Managing a municipal fleet or a bus garage means regularly maintaining large vehicles. But traditional lifts often have bulky crossbeams, overhangs, or base frames that take up valuable floor space. What’s more, traditional mechanics’ pits have serious health and safety concerns.
If you need a high-capacity lift but also want a safer, clutter-free workspace, this can be a frustrating challenge. Fortunately, there is a solution.
Introducing the Stertil-Koni SKYLIFT
A True Clear-Floor Solution
Stertil-Koni leads the industry in safe and dependable lifts for heavy-duty vehicles. The company started in the Netherlands in 1947. It expanded its operations over the years. Now, the company produces a wide variety of heavy-duty lifts. Their lifts can handle trucks, buses, and agricultural, military, and industrial vehicles.
The SKYLIFT hit the heavy-duty lift market in 2012. It is a heavy-duty platform lift designed without crossbeams and obstructions. Its vertical platform maximizes accessibility to the vehicle. Its independent runway design allows for unrestricted movement beneath the lift.
Its unique y-shaped lift beams permit a true vertical lift. It has a standard mechanical locking system and automatic safeguards against overloading. SKYLIFT is available in a flush or surface-mounted model.
There are two versions of SKYLIFT, 62,400 lb. and 78,000 lb. capacity.
- SKY.624: With a capacity of 62,400 lbs, this can hoist trucks, road graders, street sweepers, and more to a height of 69 inches. The platform can be 23, 26, 33, 40, or 48 feet long.
- SKY.780: This lift also goes to a height of 69 inches and has the platform length options listed above. It can lift 78,000 pounds of heavy-duty vehicles.
Key Features of the Stertil-Koni SKYLIFT
- Clear-Floor Concept – No crossbeams, base frames, or overhangs, giving mechanics full access.
- Vertical Lifting – The lift rises straight up without encroaching on the surrounding workspace.
- Flexible Installation Options – Choose between flush-mounted or surface-mounted installation.
- Heavy-Duty Performance – Ideal for city buses, municipal fleets, and large service centers.
Safety Innovations – Features like the Reverse Roll-Off Protection System and the eBright Smart Control System ensure safe and efficient operation.
How the SKYLIFT Stands Out from Other Heavy-Duty Lifts
Compared to traditional lifts, the SKYLIFT offers distinct advantages:
- Versus 4-Post Lifts: No bulky posts or frames to work around, making movement easier.
- Versus Inground Lifts: No excavation is required, reducing installation costs and environmental concerns.
- Versus Scissor Lifts: Provides full undercarriage access with no interference from the lifting mechanism.
Real-World Impact: How Municipalities & Fleet Shops Benefit
Municipalities and transit agencies are already seeing improvements in efficiency with the SKYLIFT. For example, the City of Bentonville, AR, chose the SKYLIFT to improve its maintenance workflow, providing more floor space and easier vehicle access.
Another example is SLE Technologies’ customer, Miller Transportation. In 2023, the midwestern transportation company set out to duplicate its Louisville, KY, office on an Indianapolis site.
However, there was one major change they wanted to make with SLE’s help, said SLE President Jason Anderson. Their Louisville location had two large mechanics’ pits, which they wanted to replace in the new location.
The pits had just one entrance and exit, with stairs that could be slick, increasing the risk of slips or falls. This was just one of several undesirable safety issues. Mechanics’ pits provide a small amount of space for vehicle inspection. They have ventilation limitations that are further complicated by OSHA regulations. And they are often dark and hard to clean as well.
Instead of replicating the mechanics’ pits, Miller Transportation chose to install two SKYLIFTs with SLE’s help.
“It just makes it more accessible, you can enter under the vehicle from any direction,” said Patrick Duncan, shop manager at Miller Transportation.
The benefits included the ability to better inspect vehicles using the additional space created and the lighting on the lift, and fewer trip and fall hazards than a service pit. Because the lift is flush with the floor, employees can run a floor scrubber and keep it much cleaner than a pit.
Shop Workflow Improvements
One of the biggest advantages of the SKYLIFT is how it transforms shop workflow. Traditional heavy-duty lifts often create obstacles with bulky posts, crossbeams, or base frames. These obstructions make it difficult for mechanics to access the vehicle. The result? Maintenance and repair tasks take longer. The SKYLIFT eliminates these issues by offering a completely open floor space below. HD technicians can work faster and with greater efficiency with this extra space.
With a clear workspace, you can position tools and equipment exactly where you need them. Additionally, increased accessibility leads to a safer work environment. Workers are less likely to trip over base frames or struggle with tight spaces. No one wants the pain, cost, or inconvenience of workplace accidents. This lift helps contribute to a culture of safety. With the SKYLIFT, you can:
- Better streamline operations
- Reduce downtime
- And get trucks back on the road.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Stertil-Koni designed the SKYLIFT with longevity and ease of maintenance in mind. The streamlined design features fewer moving parts than many other HD lifts. This results in reduced maintenance needs and lower long-term costs.
Routine maintenance on traditional lifts can be costly. Lifts need regular lubrication, part replacements, and inspections to keep them operational. In contrast, the SKYLIFT’s vertical lifting mechanism minimizes the stress on its components. This results in fewer breakdowns and repairs. The absence of a base frame or crossbeams also simplifies upkeep. Why? Because there are fewer areas where dirt and debris can accumulate.
Another financial benefit is the reduced risk of operational downtime. When a traditional lift requires maintenance or repairs, everything stops. With SKYLIFT’s durable and low-maintenance design, you don’t have to stop so often. The result? Shops can keep up with demanding schedules with fewer costly delays.
Do you represent a municipal fleet or a large vehicle service center? For your business, investing in SKYLIFT translates to long-term savings. You’ll enjoy less maintenance, fewer repairs, and increased reliability. These make this lift a practical and cost-effective solution for heavy-duty vehicle maintenance.
Contact us to learn more!
Ready to upgrade your shop and maximize efficiency? Book a free consultation today and experience the difference a clear-floor heavy-duty lift can make.
