Stertil-Koni touts its next-gen in-ground vehicle lift

STEVENSVILLE, Md. (Aug. 15, 2013) — Heavy-duty bus and truck maintenance facilities in North America are transitioning to next-generation, eco-friendly in-ground lifts, according to a recent Stertil-Koni USA Inc. market analysis.

The heavy-duty vehicle lift maker said advancements in hydraulic vehicle lifting systems, which combine to measurably improve performance, environmental containment and safety, are driving the change.

Stertil-Koni cited one such example: its Diamond Lift—a telescopic piston lift with a "modern" approach. "From top to bottom, Diamond Lift has been engineered to capture the very best of an old-world lifting approach and then integrate the latest materials and systems to elevate it to new heights," said Stertil-Koni President Jean DellAmore.

The lift's piston rods are hard-chrome plated for "maximum protection against corrosion and wear," he said. The lift is rated at up to 96,000-lbs. lifting capacity.

The lift "utilizes biodegradable oil and the upper portion of the steel containment is hot galvanized, which provides corrosion resistance at floor level and ensures proper interlock with the foundation," he added.

Other features include:

• Containments that are coated internally and externally with the firm's DiamondGuard process;
• A mechanical locking system;
• Piston-style in-ground lifts designed to allow the lift to be lowered into a mechanically locked situation without placing undesired pressures on the piston seals;
• Gravity engaged locking assembly; and
• Moveable lifting unit and aluminum trench that covers system travel on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene slides atop a stainless steel guide.

"This lift ensures sizeable cost savings on construction and installation and can be utilized in existing workshop pits and even at locations with high water tables," Mr. DellAmore said.