Jack and Stand Accessories

About Jack and Stand Accessories

Jack and stand accessories are essential safety equipment for anyone working beneath vehicles or carrying out maintenance and repair work. These critical components enhance the functionality of hydraulic jacks, trolley jacks, and axle stands while providing crucial protection for both the vehicle and the operator. From rubber saddle pads that protect jack contact points to heavy-duty wheel chocks that prevent unwanted vehicle movement, these accessories transform basic lifting equipment into a complete, safe working system.

Our comprehensive range includes specialist jacking beam adaptors for 4x4 vehicles, transmission cradles for gearbox removal, and various rubber pads designed to fit specific jack models from leading manufacturers like Sealey and Draper. Whether you're working on a small hatchback or a heavy goods vehicle, the right accessories ensure stable, secure lifting while protecting expensive chassis components from damage. These products are designed to meet the demands of professional workshops while remaining accessible for dedicated DIY mechanics.

Quality jack accessories provide peace of mind when working at height or underneath vehicles. Wheel chocks manufactured to appropriate standards prevent rolling on sloped surfaces, whilst correctly specified saddle pads distribute load evenly across jacking points. For commercial vehicle operators and fleet maintenance teams, heavy-duty chocks with mounting brackets offer permanent vehicle security solutions that comply with workplace safety regulations.

Jargon Buster

• Saddle Pad: A rubber or polyurethane pad that fits to the top of a jack, protecting the vehicle's jacking point from damage and providing a non-slip surface that prevents the jack from sliding during lifting operations.
• Jacking Beam: A horizontal beam that distributes weight across multiple jacking points simultaneously, particularly useful for 4x4 vehicles and those with reinforced chassis rails where single-point jacking isn't suitable.
• Transmission Cradle: An adjustable support frame that safely holds gearboxes, differentials, and other heavy drivetrain components during removal and installation, preventing damage and reducing strain on the technician.
• Wheel Chock: A wedge-shaped block placed against a vehicle's wheel to prevent movement. Available in rubber, plastic, or steel construction, with sizes specified for different vehicle weights from cars to HGVs.
• Cross Beam Adaptor: A specialised attachment for jacking beams that accommodates vehicles with wider chassis configurations, particularly common on commercial 4x4 vehicles and light commercial vehicles.
• Load Rating: The maximum safe working load (SWL) for an accessory, typically measured in kilograms or tonnes. Always ensure accessories match or exceed the capacity of your jack or stand.

Who Uses Jack and Stand Accessories?

• Professional Motor Mechanics: Independent garages and franchised dealerships requiring specialist pads and adaptors for different vehicle makes and models
• Mobile Mechanics: Tradespeople working on-site who need portable wheel chocks and universal saddle pads for various customer vehicles
• Fleet Maintenance Technicians: Those servicing commercial vehicles, delivery vans, and company cars requiring heavy-duty chocks and transmission equipment
• MOT Testing Stations: Facilities needing compliant wheel chocks and appropriate jacking accessories for safe vehicle inspection procedures
• Agricultural Engineers: Specialists working on tractors and farm machinery requiring robust accessories for high-clearance vehicles
• HGV and Commercial Vehicle Workshops: Operations handling large goods vehicles and buses requiring industrial-grade wheel chocks with mounting brackets
• DIY Enthusiasts and Home Mechanics: Hobbyists performing their own vehicle maintenance who prioritise safety and proper equipment
• Classic Car Restorers: Specialists working on vintage vehicles requiring protective saddle pads to preserve original chassis components

How to Choose the Right Jack and Stand Accessories

Match Load Capacity: Always select accessories with a load rating equal to or exceeding your jack or stand capacity. Check manufacturer specifications carefully, particularly for heavy-duty applications involving commercial vehicles or 4x4s where weights can exceed three tonnes.

Vehicle Compatibility: Consider your vehicle type when selecting saddle pads and jacking beam adaptors. Modern vehicles often have specific jacking points requiring rubber pads with particular profiles, whilst 4x4 vehicles with ladder-frame chassis benefit from cross beam adaptors that distribute load across reinforced sections.

Material Quality: Professional-grade rubber compounds in saddle pads resist splitting and maintain grip even when contaminated with oil or road grime. Steel wheel chocks offer superior durability for permanent installations, whilst heavy-duty rubber provides portability without compromising effectiveness.

Workplace Environment: For workshop use, consider folding wheel chocks that store compactly when not needed. Mobile mechanics benefit from lightweight but effective rubber chocks, whilst HGV operators may require bracket-mounted steel chocks that comply with HSE guidance for vehicle immobilisation during loading operations.

Specialist Applications: Transmission work requires fully adjustable cradles with sufficient capacity for the specific gearbox or differential being removed. Check adjustment ranges and mounting options to ensure compatibility with your preferred working methods and available lifting equipment.

Popular Accessories

• Universal replacement rubber pads for various trolley jack models
• Vehicle-specific saddle pads for BMW, Mercedes, and other manufacturers with dedicated jacking points
• Pairs or sets of rubber wheel chocks for small to medium vehicles
• Heavy-duty steel wheel chocks with mounting brackets for commercial applications
• Folding wheel chocks for convenient storage in mobile workshops
• Jacking beam extensions for wider stance vehicles
• Transmission cradles with adjustable arms and locking mechanisms
• Cross beam adaptors for 4x4 and commercial vehicle chassis
• Low-profile trolley jack pads for sports cars and lowered vehicles
• High-capacity wheel chocks for LGV and HGV applications

Safety Information

Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use properly rated axle stands as the primary support, with the jack serving only to raise and lower the vehicle. Wheel chocks must be positioned on wheels remaining on the ground, placed on the opposite axle to prevent any possibility of rolling.

Inspect all accessories before use for signs of damage, particularly checking rubber components for splits, tears, or compression damage that could compromise their effectiveness. Replace worn saddle pads immediately, as damaged pads can slip during lifting operations or cause damage to vehicle jacking points.

Follow HSE guidance when working with jacks and lifting equipment in commercial environments. Ensure wheel chocks are appropriately rated for the vehicles being secured, and that all personnel understand correct placement procedures. When using transmission cradles, confirm the load is properly balanced and secured before releasing supporting jacks or hoists.

Always work on level, solid ground when using jacks and accessories. Soft or sloping surfaces significantly increase the risk of jack failure or vehicle movement. For commercial operations, maintain records of equipment inspection and ensure all accessories display clear load ratings and comply with relevant British Standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need different saddle pads for different vehicles?

Many modern vehicles have manufacturer-specific jacking points designed to accept particular pad profiles. Whilst universal rubber pads work for most applications, vehicles like BMWs often require specially shaped pads that locate into reinforced jacking points. Using the correct pad prevents chassis damage and provides a more secure lifting point.

What size wheel chocks do I need for my vehicle?

Wheel chock size depends on vehicle weight and wheel diameter. Standard rubber chocks suit most cars and light vans up to 2 tonnes. Heavy-duty rubber or steel chocks are necessary for larger commercial vehicles, 4x4s, and anything over 3.5 tonnes. For HGVs, specialist large chocks with brackets are required to meet operator licensing standards.

Can I use a transmission cradle with any jack?

Transmission cradles are designed to be used with bottle jacks or trolley jacks with sufficient clearance and capacity. Check the cradle's adjustment range suits your application, and ensure your jack can safely lift the combined weight of the cradle plus the transmission or differential being removed. Most cradles specify compatible jack types in their documentation.

How often should I replace rubber saddle pads?

Inspect rubber pads before each use for signs of splitting, compression damage, or loss of shape. In professional workshops with daily use, pads may need replacing every 12-18 months depending on usage intensity. Replace immediately if you notice any cracks, chunks missing, or if the pad has become permanently compressed and no longer provides cushioning.

Are folding wheel chocks as effective as solid ones?

Quality folding wheel chocks from reputable manufacturers like Sealey provide equivalent safety when properly deployed and locked in position. They offer the advantage of compact storage for mobile mechanics and smaller workshops. Always ensure the locking mechanism engages fully and check the chock is stable before relying on it to secure a vehicle.