Ask the Expert: Why do techs need jack stands if they already have lifts installed in their service bays?

Q: Why do techs need jack stands if they already have lifts installed in their service bays?

Ron Lainhart, parts and service manager, Rotary Lift: The removal of heavy components, like transmissions and differentials, can cause a shift in a vehicle’s center of gravity. This can make the vehicle unstable when it is raised on a two-post or inground lift. In order to protect the vehicle and the technicians working under it, it is best to position at least one supplemental stand at the vehicle’s front and one at its rear during the removal and installation of heavy parts. It is important that the stands have enough capacity to support the vehicle if it shifts out of place while in the air. With 4,000 lbs of capacity each, Rotary Lift’s new RS4 jack stands are an ideal solution for most shops. Two new RS4 jack stands can support a vehicle weighing up to 8,000 lbs, which includes most vehicles on the road. To reach nearly any raised vehicle, each RS4 jack stand can be raised to a maximum height of 7' and locked into place with a simple pin. A screw-up adapter at the top of the column provides a fine adjustment range of 5.5".

Information provided by: Rotary Lift