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Jack and Jack Stand Safety

Many serious shop injuries happen when a vehicle or implement drops on someone working beneath it. A jack lifts a load. It does not hold it safely for you to work under.

Why is working under a lifted load so dangerous?

A jack is designed to raise a load, not to support it while a person is underneath. Hydraulic seals can leak, mechanical jacks can slip, and a bump or shifting weight can push a load off its support. When a load falls, a person beneath has almost no time to react.

This risk applies to cars, trucks, tractors, wagons, implements and anything heavy that is raised off the ground. Farm equipment is often heavier and less stable than a passenger car, so the stakes are higher.

Treat every lifted load as if it might fall. Plan the job so that nobody has to place any part of their body under a load that is held only by a jack.

What do jack stands and blocks do?

Jack stands, cribbing and properly rated supports are made to hold a raised load while you work. They should be placed on the points the equipment manufacturer identifies, and the load should be lowered onto them in the way the manual describes.

Ratings are printed on stands and jacks and described in manuals. Do not guess, and do not mix up the rating of a single stand with the weight of your equipment. Ask the equipment dealer or manufacturer about lifting points and support methods for your machine.

If the manual for your equipment is missing, ask the dealer or look for the maker's information before lifting. Lift points on tractors, loaders and implements are specific, and the wrong point can bend parts or let the machine slip.

• Use equipment rated for the load, as shown in the manufacturer's information.
• Never substitute concrete blocks, bricks, logs or buckets for rated supports.
• Use the lift and support points named in the equipment manual.
• Chock wheels that remain on the ground.
• Inspect stands and jacks for cracks, bends and leaks before use.

Where and how should you set up?

Work on firm, level ground. Soft soil, gravel, asphalt on a hot day and sloped surfaces can let a jack or stand tilt or sink. A concrete floor in good condition is better than a driveway, and a field is rarely suitable.

Set the parking brake, put the machine in the gear or park setting the manual describes, and chock the wheels that stay down. Keep people and animals away from the area, and keep children out of the shop while a load is lifted.

Think about the load itself. A bucket full of material, a raised implement or a hydraulic arm can shift weight when you lift one end. Lower or secure those parts first, as the manual directs, and never rely on hydraulics alone to hold something up.

What about hydraulic and mechanical jack care?

Check the jack before each use. Look for fluid leaks, bent parts, cracked welds or damaged pads. A jack that bleeds down slowly or feels spongy needs service or replacement. Do not use a damaged jack to see if it will hold.

Store jacks as the maker directs, keep them clean and use them only for the job they were designed for. A small garage jack is not made for large tractors, and a bottle jack must be used upright.

Use a jack on the pad or surface the maker identifies, and keep it centered under the lifting point. A jack set at an angle can kick out. If the job requires a lift higher than the jack was made for, choose different equipment.

How do you lower the load and finish the job?

Make sure tools, cords and body parts are clear before lowering. Lower slowly and smoothly, and watch the stands and the load. Do not rush, and do not allow anyone to be in the path of the load.

If a load shifts, slips or makes an unusual noise, move away at once and do not try to catch it. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Do not attempt improvised rescue from under a heavy load; trained responders have the equipment and training.

Keep your body clear of the load while you place stands. Reach in only as far as you must, and check that each stand sits flat and square before you lower. Give the load a gentle push from a safe position to test whether it is stable, if the manual allows.

Where can you learn more?

The manual for your machine is the best source for lifting points, supports and weight. Dealers, extension offices and farm safety programs often provide training or printed information. Ask your insurer too, since they often have safety resources.

Youth work rules apply on farms. Check with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division and your state agency about what young workers may do.

Take a hands-on class if one is offered. Seeing a stable setup and an unstable one side by side teaches more than reading.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.