For safe and reliable operation, Composite Stands must always be placed on solid, flat, and stable surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. This ensures maximum stability and load-bearing capacity. The precision-engineered bases (CNC machined or cast, depending on the model) are designed to distribute heavy loads evenly, but they require a firm foundation to prevent tipping or shifting.

Stands should not be used directly on uneven, soft, or unstable surfaces such as gravel, sand, mud, or loose soil, as this can compromise stability and create unsafe conditions.

Before each use, check the surface condition and ensure it meets relevant safety standards (such as those outlined in the Australian Standard for Vehicle Support Stands). When supporting heavy machinery on a hardstand surface (e.g. compacted roadbase) that is not concrete, additional precautions may be required. In these cases, an expanded base plate may need to be positioned between the stand’s base and the surface to distribute the load more effectively, and engineering calculations may be necessary to verify load-bearing capacity.

Always consult a qualified engineer or your supplier for guidance when using stands on non-standard surfaces to ensure safe operation and compliance with safety requirements.

Unlike steel, which typically bends or deforms gradually before reaching its limit, composite materials behave differently. When pushed beyond their ultimate capacity, composites do not yield or stretch but instead reach a sudden point of failure, after which they can no longer support significant load.

In rare cases near this threshold, you may hear cracking or splitting sounds from within the column. This indicates the fibres are under extreme stress. If any unusual sounds are heard while a stand is under load, the equipment should be unloaded immediately and removed from service for inspection.

Understanding this difference between composites and metals is important for safe handling and operation. When used within their rated capacities, Composite Stands perform reliably and provide a significant margin of safety.

To ensure safe operation, Composite Stands require both pre-use and scheduled inspections:

Before Each Use

Carry out a quick visual inspection for any signs of damage such as cracks, splits, delamination, or impact marks, particularly on the composite column (visible beneath the vinyl wrap). This check takes only moments thanks to the stand’s simple, no-moving-parts design. (Link to Inspection Guide here)

Regular Schedule

Include the stands in your workshop’s inspection regime, typically every 6 or 12 months depending on industry standards or your organisation’s maintenance protocols. Compliance with standards such as the Australian Standard for Vehicle Support Stands helps ensure they remain fit for purpose.

All Composite Support Stands are built with high-performance materials to deliver durability, strength, and a lightweight design.

The bases vary by capacity: the 8t uses aluminium for reduced mass, the 15t and 25t use cast CC401 grade aluminium that can flex slightly under stress for added resilience, and the 35t and 50t feature heavy-duty T2 and T3 bases, either all-steel or hybrid assemblies combining steel subframes with aluminium or steel plates for strength and reduced weight at taller heights.

On top of the base, all models feature a high-density composite support column manufactured using a proprietary pultrusion process that integrates longitudinal and multi-directional fibres for exceptional compressive strength.

Engagement heads and Height Adjusting Inserts are cast steel and rated at 240 MPa on the 15t, 25t, 35t, and 50t models. Handles are included on the 15t and 25t stands, cast in steel and Sikaflex bonded to the composite columns for safe handling.

Across the entire range, all aluminium and steel components are CNC machined and powder coated to resist corrosion, scratches, and wear. Each column is finished with a premium UV-resistant vinyl wrap for environmental protection and clear labelling that meets international standards, ensuring a long service life.

Extensive testing over several years has confirmed that UV exposure does not compromise the structural performance of the composite column.

To further enhance durability, each column is wrapped in a UV-resistant vinyl layer that shields the resin from direct UV radiation, preventing discolouration or surface erosion. This protective wrap ensures the stand maintains both its strength and appearance even with prolonged outdoor use.

Composite Stands are fully certified and exceed the safety standards in Australia, the USA, and the UK. They are designed for maximum stability, strength, and reliability, withstanding heavy loads and side forces, making them safe and dependable for professional use.

Composite Stands, available in 8t, 15t, 25t, and 50t capacities, combine a lightweight composite column with precision engineered metal components including CNC machined or cast aluminium and steel bases with 240 MPa cast steel engagement heads. This design delivers clear advantages over traditional steel stands, enhancing safety, efficiency, and overall productivity in workshop and field environments.

One of the key benefits is improved handling safety. The lightweight composite column significantly reduces the overall weight of the stands compared to all steel alternatives, making them easier for technicians to position and retrieve from beneath elevated machinery. This lighter weight lowers the risk of musculoskeletal strain or injury and simplifies movement in confined spaces, promoting safer working conditions across day to day operations.

The reduced weight also improves technician safety in higher risk scenarios. When machinery is supported by cranes or jacks, technicians can position and retrieve stands more quickly, limiting the time spent in the “line of fire” beneath an elevated load. Composite stands can also be set up and removed using tooling such as placement hooks or trolleys, further reducing exposure to potential hazards compared with heavier steel stands that require more time and physical effort to manoeuvre.

In addition to these safety advantages, Composite Stands deliver measurable efficiency gains. Their lightweight design often removes the need for pallets or forklifts to move stands within workshops, saving time during setup, retrieval, and storage. Reduced forklift use also means less traffic and fewer interactions in busy workspaces, supporting safer and more efficient workflows. Across multiple workbays or larger facilities, these time savings add up to significant productivity improvements. The result is a strong return on investment, as Composite Stands enable faster processes, reduced handling risks, and optimised resource use, making them a cost effective choice for demanding industrial environments.

Composite Stands are well suited for cold environments, with the resin and fibre structure remaining stable and the load rating unaffected within typical industrial operating ranges:

Safe operating range

Tested to perform reliably at temperatures as low as –30°C without loss of structural integrity.

Performance

Unlike metals, which may become brittle in sub-zero conditions, composites maintain their flexibility and strength for consistent performance.

Handling

Ensure the stand is placed on a stable, flat surface. Ice or snow can affect surface stability, which may compromise safety, although the stand itself remains unaffected.

Composite Stands should be stored under cover in a dry, sheltered environment to protect them from extreme heat, open flames, or prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions. While the materials are highly durable, proper storage extends their service life and ensures they remain in optimal condition for safe use.

Clean the stands with mild soap and water to remove dirt, grease, or debris. Regular cleaning not only maintains their appearance but also makes it easier to identify any surface damage during inspections.

Yes. Composite Stands are safe for use in environments where hot work such as welding, grinding, or cutting is performed, provided proper precautions are taken. The vinyl label is purely informational and does not contribute to the stand’s structural integrity. In high heat situations, for example welding within 15 cm of the stand or when heat transfers through the engagement head, the label or its adhesive may soften or become damaged. This does not affect the safety or performance of the composite column.

To minimise label damage, we recommend covering the stand with a heat resistant welding blanket to shield it from sparks, slag, and direct heat exposure. If the label is damaged, it can be replaced through your supplier. Label free stands are not available, as the vinyl wrap provides both informational and protective functions.

Yes. In accordance with the Australian Standard, all Composite Stands are designed with a minimum safety factor of 3, meaning they can support at least three times their rated load. In practice, our stands achieve safety factors ranging from 4 to 7 depending on the model, providing an additional margin of safety. However, the rated capacity must never be exceeded to ensure safe operation and maintain compliance with certification.

Composite Stands are fixed-height units with no moving parts, ensuring simplicity and reliability in their design. To accommodate varying height requirements, certified inserts are available. These inserts are rigorously tested and engineered to integrate seamlessly with the stands, preserving structural integrity and safety certification. Contact your supplier to select the appropriate inserts for your specific application.

No. Composite Stands require no lubrication or routine servicing because they have no moving parts, pins, or mechanical components. Maintenance is limited to regular visual inspections and cleaning as needed, making them a simple, low-maintenance solution for heavy-duty applications.

The composite material is designed to perform reliably in ambient temperatures up to 75°C, making it suitable for most industrial environments. However, exposure to extreme heat sources such as open flames, welding sparks, or oxy torches should be avoided, as these can cause the resin to melt or burn and may compromise the column’s integrity. When hot work is required nearby, proper protective measures such as welding blankets are recommended.

All models feature a high-density composite support column manufactured using a proprietary pultrusion process that integrates longitudinal and multi-directional fibres for exceptional compressive strength.

The column is composed of hundreds of fibre cores, each containing thousands of individual fibres, bound together by a high-strength resin and formed under high pressure and temperature. When a load is applied, the column exhibits a slight initial compression as the fibres engage under tension. This activation process is what gives the composite its exceptional compressive strength, allowing the stand to support significant loads reliably and safely.

Yes. Composite Stands are designed with recyclability in mind. The steel and aluminium components, such as the engagement head, handle, and base, can be recycled through conventional metal recycling processes. The composite column requires specialised recycling due to its fibre and resin composition. For environmentally responsible end-of-life management, contact your supplier for guidance on proper disposal and recycling options.

No. Timber blocks or improvised cribbing must not be used for height adjustment with Composite Stands. Only certified height-adjusting inserts, specifically designed and tested for compatibility with the stands, are approved for adjusting height. Using unapproved materials beneath the base can introduce instability, compromise the stand’s certification, and create significant safety risks that may lead to load failure or accidents.

However, timber may be placed between the engagement head of the stand and the underside of the machinery being supported to increase friction and grip, provided this is done in line with your organisation’s safety protocols. Any timber used must be of suitable quality, free from defects, and properly secured to prevent movement.

Always confirm compatibility with your company’s policies and consult a qualified engineer or your supplier to ensure safe use.

If you observe any signs of damage such as impact marks, delamination, or splitting lines on the composite column (visible beneath the vinyl wrap) immediately remove the stand from service.

Do not attempt to use a damaged stand, as it may compromise safety. Contact your supplier for evaluation, repair, or replacement options to ensure continued compliance with safety standards.

Composite Stands are available in a range of capacities to suit different applications: 8t, 12.5t, 15t, 25t, 35t, and 50t. Each model is engineered to meet or exceed industry standards for its rated capacity, ensuring safe and reliable performance in professional environments. Higher rated capacity Composite Stands are currently in the research and development phase.

When used within their rated capacity, Composite Stands perform safely and reliably. Like all composite materials, however, they provide limited warning if pushed beyond their designed limits. In rare cases of overload, you may hear faint cracking or splitting sounds from within the column. These sounds indicate that the fibres are under extreme stress and that the stand should be unloaded immediately and removed from service for inspection. Staying within the specified load ratings ensures this situation does not occur and the stands continue to perform as intended.

Composite Stands are designed and tested to exceed global safety standards. Unlike steel stands, composites do not corrode, fatigue, or plastically deform. Maintenance is therefore straightforward and relies on visual and dimensional checks rather than non-destructive testing (NDT) methods designed for metals.

What maintenance is required?

Routine maintenance involves straightforward checks:

1. Visual Inspection - Look for cracks, chips, surface wear, or delamination.

2. Dimensional Integrity - Confirm base, head, and height dimensions remain unchanged.

3. Load Capacity - If no visible damage is present, the stand continues to meet its rated capacity.

Do Composite Stands require NDT?

No. Non-Destructive Testing methods such as ultrasonic, dye penetrant, or magnetic particle are not applicable to composite materials. Compliance is maintained through visual inspection and adherence to the inspection guide provided with each product and instantly accessible via the QR code on the label.

Which standards do Composite Stands comply with?

• AS 2538:2016 – Vehicle Support Stands

• ASME PASE:2024 – Safety Standard for Portable Automotive Service Equipment

• BS AU 223a:2006 – Vehicle Support Stands

Why should workshops look beyond upfront equipment costs?

The purchase price of workshop equipment only tells part of the story. Traditional support stands may appear cost-effective at first, but their hidden costs including extra labour, wasted time, and lost productivity, accumulate quickly. Over time, inefficiency becomes a major, often invisible, expense that impacts your bottom line.

What are the hidden costs of traditional steel support stands?

Steel stands are often stored far from the work bays, typically 25 metres or more away. Moving them requires two technicians and a forklift, taking around 20 minutes to position and another 15 minutes to return. That’s roughly 70 minutes per placement.

In a six-bay workshop averaging 1.5 placements per week per bay, that adds up to 39 placements per month or over 45 hours of lost labour time every month, just moving stands around.

How does the Composite Stands solution improve efficiency?

Our solution is designed around accessibility and ease of use. By storing supports within 15 metres of the work bays, only one technician is needed to prepare and return them with no forklift required.

The process takes just 10 minutes per bay, saving up to 60 minutes per placement compared to traditional methods, it's an 85% improvement in efficiency.

What are the additional health and safety benefits?

Composite Stands significantly reduce physical strain, manual handling, and the need for forklifts in congested work areas. This lowers the risk of injuries, reduces fatigue, and creates a safer, smoother workflow. Less strain and fewer obstacles mean technicians can work more comfortably and productively.

What kind of ROI can I expect?

Even smaller workshops can see measurable returns. A facility performing 39 placements per month can reclaim over 45 hours of labour. Time that can be redirected to billable work.

Across a year or multiple sites, these efficiency gains translate into substantial cost savings, higher output, and improved profitability.

Does this apply to workshops of all sizes?

Absolutely. The principle is the same whether you operate a small local workshop or a large-scale facility. Smarter tooling reduces handling time, cuts labour costs, and boosts productivity across every level of operation.

What's the main takeaway?

By rethinking something as simple as supports, you can dramatically reduce lifetime costs, improve technician wellbeing, and create a safer, more efficient work environment.

Smarter tooling doesn’t just save time, it transforms how your workshop operates. Welcome to the future!

The composite column itself is resistant to attack from hydrocarbons and degreasers. However, given the constant changes to additives manufacturers make in their products (without informing anyone), the stands should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are clean and fit for purpose prior to each use. Some oil additives may affect the bonding material used in assembly of the base to the composite column and the composite column to the top – these should be inspected if exposed to oils.

Yes. Composite Stands are engineered for reliable use in diverse environments, from –30°C to 75°C, including outdoor and all-weather conditions. The composite column and aluminium or steel bases are highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring long service life even in harsh environments.

A premium UV-resistant vinyl wrap further protects the composite column from ultraviolet exposure, preserving both structural integrity and appearance. Whether in rain, humidity, or direct sunlight, Composite Stands maintain their performance when properly maintained and regularly inspected.

Composite materials are generally known for their strength in tension, as fibres excel at resisting pulling forces. However, the Composite Stand’s support column is engineered differently from conventional pultruded composites. Instead of relying solely on longitudinal fibres, it integrates both longitudinal and multi-directional fibres bound within a high-strength resin.

When a compressive load is applied, the column undergoes a slight initial compression that engages the fibres in tension. This activation process allows the composite to support substantial compressive loads safely and reliably. The result is a stand that combines lightweight construction with exceptional load capacity, making it significantly lighter than traditional steel alternatives while still delivering superior strength, portability, and ease of use.

Composite materials behave differently from steel or other metals when carrying heavy loads. Unlike steel, which may bend or distort before it reaches its limit, composites do not yield or develop plastic properties. Instead, they are designed to carry their full rated load safely, with significant reserve strength built in.

In the unlikely event that a composite column is overloaded, it will not gradually weaken but will reach a point where it can no longer support the load. To provide additional assurance, the ultimate strength of Composite Stands is well above their rated capacity. For this reason, users should always operate within the published ratings and never exceed the specified load capacity.

Composite materials generally show very few warning signs as they approach their limit. In rare circumstances, if the stands are pushed close to their maximum capacity, users may notice faint cracking or splitting sounds from within the column. These sounds simply indicate that the fibres inside the composite are under extreme stress. If any unusual sounds are heard, the equipment should be unloaded and removed from use for safety assessment.

By understanding the difference between composites and metals, users can operate the stands with confidence. Composite Stands are engineered to perform safely and reliably when used within their rated limits, offering a strong, durable, and lightweight alternative to traditional steel stands.