Stertil-Koni, a manufacturer of heavy-duty vehicle lifting systems, is providing a heightened level of safe, dependable, and durable lifting in workshops using below-floor concrete pits by providing air hydraulic pit jacks equipped with telescopic pistons. Many of today’s pits still do not have the proper equipment to enable mechanics to safely remove under-vehicle components -- including transmissions, axles, exhaust systems, and more -- as well as work on wheels. As a result, many pits are under-utilized other than for routine inspections and standard lubrication maintenance.

Stertil-Koni has engineered its free-standing rolling pit jack products that now deliver a lifting capacity of 33,000 lbs. These jacks are specifically designed to safely operate on the pit floor – entirely independent of pit edges or walls for support – as these surfaces may not be adequately reinforced or sufficiently strong.

“Lifting is done by an air driven, fully hydraulic pump actuated by tandem foot pedals. One pedal quickly raises the piston to be in contact with the vehicle being lifted, while the other allows precision lifting in small increments. In this way, the service technician is hands-free to work on the vehicle or operate other tools," said Peter Bowers, technical sales support manager at Stertil-Koni. "This lifting approach does not use the vehicle wheels as lifting touch points, allowing their free movement and removal."

The floor pit jacks, available in two base frames, deliver a 33,000-pound lifting capacity and operate with a smooth, high-speed piston that provides an expansive height of 87 inches.