Setting up and equipping a commercial vehicle workshop
Workshop equipment for HGVs and commercial vehicles has to be rated for the job. A passenger car jack will not lift an 18-tonne artic. A light-duty axle stand rated for 2 tonnes is not safe under a DAF CF or a Scania R. The weight and dimensions of heavy commercial vehicles mean that everything from floor jacks to transmission jacks needs to be specified correctly before you buy.
When selecting workshop equipment, the key figures are lift capacity, working height range, and safety rating. For most HGV axle work, you need axle stands rated to at least 10 tonnes per pair. Floor jacks for trailer work typically need a saddle height that clears trailer underframes. Transmission jacks for gearbox and axle removal on rigids and artics need a table that adjusts in multiple axes to match the angle of the unit as it drops.
Beyond lifting equipment, a well-equipped HGV workshop also needs oil drain facilities rated for large sump volumes, engine support stands for cab-off work, and air line infrastructure capable of sustaining the pressure requirements of air tools running simultaneously. Truckstop Group stocks across all of these categories.
If you need help specifying the right equipment for a particular job or vehicle type, call us on 01527 598 000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What workshop equipment do I need for HGV maintenance?
The core requirements for an HGV workshop are a floor jack and axle stands rated for the vehicle's axle weights, a transmission jack for gearbox and axle removal, an oil drain unit with sufficient capacity for large sump volumes, and a compressed air supply for air tools. For cab-tilt work, a cab support stand is also needed. The exact specification depends on the makes and types of vehicles you work on.
What weight rating do I need for HGV axle stands?
For most HGV work, axle stands should be rated to a minimum of 10 tonnes per pair. Check the gross axle weight of the vehicles you work on before purchasing. Trailer axles can carry significant loads, and undersized stands are a serious safety risk. Always use stands in pairs on a flat, stable surface.
Can I use car workshop equipment on an HGV?
No. Car-rated lifting and support equipment is not suitable for HGVs or commercial vehicles. The weight, dimensions, and ground clearance of heavy trucks are outside the design parameters of passenger vehicle workshop equipment. Using undersized equipment is dangerous and can result in equipment failure under load.
Do you stock workshop equipment for specific HGV makes?
Our workshop equipment range covers general-purpose tools and equipment suitable for use across all major HGV makes including DAF, Scania, Volvo, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Iveco, and Renault. Some specialist tools are make-specific. If you are looking for a specific tool for a particular chassis, call us and we can check availability.
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