Stertil Koni Wireless Mobile Column Lifts support new Konectbus facility

Stertil Koni has supplied eight wireless mobile column lifts, type ST1075FWF, to support a new Konectbus maintenance facility. Following substantial investment, Konectbus recently commenced operations at the 10,000 sq ft workshop complex which is located within the company’s head office site at East Dereham in Norfolk.

Established in 1999 and now employing around 100 people, Konectbus was acquired in 2010 by Go-Ahead Group, one of the UK’s largest public transport operators. The company operates a fleet of 55 buses, ten of which were purchased within the last year and include low-emission technology not only to provide a comfortable journey but also reduce harmful pollutants.

Following the recent acquisition of several three-axle Bendibuses, Konectbus purchased six 7.5 tonnes capacity ST1075FWF wireless mobile column lifts. The lifts simplify the raising and lowering of the Bendibuses, which are 18 metres long and weigh 16 tonnes, during maintenance and servicing work. However, the company quickly realised that, by acquiring an additional two identical lifts, it would provide extra flexibility by allowing the
use of two sets of four lifts when working on conventional buses.

Offering smooth, accurate and controlled lifting, Stertil Koni’s ST1075FWF mobile column lifts are specially designed to lift commercial vehicles such as buses and heavy trucks. This model provides an impressive maximum lifting height of 1.85 metres which is reached in just 70 seconds, making it one of the fastest commercial vehicle lifts available. Also, each column is fitted with an intelligent control box which enables workshop staff to operate the columns individually, in pairs or all at once from a single location.

To complement the mobile column lifts, Konectbus also specified a 17.5 tonnes capacity heavy duty, surface mounted 4-post lift, type ST4175-9. Designed free of cross beams, the lift ensures unrestricted access beneath raised vehicles and, crucially, allows its width to be set depending on the type of buses being serviced or repaired. Stertil Koni also supplied the lift complete with a nine metres long platform to further increase its versatility. Providing a minimal drive-on height of just 240mm, the lift is entirely electronically controlled by workshop staff using a simple well-positioned push button control panel.

Neil Robinson, Property Manager for Konectbus, is delighted with the installation. He says, “I have used Stertil Koni commercial vehicle lifts for many years and am always happy to recommend them. I’m positive that the recent installation of Stertil Koni lifts in our new maintenance facility will help Konectbus to continue to provide our customers with the excellent standard of service for which we’ve become widely renowned.”