First Cymru recently decided to replace an old wash bay lift at its Port Talbot depot with a new model from the same manufacturer: Stertil Koni. Despite having seen many years’ service at the depot, the old lift had continued to work reliably, making First’s decision for a replacement model straightforward.
The model chosen as the replacement, the Skylift 200, provides a safe lifting capacity of 20 tonnes and is described by its manufacturer as ‘the ultimate heavy-duty lift in terms of efficiency, versatility and safety.’
Installed within the Port Talbot depot’s outdoor wash bay, the Skylift ensures unobstructed access to the underside of vehicles during regular vehicle body and chassis cleaning operations. For this application, the Skylift is constructed from galvanised steel for maximum strength plus resistance to water and degreasing solutions.
It also incorporates an electronically-controlled hydraulic system which uses inclinometers to monitor vehicle weight displacement and provide smooth synchronisation between its four lifting points.
Featuring an eight metre platform to safely accommodate all vehicles in the First Cymru fleet, the narrow width of the surface-mounted Skylift 200 ensures maximum utilisation of available space. Stertil Koni also installed the lift complete with extra-long run-ups to enable trouble-free movement of low-floor buses.
The Skylift features an independent mechanical locking system that is always active, from when the lift is at its lowest level to when it reaches maximum height, ensuring maximum safety.
First Cymru operates approximately 200 bus services in the South Wales area utilising a mixed fleet of single and double-decker vehicles. In addition to regular journeys between villages, towns and cities, the company also operates the intercity Clipper brand and a frequent X10 service that links Swansea and Cardiff.
Keith Davies, Area Engineering Manager in East Wales for First Cymru, commented: “The new Skylift 200 replaced our existing Stertil Koni wash bay lift which served us well for many years. In fact, we have a number of Stertil Koni lifts in our workshop and we know them to be hardworking and reliable.
“Now, with the installation of the new wash bay lift, the 92 vehicles operating from our depot are not only perfectly prepared for MOT testing and inspections but also continue to look smart out on the road.”
