A 4 post lift jacking beam is an adjustable, steel-framed hydraulic device designed to be used in combination with a 4 post lift, in order to lift a car further from the platform of the 4 post lift. Jacking beam systems usually consist of two supporting arms connected to the main body of the jack and are operated either manually or electronically.
What is a 4 Post Bridge Jack?
Also referred to as a Rolling Bridge Jack, a 4 Post Bridge Jack is a piece of lifting equipment that is specifically designed to provide additional measurements and stability when lifting from a 4 post lift. They are usually composed of two jacking beams that are connected at the base and can be adjusted for different lifting heights. They are most commonly used when a vehicle needs to be lifted higher than the 4 post lift can provide, or when additional measurements and stability are needed to perform an adequate MOT check.
What is an Inspection Pit Jacking Beam?
An Inspection Pit Jacking beam or Pit Jack is an essential piece of pit equipment that is operated from within the pit to lift a vehicle off the floor to allow access to the wheels, tyres and suspension components. In the same way, as the 4 post lift Jacking Beam, it allows mechanics to jack up a vehicle from the garage inspection pit and gives them a little more vehicle height, whilst maintaining a secure and stable platform for working on the underside of the vehicle.
How Do You Use a Jacking Beam?
Jacking beams are usually roller mounted, and they can be placed on top at the end of the 4 Post Lift or Scissor Lift spanning the 2 platforms and either rolled under the vehicle, or the vehicle can be driven onto the 4 Post Lift or Scissor Lift with the jacking beam already in place.
Rules for Jacking Beams in the UK
Some rules, sizes and capacities will differ on jacking beams supplied from, or for use in different countries, so ensure you have the correct jacking beam for your intended use, and for correct safety within the garage or MOT Bay.
From the 1st April 2026, all new and replacement jacking beams supplied to Class 4 MOT sites must have:
A minimum lifting capacity of 2.0 tonnes.
A minimum span of 1700mm between lifting pad centres.
We can help with choosing the correct jacking beam or lifting solution as well as full on-site MOT Bay design, MOT Bay Project Management, and MOT equipment supply, installation and staff training in the correct use of the MOT equipment.
Call us today on 01302 203 888 or use the website contact form today. We are here to help.
