Why waste disposal and recycling fleet service managers are making the move to mobile column lifts.
Katie Walker
Known for their unique mobility and versatility, mobile column lifts have quickly grown to become the equipment of choice when it comes to heavy-duty vehicle lifts. Mobile column lifts, also known as mobile wheel engaging lifts, are moveable lifts that can be configured in sets of two, four, six, eight or more columns.
Unlike a four-post lift, which limits technician access to the underbody, a mobile column lift’s unique design offers full, unobstructed access under the vehicle and is the perfect solution for shops that are short on floor space. Standard mobile column lifts engage tires with two wheel forks and are engineered to accelerate maintenance activities with a flexible system that creates an open, productive and accessible work space.
The strength and efficiency mobile column lifts give service technicians to fulfill routine maintenance inspections and repairs is in high-demand. A shift towards using mobile column lifts is due to the fact that this system alone holds the power to significantly transform daily maintenance operations.
Reduce Vehicle Downtime
The “health” of waste disposal fleets is critical for sustaining healthy communities and environments. Downtime is not an option. Maintaining this category of fleet is a full-time job. Trucks, haulers and loaders undergo vigorous daily workouts with continual stop-and-go traffic patterns and heavy loads. Mobile column lifts put more vehicles on the road by accelerating routine maintenance and inspection work therefore increasing technician productivity and turnaround time.
Capitalize on Limited Shop Space
The sheer size of waste disposal and recycling trucks can result in workshops quickly running out of space as workloads grow. Mobile column lifts are designed to give users flexibility and save valuable shop space. Because the lifts are mobile, they do not tie up a bay, are extremely versatile when used in combination with accessories and can effortlessly be moved from one bay to another. In recent years, the introduction of wireless systems has allowed service technicians to lift vehicles in the most unlikely locations—outside, inside, virtually anywhere. With the flexibility to turn just about any place into a lifting bay, mobile column lifts are an exceptionally smart investment.
Provide Safer Work Conditions
Maintenance operations are shifting towards using mobile column lifts largely due to the added measure of safety they give service technicians. Mobile column lifts raise and support the vehicle to a height that allows mechanics to work comfortably under the vehicle. These lifts are eliminating the health hazards generated by standing or lying in uncomfortable positions. In addition to a comfortable working height, slender columns improve access around the lift, increasing inspection and repair accuracy and natural light provides good visibility. Easy under-vehicle access prevents health issues, reduces accident risks and increases technician productivity. Ultimately, these factors provide safer work conditions, resulting in less worker’s compensation claims and lower insurance costs.
Increase Employee Morale and Retention Rates
As cities, communities and municipalities grow, the supply of waste disposal and recycling trucks will continue to increase and more service technicians will be needed to maintain them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most diesel mechanics work full time, overtime and evening shifts are common. Employee morale is essential. Providing modern equipment such as mobile column lifts is appealing for high-demand mechanics and cultivates professional development, preserves employee loyalty and improves retention rates. In fact, incorporating mobile column lifts and sustaining a strong team of mechanics set high industry standards and may very well make your maintenance operation a sought-after business model.
Guarantee a Strong ROI
Efficiently maintaining a healthy fleet with Mobile column lifts will create economic gain. The time-savings alone can return the initial investment cost in as little as four months. And don’t forget, since the lifts are mobile, there are no installation costs. Downtime is decreased, safety is greatly improved, worker’s compensation claims and insurance premiums are lowered and better working environments for service technicians are established. United, these factors generate a strong return on investment.
Before Making an Investment
It’s clear why mobile column lifts are revolutionizing fleet maintenance operations. But, as with all good business practice, fleet managers should take careful consideration before making an investment. There are different mobile column lift manufacturers on the market, each with their own distinctiveness. Know what best suits your needs and what will award you a strong return on investment. Because mobile column lifts are used on a day-to-day basis, in some cases for more than 20 years, choose a manufacturer to partner with who can offer sales, training, service and support throughout the life of the lift. Finally, a key thing to look at is if the mobile column lift you’re planning to purchase is certified by an independent third party and adheres to ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) standards. This guarantees specific safety standards have been met. After all, while transforming maintenance operations, safety should be the number one priority.
Katie Walker serves as Marketing and Administration Coordinator for MAHA USA (Pinckard, AL). MAHA USA unites German engineering with quality American craftsmanship to produce some of the most sought after heavy-duty mobile column lifts in the world. MAHA USA manufactures vehicle-lifting systems from their 90,000-square-foot production facility. As a complete workshop supplier, their wireless mobile column lifts are powered by precision ball-screw technology. For more information, call (866) 624-2872, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.maha-usa.com.