Agriculture Fleet Need for Heavy-Duty Lifts Increases

Vehicle lift manufacturer Stertil-Koni has reported a growing demand for its portfolio of certified heavy-duty vehicle lifting systems to enhance productivity in the agricultural market in North America.

According to Stertil-Koni, the agricultural industry is particularly susceptible to huge price swings, tight margins, and high fixed costs – including large farm machinery and powerful vehicles. One solution the lift manufacturer noted that is supporting profitability has been the growing use of new technologies that boost and monitor farm performance – notably robots, temperature, and moisture sensors, aerial imagery, and GPS systems.

Another approach to solving the efficiency puzzle for both family-owned and large industrial farms according to Stertil-Koni’s overview has been major gains in maximizing vehicle equipment uptime.

“That’s where the Stertil-Koni portfolio of heavy-duty vehicle lifting systems comes in,” said Dr. Jean DellAmore, president of Stertil-Koni. “The fact is that our highly dependable, hydraulic vehicle lifting systems and accessories have been specifically engineered to provide a complete ergonomic and safe solution for vehicle repair and servicing – which has been a boon to the agricultural industry in particular.” 

Increasingly popular lifting systems used in the agricultural sector include Stertil-Koni Mobile Column Lifts – which are mobile. With lifting capacities ranging from 14,000 lbs. to 40,000 lbs. per column (depending on the model), these wheel-engaging lifts deliver added flexibility, productivity, and safety.  Additionally, in a wireless configuration, a farm operator can realize reduced time in terms of setup, all with no tripping hazard to the technician – as communications cables are eliminated.

Certain farms are using platform lifts, according to Stertil-Koni, which are ideal for tractors, diggers, and wheel loaders. The Stertil-Koni system, known as the Skylift, delivers vertical lifting with no overhang, saving space in tight maintenance shops. The Skylift delivers lifting capacities from 62,400 lbs. up to 156,000 lbs. 

In addition, Stertil-Koni shared that other farms across North America are employing four-post lifts and the Stertil-Koni in-ground telescopic piston Diamond Lift. With a lifting capacity of up to 35,000 lbs. per piston, the Diamond Lift enables wheels-free access, making it an ideal choice for all forms of servicing - including routine maintenance, such as servicing brake systems. 

“Today’s farms are increasingly complex, sophisticated businesses that require the very best in vehicle lifting technologies. That’s why Stertil-Koni is so focused on delivering world-class lifting systems that specifically address this critical market sector and support heightened levels of performance and efficiencies in today’s modern farming environment," DellAmore concluded.