Guildford Council Ensure Washbay Safety And Improved Access

Guildford Borough Council has achieved enhanced operator safety and improved access to the underside of vehicles during cleaning operations following the purchase of a Stertil Koni heavy duty wash bay lift.

“The installation of the Sky 200 as part of the upgrading of our vehicle cleaning facilities has provided greater safety for our operatives,” says Alex Bristow, Facilities Manager at Guildford Borough Council. “Our new wash bay is used to clean up to ten vehicles in a typical week prior to a thorough chassis and body work inspection. The complete process is now much more efficient with unobstructed access to all areas of raised vehicles.”

BACKGROUND

Located in Surrey and with responsibility for an area of over 270km2, Guildford Borough Council serves a population of almost 150,000 residents. The Council provides extensive waste collection and recycling services to both households and businesses throughout the borough. To ensure the availability and reliability of this highly efficient operation, the Council utilises a fleet of modern waste collection vehicles ranging in size from 5.5 to 16 tonnes. As part of a project to upgrade its vehicle cleaning operations, Stertil Koni recently installed a 20 tonne capacity wash bay lift, type Skylift 200.

EQUIPMENT

Featuring state-of-the-art technology, the Skylift 200 is constructed from galvanised steel for maximum strength and durability. Its hydraulic system is electronically controlled using inclinometers to monitor vehicle weight displacement and ensure smooth synchronisation between its four lifting points. Additionally, the ideal width for the setup can be chosen, depending on the type of vehicles to be serviced.

The Sky 200 features modular run-up ramps at both ends of the platforms which not only simplifies the positioning of larger vehicles but also provides an essential drive-through capability. Importantly, the lift’s integral half-scissor lifting mechanism gives greater access to the underside of raised vehicles than a standard scissor lift.

With no base frame, no crossbeams and only requiring a lifting leg at each end of the platform, the Sky 200 provides unobstructed access from all sides at its maximum lifting height of 1.75 metres which is reached in just 89 seconds.

Easily installed and relocated if necessary, the Skylift 200 requires only a narrow operating width thereby enabling wash bay space to be used to the maximum. Also, Guildford Borough Council specified the lift complete with eight metre long platforms to accommodate every vehicle in its extensive waste collection fleet.

As with all Stertil Koni products, safety is paramount. The Sky 200 has an independent mechanical locking system that is always active, from when the lift is at its lowest level to when it reaches maximum height.

WEBSITE LINK: www.guildford.gov.uk