Now a subsidiary of Reading Buses, Courtney Coaches operates a network of commercial and contracted local bus services and school buses in Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.
To cope with an increasing workload, and as part of a major upgrade to its workshop facilities, Courtney Coaches decided to replace existing vehicle lifting equipment with three sets of Stertil Koni wireless mobile column lifts, type ST1075FWA. Each heavy duty lift provides a lifting capacity of 7.5 tonnes so, when used as a set of four, the combined capacity is 30 tonnes. Maximum lifting height is 1.85m.
A varied fleet of over 60 buses and coaches comprising Volvo, Scania, Mercedes, Optare and ADL vehicles, both single and double deckers, operates out of the Bracknell site where the Stertil Koni lifts simplify a wide range of servicing, repair and maintenance work.
Edssach column is fitted with the eBright smart control system which enables workshop staff to operate the columns individually, in pairs or in any other configuration from a single location.
Incorporating wireless mesh network connectivity and full-colour touch screen consoles, the eBright smart control system has been designed and developed to simplify operation by providing maximum visual information about every lifting operation - all at the fingertips of the technician. For added safety and performance, the eBright smart control system also shows how many columns in the set are being used, the battery status of each column and when the independent mechanical locking system is engaged.
Batteries will power the lifts for at least a week on average before recharging is necessary, which is carried out overnight via a 230V single phase supply.
To meet heavy demand and to ensure maximum reliability from its fleet, Courtney Coaches’ Bracknell workshop operates three shifts a day, seven days a week. Up to 25 vehicles pass through the workshop in a typical week and the three sets of Stertil Koni wireless mobile column lifts, which comprise a total of 12 separate columns, provide complete flexibility and optimum space utilisation at all times.
“Our lifts work around the clock, day after day. They really don’t get any rest but are proving to be extremely reliable,” says Sunni Cheema, head of engineering at Courtney Coaches. “They also look very smart in our new clean and open workshop!”