CHICAGO – Following a competitive bid, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) awarded Stertil-Koni a contract to produce and install 54 in-ground vehicle lifts for the CTA's regular and articulated buses.

The award calls for Stertil-Koni to deliver the company’s ECOLIFT, an ultra-shallow, full-rise in-ground axle engaging scissor lift. The ECOLIFT combines high pressure, low-volume hydraulics, requiring only 3.5 gallons of fluid per scissor. The ECOLIFT can be utilized in existing workshop pits and is suitable for locations with high water tables.

CTA has ordered two models of the ECOLIFT, a two-scissor configuration with lifting capacities of 60,000 lbs. – ideal for regular transit buses – and a three-scissor configuration with lifting capacities of 90,000 lbs., well suited for articulated buses. Lifts are scheduled to be installed beginning in the first quarter of 2013.

All lifts for the CTA contract will be produced at Stertil ALM, located in Streator, Ill. The company anticipates the contract with CTA will allow it to increase local production staff by approximately 25% and will also help local vendors in the area, including those involved with machinery, steel, and powder coating.