I don't see major differences in the various brands on the market, and like batteries, and floor jacks, they all probably come from the same handful of lifting equipment suppliers.
And as noted, given all the scrutiny HF has received, given, and the steps they took to address the situation, I'd trust theirs as much as any others. Can wonder if another brand of stands would have initiated the same kind of recall, or whether the word would have spread as far as it did.
Can't say with the 12-ton, but with the 3-ton HF stands, be aware that there are two different versions in circulation. If buying two sets, or pairing with an existing set, make sure the measurements on the boxes match, to ensure both sets are the same design. The same beauty shot is used for both, on the boxes and the website, and do not serve as an indicator.
But the parts diagrams do reveal the visual differences, and the easiest one to spot is the shape of the saddle. When HF has multiple versions of a product, they don't change the model number, they change the UPC, and issue more than one manual:
Version A
Version B
The two versions have slightly different dimensions, and differences in construction, to take into account, as well as for personal preference. No clue as to whether one is newer, or older, or simply from different suppliers.
-Larger base 6-13/16 x 7-11/16
-Lift Range 11-1/4 x 16-7/8
-Narrower bar w/gusset 23.08 mm (15/16), more teeth
-Lighter 6.57kg vs 7.1kg
-Shorter/narrower lever housing
-Smaller base 6-7/16 x 7-3/8
-Lift Range 11-3/8 x 16-7/8
-Larger bar 28.29 mm (1-3/16), fewer teeth
The HF Esco clones are interesting, and given some of the janky looking welds people have pictured on the Escos, not necessarily a step down in quality. But there are few reviews, and they aren't usually discounted.
