Who buys what
Accessory shops and online sellers sell trolley jacks, bottle jacks, scissor jacks and axle stands to drivers and hobby mechanics. Garages and tyre shops buy low-profile trolley jacks, heavy axle stands, mid-rise lifts and two-post lifts. Distributors and DIY chains need several price points with clear ratings. Each channel needs different specifications, packaging and documents, so start from the buyer.
Trolley jacks: the specifications to compare
- Rated capacity in tonnes. Typical ranges are 2 t to 3 t for cars and higher for vans. Never advertise or use a jack above the manufacturer’s rating.
- Minimum height in mm. Low-profile jacks reach under lowered cars and sports cars. Check the figure with the saddle fitted.
- Maximum lift height in mm. Matters for SUVs and vans.
- Number of pump strokes to reach the load. Dual-pump designs lift faster, which garages value.
- Frame material and weight. Steel frames are heavier and cheaper; aluminium frames are lighter for mobile work. Weight also affects freight cost.
- Saddle and pad. A rubber pad protects the jacking point. Check that replacement pads are available.
- Release valve and overload valve. A controlled, slow release is a key quality point. Ask the manufacturer how overload protection works.
- Wheels and handle. Swivel castors, handle length, a padded handle for bodywork.
Other jack types
| Type | Typical use | Points to check |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle jack | Vans, light commercials, workshop presses | Rating, minimum height, base size |
| Scissor jack | Spare wheel kits, roadside | Rating, thread quality, handle |
| 12 V electric jack kit | Roadside use, accessory shops | Rating, power lead, included impact wrench |
| Hydraulic body repair kit | Body shops | Pressure rating, attachment set, case |
Axle stands
A jack lifts; an axle stand holds. Stands are sold in pairs with a rating per pair or per stand, and listings confuse the two. Write into the specification which one is meant. Check the minimum and maximum height, the number of positions, the locking mechanism (ratchet or pin) and the base footprint. Instructions should state clearly that nobody works under a vehicle supported by a jack alone.
Car lifts
- Two-post lift: the general service lift. Needs a suitable floor slab, ceiling height and usually three-phase or single-phase power as specified. Check symmetric or asymmetric arms, rated capacity and lifting height.
- Mid-rise scissor lift: for tyres, brakes and bodywork. Lower ceiling needs; mobile versions exist.
- Portable quick lift: for small workshops, tyre services and detailing, where a fixed lift is not possible.
Lifts must be installed and inspected by a qualified installer, and national rules on periodic inspection apply. We supply lifts with the manufacturer’s documents and do not install them.
The documents to ask for
Lifting equipment for vehicles falls under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. From 20 January 2027 the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies instead. The relevant standards are EN 1494 for mobile and movable jacks and axle stands, and EN 1493 for vehicle lifts. Ask for:
- the EU declaration of conformity naming the exact model and the directive;
- test reports to EN 1494 or EN 1493 for that model, with the laboratory name;
- the instruction manual with load tables, warnings and maintenance intervals;
- for electrically powered lifts and jacks, the EMC and low voltage documents where they apply;
- for lifts, installation requirements: floor, anchors, power supply, space.
A product without these documents should not be placed on the EU market. We request the manufacturer’s declaration and reports before quoting, and show you what exists. We do not add ratings or claims beyond what the manufacturer states.
Marking and labels
Each jack, stand and lift needs the CE mark, the model, the rated capacity, a serial or batch number and the manufacturer and EU importer details. Under the GPSR, consumer jacks and stands also need warnings and instructions in the language of the country of sale. For private label, check that your brand does not cover any of the mandatory information.
Inspection before shipment
- Lift a test load within the rating and hold it; check for sinking and oil leaks.
- Release under load and check that the descent is controlled.
- Check welds, castors, handle fit and paint finish.
- Check the rating plate, CE mark and manual language.
- Check carton strength: heavy jacks damage weak cartons in transit.
More on inspections is on our quality page.
Building a range for a shop or marketplace
Most shops do well with three levels rather than ten models. An entry trolley jack with a pair of axle stands as a bundle, a low-profile jack for drivers of lowered cars, and a lighter aluminium jack for people who carry it in the boot. Add a bottle jack for van owners and a scissor jack as a spare-wheel replacement. Each level should differ in a way the customer can see on the box: capacity, minimum height, weight or lift speed.
For marketplaces, write capacity, minimum height and maximum height in the title and the first lines of the listing. A common reason for returns is a jack that does not fit under the car or does not lift high enough. Clear numbers prevent that.
Maintenance and spare parts
Hydraulic jacks need occasional oil top-up and seal replacement. Garages keep jacks for years if seals, pads and castors are available. Ask the manufacturer whether seal kits and saddle pads can be ordered with the main shipment, and put the maintenance instructions into the manual in the languages of sale.
Freight and delivered cost
Jacks and stands are heavy for their size, and lifts travel on pallets. Freight is often a large part of the delivered cost, so compare offers delivered, not ex-factory. Combine lifting equipment with lighter goods such as consumables or accessories on mixed pallets to use the space. Plan on about 8–12 weeks from order to our warehouse, and order before the tyre-change peaks in March–April and October–November.
Common mistakes buyers make
- Comparing a capacity per pair with one per stand.
- Ignoring minimum height and then finding the jack does not fit under the customer’s car.
- Ordering lifts without checking the floor slab and ceiling height.
- Accepting a declaration that names the wrong model.
- Writing listing claims that go beyond the manufacturer’s rating.
Next step
Our jacks, stands and lifts range shows ratings, minimums and indicative “from” prices per model. For garages and tyre shops, see equipment for workshops. Send us your list and we quote it delivered with the documents.
