Aircraft maintenance stands are wheeled, height-adjustable work platforms that put technicians at a safe, steady working height beside an aircraft. The B-1, B-2, B-4 and B-5 are the most common B-series designs, and each covers a different height band. Picking the right one comes down to where on the aircraft your crew works most.
Quick Answer: The B-4 is the low stand, with a 34 to 84 inch platform. The B-1 runs 36 to 120 inches, and the B-5 runs 84 to 144 inches on an extra-wide base. The B-2 is the tallest at 156 to 240 inches. The B-7 adds a hydraulic stair and reaches 84 to 180 inches.
All five stands below are listed on our aircraft maintenance stands for sale or lease page. Every height figure comes from Victory GSE’s own listings.
B-1 vs. B-2 vs. B-4 vs. B-5 at a Glance
The main difference between these stands is platform height range. The table puts them side by side, sorted from lowest to highest reach.
| Stand | Platform height | In feet | Notable design feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-4 | 34 to 84 in | About 2.8 to 7 ft | Scissor frame, guard rails on three sides, telescoping ladder |
| B-1 | 36 to 120 in | 3 to 10 ft | Hand-operated hydraulic pump; can serve as temporary access stairs |
| B-5 | 84 to 144 in | 7 to 12 ft | Extra-wide base for stability |
| B-7 | 84 to 180 in | 7 to 15 ft | Hydraulic movable stair plus upper work platform |
| B-2 | 156 to 240 in | 13 to 20 ft | Fixed front and swivel rear casters, folding towbar |
B-1 Maintenance Stand: The All-Round Mid-Height Option
The B-1 is the general-purpose stand of the group, with a platform that adjusts from 36 to 120 inches. A hand-operated hydraulic pump raises and lowers it. That 7-foot span is the widest single range among the stands here, apart from the B-2.
The B-1 also doubles as a temporary access stairway for many aircraft and other ground support equipment. Shops with one stand budget often start here. See the B-1 maintenance stand listing for the full description.
B-2 Maintenance Stand: For High Work Up to 20 Feet
The B-2 is the tallest B-series stand, with a platform range of 156 to 240 inches, or 13 to 20 feet. It shares the B-1’s variable-height concept but starts where most other stands top out. Use it for upper fuselage, tail and other high work zones.
For moving it around the hangar, the B-2 has fixed front casters, swivel rear casters and a folding towbar. Details are on the B-2 maintenance stand page.
B-4 Maintenance Stand: The Low Platform
The B-4 is the low-reach stand, adjusting from 34 to 84 inches. It uses a scissor-type frame raised by a hand-operated hydraulic pump. Detachable guard rails sit on three sides, and a telescoping ladder gives access to the platform.
Large, heavy-duty casters and an attached towbar make it easy to move. Tronair rates its own B-4 type platform at 500 lb (227 kg) on a 3 by 8 foot deck (Tronair, 2026). Check the data plate on any specific stand before loading it.
B-5 Maintenance Stand: Mid-High Reach With a Wide Base
The B-5 covers 84 to 144 inches, or 7 to 12 feet. Its extra-wide base is the standout feature, giving more stability at the top of its range. That makes it a common pick for wing and engine work above the B-4’s reach.
Tronair lists its B-5 type platform with 48 inch removable guardrails and a 500 lb capacity (Tronair, 2026). Read more on our B-5 maintenance stand listing.
Where the B-7 Fits
The B-7 is the stand to choose when crews need stairs instead of a ladder. It combines a base assembly, a hydraulically operated movable stair and an upper work platform. The platform adjusts from 84 to 180 inches, or 7 to 15 feet.
The stair and platform set to any height in that range, and swivel casters with a towbar handle steering. Carrying tools up a stair is easier than up a ladder, which matters on long jobs. See the B-7 maintenance stand for details.
Not sure which B-series stand fits your hangar?
Buy, rent or lease maintenance stands from Victory GSE in Los Angeles. Tell us the work heights and timeline, and we will point you to the right stand.
How to Cover Every Work Height With Two or Three Stands
Most hangars cover their work heights by pairing stands whose ranges overlap. Laying the published ranges end to end shows which combinations leave gaps.
| Combination | Combined reach | Gap |
|---|---|---|
| B-4 + B-5 | 34 to 144 in | None (they meet at 84 in) |
| B-1 + B-2 | 36 to 240 in | 120 to 156 in (10 to 13 ft) |
| B-1 + B-7 + B-2 | 36 to 240 in | None |
| B-4 + B-5 + B-2 | 34 to 240 in | 144 to 156 in (12 to 13 ft) |
The B-7 closes both gaps, since its range runs from 84 up to 180 inches. A B-1, B-7 and B-2 set covers 3 feet to 20 feet with no blind spot. Shops that rarely work above 12 feet can stop at a B-4 and B-5 pair.
Safety Factors When Choosing a Stand
Guardrails, base width and rated capacity are the safety details to check first. The FAA’s own fall protection program applies at exposed edges 4 feet or more above the adjacent floor (FAA Order 3900.19B, Ch. 10). Every stand in this guide can be raised past that height.
Stands also sit close to the aircraft, so moving them carefully matters. IATA projects ground damage costs could nearly double to about $10 billion a year by 2035 without preventive action (IATA Ground Damage Report). Towbars, casters and wide bases all help crews position a stand with control.
Buying, Renting or Leasing a Maintenance Stand
Victory GSE offers maintenance stands to buy, rent or lease. Buying suits shops with steady, year-round work at a given height. Renting or leasing fits a heavy check, a short project or a trial before you commit to a stand type.
Tell us which heights your crew works and how long you need the stand. We will match the request to the B-series stands we have listed.
Maintenance Stand FAQ
What is the difference between a B-1 and a B-2 maintenance stand?
The difference is height. A B-1 platform adjusts from 36 to 120 inches, while a B-2 adjusts from 156 to 240 inches. Both are variable-height work platforms, but the B-2 is built for high work up to 20 feet.
Which B-series maintenance stand reaches the highest?
The B-2 reaches the highest, with a maximum platform height of 240 inches, or 20 feet. The B-7 is next at 180 inches, followed by the B-5 at 144 inches.
Which maintenance stand has stairs instead of a ladder?
The B-7 has a hydraulically operated movable stair that leads to its upper work platform. The B-4 uses a telescoping ladder instead. The B-1 can also serve as a temporary access stairway for many aircraft.
Which stand is best for low work like landing gear areas?
The B-4 is the low-reach option, with a platform from 34 to 84 inches. The B-1 also starts low at 36 inches. It keeps going to 120 inches, so one stand covers more jobs.
Can I rent or lease a maintenance stand instead of buying?
Yes. Victory GSE offers maintenance stands to buy, rent or lease. Contact us with your work heights and timeline to discuss the options for the stand you need.
Buy, rent or lease aircraft maintenance stands
Victory GSE lists B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5 and B-7 stands in Los Angeles. Request a quote and tell us the heights you need to reach.
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