Jack Stands vs Chassis Stands: What's the Difference & Which One Do You Need?
If you've spent any time working on heavy vehicles, trailers or machinery, you've probably heard the terms jack stand and chassis stand used interchangeably.
While they serve a similar purpose, supporting a raised vehicle, they're actually designed for different applications. Using the wrong stand can affect not only your efficiency in the workshop, but more importantly, the safety of everyone working underneath the vehicle.
Here's a closer look at the differences.
What is a Jack Stand?
A jack stand is designed to support a vehicle after it has been lifted with a hydraulic jack or bottle jack.
They're commonly used for:
Truck servicing
Trailer maintenance
Brake and suspension repairs
Tyre changes
General mechanical work
Jack stands are positioned under designated lifting points and are intended to hold the vehicle securely while work is carried out.
For heavy vehicle workshops, choosing a stand with the correct load rating and a stable base is essential.
What is a Chassis Stand?
A chassis stand is specifically designed to support the vehicle's chassis or frame during longer-term maintenance, fabrication or repairs.
Unlike standard jack stands, chassis stands typically offer:
Larger load capacities
Increased stability
Greater height adjustment
Wide support heads for heavy vehicle chassis rails
They're commonly found in transport workshops, manufacturing facilities and fleet maintenance operations where trucks may remain elevated for extended periods.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on the work you're carrying out.
Choose Jack Stands if you're:
Performing routine servicing
Replacing brakes or suspension components
Conducting inspections
Working on vehicles for shorter periods
Choose Chassis Stands if you're:
Carrying out chassis repairs
Completing fabrication work
Supporting heavy trucks during major overhauls
Performing long-term maintenance
Many professional workshops use both, depending on the job.
Safety Always Comes First
No matter which stand you're using, safety should never be compromised.
Before working beneath any vehicle:
Ensure the stand is correctly load rated.
Position it on a solid, level surface.
Use the manufacturer's recommended support points.
Inspect stands regularly for damage or excessive wear.
Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack to support a vehicle.
Proper support equipment isn't just good practice—it's essential for protecting your team.
Ricbuilt Heavy Industries Workshop Solutions
At Ricbuilt Heavy Industries, we manufacture heavy-duty workshop equipment built for Australia's toughest transport and mining environments.
Our range of workshop stands is engineered for strength, stability and reliability, helping workshops safely support heavy vehicles while improving productivity.
Whether you're maintaining a single prime mover or managing an entire fleet, having the right support equipment makes every job safer and more efficient.
Need help choosing the right stand for your workshop?
Contact the Ricbuilt team to discuss the best solution for your operation.