Stagecoach Manchester has purchased three sets of Stertil Koni ST1085FWA wireless mobile column lifts for its newly added depot at Queens Road, which it took on from Go North West in March as part of the second tranche of bus franchising in Greater Manchester.
The lifts are complemented by 12 screw-threaded axle stands also supplied by Stertil Koni. Supply of the equipment continues a long-term relationship between the two parties.
Each of the columns in the lift sets has a maximum capacity of 8,500kg, well in excess of any loading found in a bus environment.
Fitted is Stertil’s ebright Smart Control System, which gives the ability to operate columns individually, in pairs or any other combination, from any column in the set. It also includes colour touch-screen consoles.
The supplier adds that positioning of the columns is flexible, enabling their use in any combination around a vehicle. That means they could also function as two sets of six columns were a tri-axle coach or bus to be lifted. Adjustable forks are also provided to permit the handling of vehicles with differing tyre widths.
Long-life, deep cycle batteries power the columns, with Stertil noting that those will provide enough capacity to operate the lifts for at least a week on average between charges.
Energy consumption is minimised via power only being used to raise a vehicle, unlike screw lifts. Charging is accomplished by plugging each column into a 230v, single-phase supply. The lack of cables while the lifts are in use delivers health and safety benefits, Stertil continues.
