Bus engineers welcome a lift

Since the 17.5t capacity Stertil Koni ST4075 heavy duty vehicle lift was installed all, inspections and necessary repair, maintenance and servicing have been completed quickly and safely without the need to move buses from one area of the workshop to another.

The absence of cross beams means that workshop engineers have unrestricted access to the underside of raised vehicles. A 9000mm long platform provides a drive-on height of just 240mm. This means that every vehicle in the company's fleet, including low floor buses, can be driven onto the lift safely and easily.

The 4-post lift may be specified with one of five standard platform lengths ranging from 600 to 11500mm. Lifts can be used in a tandem set-up to achieve longer platform lengths for articulated vehicles.

All movement of the ST4175 lift is controlled electronically. Precise operator control of the lift is achieved by using a well positioned control panel mounted on one of the lifting columns. The control panel also allows workshop engineers to programme a number of functions into the lift including vehicle width settings and a maximum lifting height. The 4-post lift also features a maintenance-free synthetic runner wheel system, which is self lubricating and is covered by a lifetime guarantee. Additionally, a range of accessories is available including jacking beams and LED lighting kits.

Operating speed is another key feature. A maximum lifting height of 1900mm is achieved in just 72s, thereby ensuring faster work cycles for maximum productivity.

"Having relied upon an inspection pit for a number of years, our workshop engineers were a little unsure about the benefits of the new Stertil Koni 4-post lift," says Paul Shaw, workshop manager at the Keighley school bus depot. "However, within a very short time, they could see how versatile it is and how much time could be saved by inspecting buses and working on them in the same place. Accessibility to buses is superb and the programmable control panel is so easy to use. None of us would want to be without the Stertil Koni lift now!"