Jack Boss / The garage
Before you lift.
A short planning checklist for vehicle lifting equipment. Always follow the current vehicle and equipment manuals.
Start with the manuals.
Identify the vehicle’s approved lifting and support points. Read the exact jack and stand labels, capacity convention, height limits and operating instructions. If any requirement is unclear, ask a qualified service professional before lifting.
Inspect the equipment.
- Check for cracks, bending, missing parts, damaged wheels and hydraulic leaks.
- Check that stand posts, handles and locking pins match the supplied instructions.
- Remove damaged equipment from service. Do not improvise repairs to load-bearing parts.
Prepare the surface and vehicle.
Use the hard, level surface required by the equipment manual. Follow the vehicle’s procedure for parking brake, transmission position and wheel chocks. Keep people clear of the lifting area and make sure the jack can roll as required.
Lift and support are separate jobs.
Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a hydraulic jack. Position appropriate stands at approved support points and lower the vehicle onto them according to the manuals. Do not exceed ratings or add stand capacities together.
Plan the finish.
Before lowering, remove tools and confirm everyone is clear. Use the prescribed sequence to transfer the load, remove supports and lower the vehicle. Stop if the load shifts or any equipment behaves abnormally.
Learn how clearance, capacity and support height work together.