Trolley Jacks

About Trolley Jacks

Trolley jacks are essential lifting equipment designed to safely raise vehicles for maintenance, repairs, and tyre changes. Whether you're a professional mechanic working in a busy workshop or a DIY enthusiast maintaining your own vehicle at home, a reliable trolley jack is indispensable for accessing the underside of cars, vans, and light commercial vehicles. Unlike traditional bottle jacks, trolley jacks feature a wheeled chassis that allows you to position them easily under a vehicle's jacking points, whilst their hydraulic mechanisms provide smooth, controlled lifting with minimal effort.

The trolley jacks available at TooledUp.com range from compact 2-tonne light-duty models ideal for smaller vehicles and occasional use, through to heavy-duty 3-tonne garage jacks and specialist low-profile designs that can slip beneath lowered or sports cars. We stock trusted brands including Draper, Sealey, and Bahco, offering everything from economical entry-level jacks to professional-grade pneumatic models with quick-lift capabilities. Modern trolley jacks incorporate safety features such as dual-pump mechanisms for faster lifting, safety valves to prevent overloading, and robust steel or aluminium construction to ensure longevity even under demanding workshop conditions.

Many of our trolley jacks feature specialist designs to suit particular applications. Low-entry and low-profile models are perfect for vehicles with minimal ground clearance, whilst long-chassis jacks provide the extended reach needed for larger vehicles or those with custom suspension. Pneumatic jacks, powered by compressed air, dramatically reduce the physical effort required for repetitive lifting tasks in busy commercial garages, making them a favourite amongst professional technicians who value speed and efficiency.

Jargon Buster

• Tonne Rating: The maximum safe working load the jack can lift, typically ranging from 2 tonnes (2000kg) for light vehicles to 3 tonnes (3000kg) or more for heavier cars and vans. Always check your vehicle's weight and never exceed the jack's rated capacity.
• Low Profile / Low Entry: Refers to the minimum height of the jack when fully lowered, typically 75-100mm. Low-profile jacks are essential for sports cars, modified vehicles, or any car with reduced ground clearance that a standard jack cannot fit beneath.
• Lifting Height: The maximum height the jack can raise a vehicle, usually between 400-500mm for standard models. Higher lift ranges are beneficial when you need additional working space beneath the vehicle or when fitting larger wheels.
• Saddle: The padded lifting point that makes contact with the vehicle's chassis or jacking point. Quality saddles feature rubber padding to protect the vehicle's underside from damage and prevent slipping.
• Quick Lift / Fast Lift: A dual-pump mechanism that reduces the number of handle pumps required to raise the vehicle, significantly speeding up the lifting process—particularly valuable in professional workshop environments.
• Pneumatic Jack: A trolley jack powered by compressed air rather than manual pumping. These offer effortless operation and rapid lifting speeds, ideal for high-volume commercial garages where time efficiency is crucial.

Who Uses Trolley Jacks?

• Professional Mechanics and Motor Technicians: For daily vehicle servicing, repairs, brake work, and general maintenance in garages and workshops
• Mobile Mechanics: Requiring portable, reliable lifting equipment for on-site vehicle repairs and servicing
• MOT Testing Stations: For quick and safe vehicle positioning during statutory inspections
• Tyre and Exhaust Fitters: Essential for wheel removal and underside access in fast-fit centres
• Fleet Maintenance Engineers: Maintaining commercial vehicle fleets, vans, and company cars
• Car Enthusiasts and Home Mechanics: For DIY servicing, modifications, and general vehicle maintenance at home
• Classic Car Restorers: Often requiring low-profile or specialist jacks for vehicles with non-standard ground clearance
• Motorsport Professionals: Using racing jacks and aluminium models for quick pit work and vehicle preparation

How to Choose the Right Trolley Jacks

Selecting the appropriate trolley jack depends on several critical factors. First, consider the weight capacity you require. Check your vehicle's kerb weight (found in the owner's manual or online) and select a jack rated above this figure. For most family cars, a 2-tonne jack is sufficient, but heavier vehicles, 4x4s, or vans require a 3-tonne capacity for safe operation.

The minimum lifting height is crucial if you work with lowered vehicles or sports cars. Measure the ground clearance at your vehicle's jacking points—if it's less than 130mm, you'll need a low-profile or low-entry model that can slide beneath. Conversely, check the maximum lift height to ensure it provides adequate working space for your typical tasks.

Build quality and construction vary significantly across price points. Professional-grade jacks feature reinforced steel chassis, precision hydraulic systems, and quality castors that glide smoothly across workshop floors. Aluminium racing jacks offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios, making them easier to manoeuvre despite their robust lifting capacity. For occasional home use, a light-duty model may suffice, but busy workshops benefit from investing in heavy-duty garage jacks built to withstand daily use.

Consider whether quick-lift or fast-lift mechanisms would benefit your workflow. These dual-pump systems halve the number of strokes needed to raise a vehicle, saving considerable time and effort, especially valuable for professional mechanics performing multiple lifts daily. Similarly, pneumatic jacks eliminate manual pumping entirely, operating via compressed air for effortless, rapid lifting—though they do require an air compressor on site.

Finally, assess manoeuvrability and storage requirements. Smaller workshops or home garages benefit from compact designs that store easily, whilst larger commercial facilities might prioritise extended-reach long-chassis models despite their greater footprint.

Popular Accessories

• Axle Stands (Jack Stands): Essential safety equipment—never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a jack; always use rated axle stands
• Wheel Chocks: Prevent vehicle movement during lifting by securing wheels firmly in place
• Rubber Saddle Pads: Protective inserts that prevent damage to vehicle jacking points and improve grip
• Jacking Beams: Allow you to lift one entire end of a vehicle simultaneously using a single jack
• Hydraulic Jack Oil: Replacement fluid for maintaining jack performance and preventing seal degradation
• Workshop Creepers: Wheeled platforms that let you slide beneath raised vehicles comfortably
• Inspection Lamps and Work Lights: Essential for illuminating the underside when working beneath raised vehicles
• Pneumatic Air Hose and Fittings: Required for connecting and operating pneumatic trolley jacks

Safety Information

Working beneath vehicles presents serious crush hazards, and trolley jack safety must never be compromised. According to HSE guidance, hydraulic jacks are designed for lifting only—never work beneath a vehicle supported solely by a trolley jack. Always position correctly-rated axle stands beneath secure jacking points immediately after lifting, and lower the vehicle onto the stands before commencing any work.

Before operating any trolley jack, inspect it thoroughly for hydraulic leaks, damaged castors, bent frames, or worn saddle padding. Position the jack on firm, level ground—never attempt to lift on slopes, soft surfaces, or uneven terrain where the jack could slip or tip. Ensure the saddle is correctly centred on the vehicle's designated jacking point as specified in the owner's manual; incorrect positioning can cause vehicle damage or dangerous instability.

Observe the jack's rated capacity and never exceed the maximum load—doing so risks catastrophic hydraulic failure. When lifting, keep all body parts clear of potential crush zones, and ensure bystanders maintain a safe distance. Apply the vehicle's handbrake and place the transmission in park (automatic) or first gear (manual), using wheel chocks on the wheels remaining on the ground.

Regularly maintain your trolley jack according to manufacturer specifications, checking hydraulic fluid levels and replacing worn seals promptly. Store jacks with the release valve open to reduce pressure on internal seals when not in use, extending the equipment's service life and maintaining safe operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tonne rating do I need for my vehicle?

Check your vehicle's kerb weight in the owner's manual or online. For most family cars up to 1500kg, a 2-tonne jack provides adequate capacity with a safety margin. Larger saloons, estate cars, and small vans typically require 2.5-tonne jacks, whilst 4x4s, large vans, and commercial vehicles need 3-tonne capacity or greater. Always choose a jack rated above your vehicle's weight for safe operation.

Can I use a trolley jack on my lowered or sports car?

Yes, but you'll need a low-profile or low-entry model specifically designed for vehicles with reduced ground clearance. Standard trolley jacks typically have a minimum height of 130-150mm, which won't fit beneath lowered vehicles. Low-profile models start from around 75-100mm, allowing access to sports cars and modified vehicles with minimal ground clearance.

What's the difference between a light-duty and heavy-duty garage jack?

Heavy-duty garage jacks feature reinforced steel construction, larger hydraulic rams, superior castors, and enhanced safety mechanisms designed for daily professional use. They offer greater durability, smoother operation, and longer service life under demanding conditions. Light-duty jacks are adequate for occasional home use but may not withstand the rigours of busy commercial workshops where multiple daily lifts are standard.

Do I really need a pneumatic jack, or will a manual one suffice?

Manual trolley jacks are perfectly adequate for home workshops and garages performing occasional vehicle maintenance. However, pneumatic jacks dramatically reduce physical effort and save considerable time in busy commercial environments where mechanics perform numerous lifts daily. If you have compressed air available and perform frequent lifting tasks, pneumatic jacks significantly improve efficiency and reduce operator fatigue.

How often should I service my trolley jack?

Inspect your jack before each use for visible damage, leaks, or operational issues. Perform more thorough maintenance every 12 months or after 100 uses (whichever comes first), checking hydraulic fluid levels, replacing worn seals, lubricating moving parts, and testing safety mechanisms. Professional workshops with heavy jack usage should consider six-monthly servicing to ensure continued safe operation and compliance with workplace safety regulations.