Following the successful use of a Stertil Koni 2-post lift, Stepney Brothers has purchased a second unit to support its recently extended workshop in Cambridge.
Established in 1948 by Peter Stepney, Stepney Brothers operates as a small, independent, multi-fleet
repair garage. Based in Cambridge, the business has stayed within the family, now under the direction of the founder’s grandson, Mark Stepney.
Specialising in all aspects of car, van and commercial vehicle repairs, maintenance and servicing, the company is proud to be the first choice supplier to a prestigious customer base that includes Cambridge City Council and Kershaw Group.
In 2006, Stepney Brothers invested in a Stertil Koni 2-post hydraulic vehicle lift. 11 years later, and with increasing demand necessitating an extension to its workshop, the company made the decision to return to the manufacturer to purchase similar model.
Improved flexibility
“Both lifts work side by side on a daily basis,” says Mark. “Lifting a broad spectrum of vehicles including motor homes, Luton-bodied vehicles and large panel vans, they operate smoothly and seamlessly.”
Stepney Brothers’ latest acquisition is one of Stertil Koni’s FreedomLift range, which comprises three standard models offering capacities from 5.5 to 9 tonnes. Each model incorporates a pair of telescopic lifting arms which are easily adjusted, locked and unlocked as required. In addition, depending on the needs of the user, a number of options are available including double telescopic arms for extra flexibility, additional control boxes, LED lighting and special vehicle adapters.
The FreedomLift’s design has resulted in a stable 2-post lift that operates smoothly and safely with no bulky base or overhead cross-bar. This ensures suitability for use in almost any environment whilst allowing technicians unrestricted access to raised vehicles during repair, maintenance and servicing tasks.
The manufacturer believes that one of the main advantages of the 2-post lift over 4-post alternatives and mobile column lifts is that users achieve an instant wheel-free situation, without relying on jacking beams or axle stands.
Workshop safety
User confidence is assured by a range of safety features including an independent locking system that engages at 210mm above floor level, a gravity-activated locking pawl, automatic locking of the lifting arms, advanced synchronisation between the posts and a fail-safe automatic overload protection system.
These devices are complemented by an automatic maximum height limiter, hold-to-run control panel buttons, an emergency stop on the control panel, as well as special shielding for critical components such as hydraulic lines and electrical cables.
The FreedomLift’s hydraulic system has minimal moving parts and has been tested with more than 20,000 lifting and lowering cycles at maximum lifting capacity. All models are CE certified and covered by the manufacturer’s 12 months parts and labour guarantee.
“The first Stertil Koni 2-post lift was a 5 tonne model, whilst our new lift provides us with a slightly higher capacity at 5.5 tonnes,” continues Mark. “Our workshop engineers really appreciate the extra features on the new model – particularly the lifting pad range and the special adapters.
The original lift has been second to none for its reliability and versatility in lifting different combinations of vehicles with excellent stability at height. When it came to purchasing an additional lift, we had no hesitation in choosing Stertil Koni.”
