar design in car workshops. It features a notched post and a ratchet bar locked by a lever. Technicians simply lift the bar to the desired height; the mechanism automatically locks in place. While ideal for passenger cars and vans, this type is not recommended for heavy trucks or long-term industrial support, as the locking pawl may wear over time.
Pin-lock jack stand
The pin-lock jack stand uses a solid steel pin inserted through aligned holes in the column. This design eliminates the risk of slippage and offers excellent durability for medium to heavy-duty applications. Pin-lock systems are often found in fleet depots or bus garages, where repetitive, secure positioning is essential.
Screw-type jack stand
The screw-type jack stand (used by SEFAC and other heavy-duty manufacturers) provides fine height adjustment through a threaded spindle and locking collar. It offers millimetre precision and supports extremely high loads — from 13,225 lb. to 33,000 lbper stand.
Because there is no sudden engagement mechanism (as in ratchets), screw stands are preferred in truck, construction, and defence maintenance. Their mechanical simplicity ensures long life and minimal maintenance. SEFAC heavy-duty jack stands use this screw principle, guaranteeing maximum safety when paired with wireless mobile column lifts during axle removal or underbody work.
Folding and stackable jack stands
For mobile or field use, some lightweight aluminium or folding jack stands allow easy transport. However, these are designed for temporary, low-load applications such as roadside service or light commercial vehicles. Heavy-duty workshops rely exclusively on steel base stands with a wide footprint for stability.
A jack stand is a mechanical support placed under a lifted vehicle to hold it securely in position. Unlike a jack, it doesn’t lift but prevents the vehicle from falling, ensuring technician safety during repairs.
How to use a jack stand safely
Working beneath a vehicle requires absolute confidence in its stability. Even the strongest jack stand can fail if used incorrectly. Safe use begins with preparation, correct placement, and regular inspection.
Step-by-step procedure
1. Lift the vehicle correctly
Use a certified lifting device such as a mobile column lift, floor jack, or hydraulic system. Raise the vehicle just high enough to position the jack stand under the manufacturer’s recommended support points.
2. Position the jack stand
Place each jack stand on a flat, solid surface — never on asphalt, soil, or sloped ground. Ensure the stand is centred under a load-bearing structure such as the chassis rail or axle housing.
3. Adjust and lock
Extend the column or screw to the correct height, ensuring firm contact with the vehicle. Engage the locking pin, ratchet, or collar depending on the model. Always double-check that each jack stand is locked before lowering the lift or jack.
4. Lower the vehicle gently
Lower the lifting system slowly until the full load rests securely on the jack stands.
There should be no visible movement or tilting.
5. Perform a safety test
Apply a light shake to confirm stability before working underneath.
Never rely solely on hydraulic pressure or jacks for vehicle support.
6. After work, raise and remove
Once repairs are complete, raise the vehicle slightly to remove the jack stands safely, then lower the vehicle to the ground.
Safety tip: Never crawl under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use certified jack stands rated above the vehicle’s weight.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using mismatched stands with different height adjustments.
- Placing stands on soft or uneven surfaces that can shift under load.
- Exceeding rated capacity (e.g., using a 3-ton stand for a 5-ton truck).
- Skipping inspection for rust, bent frames, or missing pins.
- Using hydraulic jacks as supports instead of mechanical jack stands.
Following these principles reduces the risk of collapse and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
How jack stands complement SEFAC mobile column lifts
In professional heavy-duty workshops, jack stands are not used instead of lifts — they work together with them. The mobile column lift performs the initial lifting, while the jack stand provides secure mechanical backup once the vehicle is raised.
Integrated safety during wheel or axle removal
When using SEFAC wireless mobile column lifts, the columns raise the vehicle evenly through synchronised motion.
Before removing any wheel, axle, or suspension part, technicians place SEFAC heavy-duty jack stands beneath the chassis or frame rails.
This redundancy ensures the load is distributed evenly even if one column is temporarily lowered for access. It also complies with EN 1494 and OSHA 1910.244, which both require secondary supports under elevated loads.
Example: During brake replacement on a double-decker bus, engineers place four SEFAC 33,000 lbs screw jack stands under the main chassis crossmembers. The wireless column lifts remain active as primary support, while the stands provide mechanical safety.
Advantages of combining stands with mobile lifts
| Feature | Benefit |
| Redundant safety | Prevents collapse during axle or wheel removal |
| Load distribution | Reduces strain on lift points |
| Long-term stability | Ideal for extended maintenance or overnight storage |
| Modular setup | Works with 2, 4, 6, or 8 lift columns |
| Compliance | Meets EN 1494 / OSHA standards |
This dual-support approach (lift + jack stand) is part of SEFAC’s Safe Maintenance Framework, adopted in bus depots and fleet workshops across Europe and North America.
Choosing the right jack stand
Selecting the correct jack stand depends on the type of vehicle, environment, and frequency of use.
1. Capacity
Always choose a jack stand rated above the total weight it will support. For light vehicles, 2–3 tonnes per stand is sufficient. For heavy trucks, buses, or military vehicles, select 6–15 tons SEFAC support stands.
2. Height range
Check both minimum and maximum height to ensure the stand fits beneath the lifted vehicle and provides enough clearance for technicians. SEFAC’s screw-type designs allow fine adjustment with full load contact even on uneven floors.
3. Base size and stability
The wider the base, the greater the stability. In heavy-duty applications, stands with triangular steel frames or reinforced four-leg bases are preferred. Each leg should rest fully on the ground for uniform load distribution.
4. Material and corrosion resistance
Choose galvanised or powder-coated steel to resist corrosion from workshop chemicals and moisture. Avoid thin sheet-metal designs that can deform under continuous heavy use.
5. Standards and certification
Only use jack stands certified to recognised standards:
- EN 1494 (European mechanical jacks and supports).
- ASME PASE-2019 (safety standard for automotive service equipment).
- OSHA 1910.244 (US workplace equipment compliance).
SEFAC jack stands comply with all these standards and include individual serial numbers for traceability and maintenance records.
Jack stands are mechanical supports used after lifting a vehicle with equipment such as SEFAC wireless mobile column lifts. They stabilise the load, prevent accidental descent, and ensure safety compliance in professional workshops.
Maintenance and inspection of jack stands
Even the strongest jack stand demands periodic inspection. A single damaged component can compromise an entire workshop’s safety.
Daily visual checks
Before each use, technicians should verify:
- No cracks, bends, or rust on the frame or base.
- Pins and collars lock correctly and show no wear.
- The load pad is clean and flat.
- Identification plates remain visible for traceability.
Any defective jack stand must be immediately removed from service.
Scheduled maintenance
Every six to twelve months, workshops should:
- Clean and grease screw threads or ratchet posts.
- Inspect welds and base weld integrity.
- Repaint exposed steel areas to prevent corrosion.
- Record inspection results in maintenance logs (required by EN 1494).
Certification renewal
SEFAC and other certified manufacturers recommend re-testing every five years for heavy-duty models. Calibration services verify load capacity using hydraulic presses and traceable weights.
Do you have a question about our jack stands?
Jack stand vs mobile column lift
| Feature | Jack stand | Mobile column lift (SEFAC) |
| Function | Holds load | Lifts entire vehicle |
| Power | Mechanical | Electro mechanical power |
| Safety | Mechanical lock | Electro mechanical safety |
| Use duration | Long-term support | Full access |
| Capacity | 2 – 20 t per stand | 7.5t per column up to 8.2t per column |
| Ideal for | Underbody work | All vehicle services |
Conclusion: SEFAC mobile column lifts lift the vehicle, while jack stands hold it securely for static or long-term support. In professional depots, all three tools operate together – lift, secure, and service safely.
Common misconceptions about jack stands
Myth 1: Jack stands are only for cars. Heavy-duty models from SEFAC support up to 15tons, making them essential for trucks, buses, and construction vehicles.
Myth 2: All stands are the same. Design, steel grade, and safety certification vary widely. Using uncertified stands risks collapse under asymmetric loads.
Myth 3: They don’t need maintenance. Corrosion, worn pins, or deformed bases can cause failure. Regular inspection is mandatory.
Real-world case – SEFAC heavy-duty safety integration
A logistics operator in Rotterdam maintains a fleet of 40 articulated trucks. They use SEFAC wireless mobile column lifts for lifting and 15 tons SEFAC screw jack stands for long-term chassis support.
Results after six months :
- Zero stability incidents.
- Faster wheel-removal operations ( – 18 % downtime ).
- Compliance validated by external auditors under EN 1494 / EN 1493.
This workflow shows how combining mobile lifts with certified jack stands creates a redundant, fail-safe environment for technicians.
Safety starts with secure support
A jack stand may seem simple, yet it plays a key complementary role alongside mobile column lifts. Once the vehicle is raised, jack stands allow it to be safely supported, freeing the columns for use on another vehicle.
SEFAC demonstrates that true safety lies in redundancy – lifting with precision and securing with strength. By pairing any SEFAC mobile column lift with robust jack stands, workshops benefit from both flexibility and enhanced peace of mind. Explore SEFAC’s range of heavy-duty support stands and lifting systems at www.sefac.com
6 Key Takeaways
- A jack stand supports lifted vehicles mechanically, preventing collapse.
- Always pair stands with certified lifting systems like SEFAC mobile column lifts.
- Inspect regularly and follow EN 1494 / OSHA 1910 standards.
- Heavy-duty models allow safe long-term truck or bus maintenance.
- Redundancy = safety – lift, secure, and verify before working underneath.
FAQ
It supports a lifted vehicle securely, preventing it from falling while technicians work underneath.
No. A car jack lifts; a jack stand holds the vehicle in place.
Yes – especially with SEFAC wireless lifts, to provide redundant mechanical safety.
Light models 2–3 t; SEFAC heavy-duty models up to 15 t per stand.
Daily visual check + annual certification under EN 1494.
Yes, if rated for heavy loads and used on level, solid ground.
Ratchet stands are quick; screw-type offer precise height and higher capacity.
Yes, if the surface is stable and the stands are corrosion-resistant.
Structural steel or cast iron with anti-corrosion coating.
It can deform or collapse – always use stands rated above expected load.
