Jacking Beams

About Jacking Beams

Jacking beams are essential lifting accessories that distribute weight evenly across multiple contact points when raising vehicles or heavy equipment. By spanning between two trolley jacks or axle stands, these heavy-duty steel beams provide stable, secure support for maintenance, repair, and inspection work whilst protecting chassis components from localised stress damage. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of Sealey jacking beam systems, including the professional-grade Viking and Yankee configurations trusted by workshops throughout the UK.

This category features complete jacking beam assemblies alongside specialist accessories including bearing mounts, cross-slotted rubber supports, V-adaptors, extending arms, and cross beam adaptors. Whether you need a fixed-length beam for standard passenger vehicles or modular extending arm systems for wider loads, MyToolShed offers the components to build versatile lifting solutions that meet professional workshop standards and comply with health and safety regulations.

Applications

• Motor Vehicle Technicians – Engine removal, gearbox servicing, and undercarriage repairs in professional garages
• MOT Testing Stations – Safe vehicle lifting for suspension, exhaust, and brake component inspection
• Mobile Mechanics – Portable lifting solutions for on-site maintenance and breakdown repairs
• Classic Car Restorers – Precision lifting with chassis protection for valuable restoration projects
• Commercial Vehicle Workshops – Maintenance of light vans and fleet vehicles requiring robust equipment
• Agricultural Engineers – Servicing tractors and farm machinery with unconventional lifting points
• Bodywork Specialists – Controlled chassis alignment and panel replacement requiring stable support
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts – Advanced home garage projects demanding professional-standard equipment

Choosing The Right Jacking Beams

Load Capacity: Always verify the Safe Working Load (SWL) rating against the weight of vehicles or equipment you'll be lifting. Professional systems typically handle 500kg to 3000kg, but never exceed manufacturer specifications. Remember your total system capacity includes jacks, stands, and beam combined.

Beam Configuration: Standard fixed-length beams suit most passenger cars, whilst extending arm systems (Yankee configuration) provide additional reach for wider vehicles or awkward access situations. Modular systems from MyToolShed.co.uk offer maximum flexibility for diverse workshop applications.

Support Block Profiles: Different vehicles require different contact surfaces. Stock flat rubber supports for chassis rails, V-adaptors for round tubes and axles, and cross-slotted blocks for ridged or uneven surfaces. Bearing mounts provide rotating contact for precise load positioning.

Compatibility: Ensure your chosen beam system integrates with existing trolley jacks and axle stands. Check mounting dimensions, pin sizes, and height ranges. Sealey's Viking and Yankee systems represent proven quality with seamless component compatibility.

Safety Information

Working beneath raised loads requires strict safety procedures. Always operate on firm, level ground and never rely solely on hydraulic jacks – deploy properly rated axle stands as secondary support once loads reach working height, in accordance with HSE guidance. Inspect all components before each use, checking for cracks, deformation, or worn support blocks.

Never exceed stated Safe Working Loads – your weakest component determines overall system capacity. Ensure rubber support blocks make full contact with vehicle jacking points to prevent slippage. Keep work areas clear when raising or lowering loads, wear appropriate PPE including safety footwear, and maintain equipment regularly to comply with PUWER regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a jacking beam and a standard trolley jack?

A trolley jack provides lifting force at a single point, whilst a jacking beam distributes that force across multiple contact points. This prevents chassis damage, provides more stable support, and allows simultaneous lifting of larger sections. The beam sits atop two jacks or stands, creating a bridge that raises the entire span safely and evenly.

Do I need different support blocks for different vehicles?

Yes, vehicle chassis designs vary considerably. Flat blocks suit wide jacking points, slotted blocks accommodate ridges and rails, V-adaptors grip round tubes, whilst bearing mounts provide rotating contact for precise positioning. A well-equipped workshop maintains multiple profile types to handle various vehicles safely without risking surface damage.

Are extending arms as strong as fixed-length beams?

Quality extending arm systems like Sealey's Yankee configuration maintain full load capacity when properly assembled within manufacturer guidelines. Ensure all securing pins are correctly engaged and extension lengths don't exceed specified limits. Always verify the SWL rating applies to your extended configuration rather than assuming fixed-beam capacity.