The Welsh Ambulance Service has purchased a significant number of new lifts from vehicle lift specialist Stertil Koni through its distributor CCS of Leigh in Lancashire. The lifts have replaced the Service's previous equipment, which did not have sufficient lifting capacity to accommodate the newest vehicles on the ambulance fleet.
The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust operates 223 emergency vehicles and 254 other ambulance vehicles for the transportation of non-emergency patients. In order to cope with the regular maintenance and service of the fleet, which includes the new five-ton Mercedes Sprinter, the ambulance service's existing vehicle lifts had to be replaced. After researching the equipment that suited its needs, the service put the project out to tender and Stertil Koni was awarded the contract.
Stertil Koni installed seven of its four-post, seven-tonne ST4070 hydraulic vehicle lifts. This compact lift has a low drive-on height of 160 mm, which gives it great versatility in terms of the types of vehicle it can accommodate. Its 2030mm lifting height makes it extremely comfortable to work under and accessibility to vehicles is optimised by the flat edges of the 630mm wide tracks. The ST4070 has an adjustable descent speed as standard, making removal of engines or gearboxes easier and safer. It can also be used in combination with a jacking beam.
Regional Fleet Manager Tom Roberts said of the new lifts: "They're exactly right for the job and strong and reliable with easy access to vehicles. We're satisfied we made the right choice in Stertil Koni."
Stertil Koni's vehicle lifts are renowned for their reliability, long lifespan and high resale value. Stertil Koni lifts are designed for intensive and problem-free use and all models are tested during development with a minimum of 50,000 lifting cycles under a full load.
