Jacking Beams

About Jacking Beams

Jacking beams are essential lifting equipment designed to provide safe and stable support when raising vehicles or heavy loads for maintenance, repair, or inspection work. These heavy-duty steel beams distribute weight evenly across multiple jacking points, preventing damage to vehicle chassis and bodywork whilst ensuring operator safety during undercarriage work. Professional-grade jacking beams are indispensable tools in workshops, garages, and mobile repair services where precision lifting and stable load positioning are critical.

Our range of jacking beams predominantly features Sealey's renowned Viking and Yankee systems, which represent the industry standard for professional vehicle lifting solutions. These systems include complete jacking beam assemblies, extending arm configurations, and a comprehensive selection of specialist adaptors and support accessories. From cross-slotted rubber supports and bearing mounts to V-adaptors and extending arms, each component is engineered to enhance versatility and accommodate various vehicle types and lifting scenarios.

Modern jacking beams are designed with modularity in mind, allowing technicians to configure their lifting setup according to specific job requirements. Whether you're working on passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, or specialist machinery, the right combination of beam, support blocks, and adaptors ensures secure load distribution and prevents costly damage to expensive components whilst maintaining strict health and safety compliance.

Jargon Buster

Jacking Beam

A rigid steel beam that spans between two lifting points (typically trolley jacks or axle stands) to raise loads evenly and safely, distributing weight across multiple contact points on a vehicle's chassis or undercarriage.

Yankee Arms

Extending arm attachments that increase the working width of a jacking beam, allowing technicians to accommodate wider vehicles or reach awkward lifting points without repositioning primary jacking equipment.

Bearing Mounts

Precision-engineered mounting points that attach to jacking beams and provide smooth, rotating contact surfaces for secure load positioning whilst minimising stress on vehicle components.

Cross Beam Adaptor

A connector piece that joins two jacking beams at right angles, creating a grid-like lifting platform for complex loads requiring multi-directional support and stability.

Support Blocks

Rubber or polyurethane pads in various profiles (flat, slotted, V-shaped) that sit between the beam and vehicle, protecting painted surfaces and providing grip whilst distributing load pressure evenly.

Air Jacking Beam

A specialised beam incorporating pneumatic lifting cylinders, enabling rapid height adjustment without manual jack operation, ideal for high-volume workshop environments requiring quick turnaround times.

Who Uses Jacking Beams?

• Motor Vehicle Technicians – For engine removal, gearbox servicing, and undercarriage repairs in professional workshops
• MOT Testing Stations – To safely lift vehicles for thorough inspection of suspension, exhaust systems, and brake components
• Mobile Mechanics – Requiring portable, adjustable lifting solutions for on-site vehicle maintenance and breakdown repairs
• Classic Car Restorers – When working on valuable vehicles where chassis protection and precise load distribution are paramount
• Commercial Vehicle Workshops – For maintenance of light vans and commercial fleets requiring robust, adaptable lifting equipment
• Agricultural Engineers – Servicing tractors and farm machinery where unconventional lifting points demand flexible jacking solutions
• Bodywork Specialists – For controlled chassis alignment and panel replacement work requiring stable, adjustable support
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts – Undertaking advanced home garage projects with proper professional-standard equipment

How to Choose the Right Jacking Beams

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

Beam Length and Extension: Consider your typical working width requirements. Standard beams suit most passenger vehicles, whilst extending arm systems (Yankee arms) provide additional reach for wider vehicles or awkward access situations. Modular systems offer maximum flexibility for diverse workshop applications.

Support Block Configuration: Different vehicles require different contact surfaces. Flat rubber supports suit chassis rails and reinforced jacking points, whilst V-adaptors grip round tubes and axles securely. Cross-slotted blocks accommodate ridged or uneven surfaces. Stock multiple profile types for comprehensive workshop capability.

Compatibility with Existing Equipment: Ensure your chosen jacking beam system integrates with your current trolley jacks and axle stands. Check mounting dimensions, pin sizes, and height ranges to guarantee seamless operation within your existing setup.

Build Quality and Standards Compliance: Professional-grade beams should meet relevant British and European safety standards. Look for heavy-gauge steel construction with robust welding, corrosion-resistant finishes, and clearly marked load ratings. Sealey's Viking and Yankee systems represent proven quality trusted by professional workshops nationwide.

Popular Accessories

• Rubber Support Blocks – Various profiles including flat, slotted, cross-slotted, and V-shaped designs for different vehicle contact points
• Bearing Mounts – Rotating support assemblies for precise load positioning and stress-free adjustment
• Extension Arms – Yankee-style extending components to increase working width and versatility
• Cross Beam Adaptors – For creating perpendicular support configurations on complex loads
• Trolley Jacks – High-capacity hydraulic jacks rated to work safely with your beam system
• Axle Stands – Essential safety equipment to support loads once raised to working height
• Wheel Chocks – For securing vehicles before jacking operations commence
• Load Levellers – Precision adjustment tools for achieving perfectly balanced lifting

Safety Information

Jacking beams involve working beneath raised loads, making strict safety procedures absolutely critical. Always work on firm, level ground and ensure jacks are positioned on stable bases before commencing lifting operations. Never rely solely on hydraulic jacks – always deploy properly rated axle stands as secondary support once the load reaches working height, in accordance with HSE guidance on working at height and mechanical handling.

Inspect all jacking beam components before each use, checking for cracks, deformation, worn support blocks, or damaged securing pins. Never exceed the stated Safe Working Load of any component in your lifting system – the weakest element determines overall system capacity. Ensure rubber support blocks are correctly positioned and making full contact with vehicle jacking points to prevent slippage or localised stress damage.

Keep the work area clear of personnel when raising or lowering loads, and never work beneath a vehicle supported only by jacks without proper stands in place. Wear appropriate PPE including safety footwear and gloves, and ensure adequate lighting for clear visibility of all jacking points and support positions. Regular maintenance and inspection of lifting equipment isn't just good practice – it's a legal requirement under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A trolley jack provides the lifting force at a single point, whilst a jacking beam distributes that force across multiple contact points on the vehicle. 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 between them safely and evenly.

Can I use a jacking beam with any type of trolley jack?

Most professional jacking beams are designed with universal mounting points compatible with standard trolley jack saddles, but always verify dimensional compatibility before purchase. The jack's lifting capacity must meet or exceed the beam system's requirements, and saddle dimensions should properly engage the beam's mounting points. Sealey Viking and Yankee systems work seamlessly with their complementary jack ranges.

Do I need different support blocks for different vehicles?

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

How do I calculate the safe working load for my complete jacking setup?

Your system's safe working load is limited by its weakest component. Check the SWL rating of your jacking beam, trolley jacks, axle stands, and support accessories – the lowest rating determines your maximum safe capacity. Always include a safety margin and never lift loads approaching maximum ratings. When in doubt, consult manufacturer specifications or seek professional advice.

Are extending arms as strong as fixed-length beams?

Quality extending arm systems like Sealey's Yankee configuration are engineered to maintain full load capacity when properly assembled and used within manufacturer guidelines. The key is ensuring 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 transfers automatically.