Human Machine Interface for Vehicle Lifts
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Vehicle Lifts to leverage Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Expand on “Green Technologies
In the demanding world of heavy duty vehicle lifting, notable transit buses, motor coaches and large municipal trucks, two key trends are rapidly emerging – the leveraging of new human-machine interface (HMI) technologies to provide enhanced control and monitoring systems, and the utilization of new materials and approaches to deliver increasingly “green” lifting systems.
According to Dr. Jean DellAmore, president of vehicle lift leader Stertil-Koni and a proud NJPA vendor, “Information is indeed power, and today’s cutting edge heavy duty lifting systems must increasingly deliver measurable, actionable data directly to the person who needs it most – the busy bus or truck maintenance technician on the shop floor. That is precisely why Stertil-Koni has developed a human-machine interface (HMI) on our control consoles. This approach closely resembles today’s most advanced tablet computers.”
Stertil-Koni calls its technology the “ebright Smart Control System,” and it consists of a full- color touch screen control console, initially available on the Stertil-Koni mobile column lifts. Continued DellAmore, “The approach is engineered to provide intuitive, ease-of use with maximum visual information about the lifting process-all at the fingertips of the technician.” Ultimately, this form of technology could enable remote monitoring, diagnostics, trouble-shooting and potentially, even repairs – all designed to improve facility uptime and keep busy shops rolling.
A second major trend in lifting is the movement towards “green” lifting systems. As part of this growing market requirement, Stertil-Koni has taken green technology to new heights in both ? column lifts and in-ground lifts. Noted DellAmore, “Our EARTHLIFT is the first hydraulic green mobile column lift in the industry. Its columns are made with components that are 98% recyclable and the Active Energy Retrieval System (AERS) allows operators to achieve 35% more lifting cycles at maximum lifting load.” The lift’s on-screen display highlights the AERS system, enabling the operator to see savings in real-time. EARTH LIFT also uses a closed hydraulic system that contains bio-degradable oil and the batteries are 100% recyclable.
Many maintenance facilities also utilize in-ground lifts. That’s why Stertil-Koni pioneered with the introduction of the DIAMOND LIFT, an in-ground telescopic piston lift setting new standards in heavy duty lifting. Each piston uses less than five gallons of biodegradable hydraulic fluid. Plus, all DIAMOND LIFT cassettes are fully self contained thanks to Stertil-Koni’s exclusive DiamondGuard coating. This unique compound ensures that hazardous shop fluids do not enter the environment. In that way, soil contamination is not a concern.”
Even more recently, Stertil-Koni has introduced a “frame” version of the DIAMOND LIFT – specifically engineered for concrete foundations. This makes it ideal for replacement situations, which is especially timely as there are tens of thousands of old, single-stage hydraulic lifts literally rotting away in America’s workshops. These lifts have long outlived their useful life and possibly represent environmental and safety hazards. That helps explain the excitement surrounding the introduction of the Stertil-Koni DIAMOND LIFT “frame” — the only certified solution of its type in the market.
Looking ahead, it’s an exciting time for heavy duty vehicle maintenance facilities, particularly as new technologies – both hardware and software – are helping to take the lifting industry to new heights in terms of safety, performance and durability.