Abellio has opted for four sets of wireless mobile column lifts, type ST1075FWA-4, from Stertil Koni to support operations at one of its newly-extended bus workshops, citing previous successful use of the company’s products as a crucial factor.
Abellio has 2,100 employees and operates over 610 buses to deliver 81 routes across central, south and west London and north Surrey from six depots. To meet increasing demand, it recently upgraded and extended its Abellio London workshop at Battersea.
The bus fleet based at the Battersea depot comprises a mix of 241 vehicles, including New Routemasters and a variety of hybrid buses that are all Euro 6 compliant. Each of the Stertil Koni ST1075FWA-4 lifts provides a lifting capacity of 7.5 tonnes so, when used as a set of four, the combined capacity is 30 tonnes to ensure safe, smooth and controlled lifting.
The ST1075FWA-4 provides a maximum lifting height of 1.85m, which is reached in 75 seconds. Also, each column is fitted with the eBright smart control system, which enables workshop staff to operate the columns individually, in pairs or in any other configuration from a single location.
Incorporating wireless mesh network connectivity and full-colour touch screen consoles, the eBright smart control system has been designed and developed to simplify operation by providing maximum visual information about every lifting operation at the fingertips of the technician. For added safety and performance, the eBright smart control system also shows how many columns in the set are being used, the battery status of each column and when the independent mechanical locking system is engaged.
Stertil Koni claims the lifts’ batteries will power them for a week on average before recharging is necessary. The batteries can then be charged overnight via a 230v single phase supply.
With no cables on the workshop floor, the risk of tripping is removed, and with no power supply necessary, the system can be used safely inside or outdoors. The absence of power and communication cables also reduces setup time.
“Both myself and our Engineering Director had previous experience of Stertil Koni vehicle lifts so we were aware of their superior build quality and performance,” said Mike Harvey, Engineering Manager at Battersea. “We wanted lifts that would be safe to operate and robust enough to cope with our relentless and demanding requirements. Of course, we were already confident about the reliability of the Stertil Koni lifts and, because the lifts are completely wireless, we have also eliminated any worries about our workshop engineers tripping over trailing wires and cables.”
