New Vehicle Lift Technologies Boost Efficiency and Safety

Today’s ultra-busy transit maintenance shops across North America have embraced a powerful partner to help maximize uptime, boost safety and increase efficiency.  Meet the latest technologies and engineering breakthroughs in heavy-duty vehicle lifts.

“We recognize that many transit facilities have a vast array of vehicle types and maintenance requirements,” noted Dr. Jean DellAmore, president of Stertil-Koni. “That’s why our engineers have developed a broad range of heavy duty (HD) vehicle lifting systems — an approach we call ‘Freedom of Choice ‘—  to meet all types of lifting needs.”

One of the most popular and versatile heavy-duty vehicle lifts is the mobile column lift. At Stertil-Koni, these wheel-engaging mobile lifting columns have capacities ranging from 14,000 lbs. to 40,000 lbs. per column; thus a set of four or six can easily lift virtually any type of transit vehicle.  What’s really special is that these lifts are available in a wireless option, eliminating potential operator tripping hazards.  Plus, they are totally portable – thus, a single technician can place four, six, eight or more in a set.

These lifts are extremely flexible and can lift everything from articulated buses, and front-loaders to forklifts, school buses, paratransit vehicles, industrial trucks and much more.

Stertil-Koni has also equipped its mobile columns with an iPad-style touch-screen console for greater control and a mechanical locking mechanism for added safety.

Also very popular are the piston-style lifts, thousands of which have been deployed across North America. For its part, Stertil-Koni has the telescopic inground piston DIAMONDLIFT, which delivers flexibility, productivity, and durability in a contained environment.  What’s more, it’s now available with a continuous recess movable lifting unit that can recess below the floor level anywhere within the range of travel -- ideal for low ground clearance vehicles. 

The DIAMONDLIFT, available in frame or cassette versions, has a lifting capacity of either 32,000 lbs. or 35,000 lbs. per piston (depending on model), or a total of 140,000 lbs. in the 4-piston configuration. Each delivers wheels-free access to the vehicle.

Another inground lift, Stertil-Koni’s scissor-style ECOLIF, is available in in 2- , 3- , and now 4- scissor configurations. The ECOLIFT has a lifting capacity of 30,000 lbs. per piston, for a total capacity up to 120,000 lbs. and comes with continuous recess for maximum flexibility. It too delivers wheels-free lifting and its ultra-shallow pit design (only 34”) is ideal for retrofit and existing workshops.

Scissor-style lifts engage the vehicle by its axles, offering wheels-free access for all types of service and can be used to service articulated buses, fire and rescue vehicles, school and transit buses, and more.

Stertil-Koni also produces a true vertical rise platform lift, the SKYLIFT, which takes up less room than a traditional parallelogram lift, and features two independent vertical runways that move in parallel, vertically. It can reach a height of 69” in just 90 seconds. The SKYLIFT, also with a powerful mechanical locking system, has a capacity of up to 156,000 lbs. in a tandem configuration, with platform lengths up to 96 feet.

Platform lifts are available as surface or flush-mounted – offering a “clear floor” concept to eliminate tripping hazards. Stertil-Koni even offers a wash bay option that is fully water resistant thanks to an extremely resistant maritime coating and hot-dip galvanized platforms. That makes it ideal for cleaning an entire vehicle, including the undercarriage. 

Naturally, there’s more. For superior drive on ease, the 4-post lift is ideal for articulated buses, construction trucks, utility vehicles and more. These 4-post lifts are perfect for low-ground clearance vehicles.

Finally, many transit agencies also have 2-post lifts – which are ideal for general maintenance on light and medium duty vehicles, large pickup trucks and utility vans. They feature an above-ground swing arm for lifting vehicles by frame contact. Capacities from Stertil-Koni range from 16,000 - 30,000 lbs. 

Concluded Dr. DellAmore, “Transit maintenance facilities, like vehicles, come in all shapes, sizes and requirements. That’s why Stertil-Koni is pleased to provide the broadest range of ALI-certified heavy duty vehicle lifts in the industry.  Our goal is to make the repair process even more safe, speedy and efficient with the best performing, most durable vehicle lifts.”