Column truck lifts

Every minute a heavy-duty vehicle stays idle costs operators hundreds of pounds in lost productivity. Traditional inspection pits or fixed lifts often limit flexibility, increase maintenance costs, and slow down operations. That’s where column truck lifts – also known as mobile column lifts – transform how workshops handle large vehicles.

SEFAC, a European pioneer in heavy-duty lifting solutions since 1971, designs and manufactures advanced column truck lifts trusted by transport, logistics, and public service fleets worldwide. With over 22,000 customers in 45 countries, SEFAC combines safety, efficiency, and adaptability for modern workshops looking to optimise uptime and reduce operational risks.

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Why choose column truck lifts for heavy-duty vehicles?

Safety first – irreversible lifting mechanics

Safety is the top priority in heavy-vehicle maintenance. Unlike hydraulic or floor-mounted systems, SEFAC’s column truck lifts rely on a self-locking screw and bronze nut mechanism.

This design is mechanically irreversible, meaning the vehicle cannot descend unless the motor is activated. It eliminates the risk of accidental lowering and meets the most demanding safety standards in the UK and EU.

Each column includes automatic nut wear monitoring and overload protection. Technicians can work under lifted vehicles with complete confidence – a crucial factor for compliance and insurance.

Fact: SEFAC’s patented screw system has been in service for over 60 years without a single recorded mechanical failure.

Flexibility and mobility for every workshop size

Unlike fixed lifts or pits, column truck lifts can be moved and configured according to workshop needs. Two, four, six, or even eight columns can be linked to lift various vehicle sizes and axle layouts. This flexibility allows operators to use the same lifting set for different vehicle types – trucks, buses, or construction machinery.

SEFAC’s wireless “SWIP” technology simplifies setup:

• No interconnecting cables.
• Perfect column synchronisation via secure radio protocol.
• Adjustable control on each column or via central console.

Workshops can reorganise their floor plan at any time without civil engineering or installation costs. This modularity directly translates into faster workflow and better return on investment.

Cost-effectiveness and long-term ROI

Column truck lifts reduce downtime and maintenance costs compared to hydraulic systems or pits. Their mechanical design demands minimal servicing and provides consistent performance over decades. A single set of mobile columns can replace several fixed installations, lowering both energy use and workshop footprint. Because SEFAC lifts are fully mobile, they also avoid the need for expensive civil works such as concrete foundations or drainage systems.

Example: A UK bus depot replaced three fixed lifts with two SEFAC PME 82 S5 sets, cutting maintenance time by 25 % and saving over £15,000 annually in facility costs.

Operator-friendly design

Every SEFAC lift column features ergonomic handles, intuitive controls, and LCD displays for status monitoring. Wireless models allow complete freedom of movement, while wired models deliver fast synchronisation in high-interference environments. Each unit is built from high-grade steel, tested to handle heavy loads (up to 10t per column) and withstand tough workshop conditions (IP54 protection rating).

Sustainable, repairable, built to last

In contrast to disposable hydraulic systems, SEFAC’s column lifts are fully serviceable and built for decades of use. All components – nuts, screws, gearboxes – can be replaced individually, ensuring sustainability and long-term value. The company maintains a full stock of spare parts in France and the USA, guaranteeing continuous availability.

Column truck lifts are mobile lifting systems used to raise heavy-duty vehicles safely and flexibly. SEFAC models offer mechanical self-locking, wireless synchronisation, and low lifetime costs, helping workshops improve uptime, safety, and space efficiency.

SEFAC’s column truck lifts range

SEFAC designs its column truck lifts to serve every heavy-duty maintenance need — from urban bus fleets to special-purpose vehicles. Each model combines mechanical reliability, electronic precision, and ergonomic control, ensuring smooth lifting even under challenging conditions.

Wired mobile column lifts – simple, robust, connected

The wired SEFAC range remains a benchmark for workshops seeking high-power performance and cost-effective installation. The flagship model, PME 82 S5, delivers 8.2 tonnes per column, lifting vehicles up to 32.8 tonnes in four-column configuration.

Key specs:

• Lifting speed : approx. 680 mm/min.
• Power : 400 V – 3 phase.
• Maximum tyre diameter : 1 486 mm.
• Safety : irreversible screw/nut system with automatic mechanical locking.

Each column includes an onboard control box with synchronisation interface. Wired columns are ideal for fixed workshop bays or when electromagnetic interference may affect wireless communication.

Example: logistics depots and municipal fleets often prefer the wired system for continuous, heavy-load operation across long shifts.

Wireless mobile column lifts – the SWIP revolution

SEFAC’s SWIP wireless range eliminates cables completely. Each column communicates via a secure radio protocol, synchronising all lifting points within milliseconds. This allows free positioning around any vehicle — even in narrow or irregular workshops.

Advantages of SWIP technology:

• No trip hazards or cable wear.
• Battery-powered with integrated chargers (up to 25 lifts per charge).
• User interface via LCD screen displaying height, load, and system diagnostics.
• Flexibility to lift 2, 4, 6, or 8 columns together.

Wireless operation saves technicians time and increases safety during manoeuvres. Columns can be rearranged in minutes, making SWIP systems perfect for multi-vehicle fleets with variable axle lengths.

Real-world case: a UK bus maintenance centre replaced pit-based lifts with six SWIP columns. Setup time per vehicle dropped from 20 minutes to under 5, and workspace capacity increased by 30 %.

Special-vehicle column lifts – heavy-duty engineering up to 10 t per column

For industries such as construction, mining, or defence, SEFAC offers ultra-heavy-duty models. The 1200 M100 and 1600 M100 series can handle up to 10 tonnes per column. These lifts are purpose-built for vehicles with large tyres, extra-wide axles, or off-road suspensions.

Features:

• Reinforced screw-drive and gearboxes.
• Oversized lifting forks and adjustable carriage.
• Multi-column configurations for total loads above 80 tonnes.
• Compatible with custom wheel adapters and chassis stands.

Such systems are often used in civil engineering or airport maintenance workshops where equipment mass exceeds the range of standard lifts.

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Key features and benefits

Every SEFAC column truck lift shares a common engineering philosophy: mechanical precision + electronic safety + ergonomic operation.

Operator safety and compliance

All SEFAC lifts are built to EN 1493. Each system integrates redundant safety features – mechanical locks, emergency stop, overload control, and audible alarms. Routine calibration is simplified through onboard diagnostics. Maintenance managers can easily schedule inspections using SEFAC’s digital service logbook or partner maintenance contracts.

Energy efficiency and reduced total cost

Unlike hydraulic systems that need fluid replacement and power-intensive pumps, SEFAC lifts use screw-drive motors consuming energy only during lifting. Descent occurs mechanically, requiring minimal power. Over a 10-year period, energy savings can reach up to 30 %, while total cost of ownership drops significantly due to lower servicing frequency.

Installation and operational considerations

No civil works required

A major advantage of column truck lifts is their plug-and-lift setup. Each column includes integrated wheels, so technicians can position or store them easily. Unlike pits or fixed lifts, no floor cutting or anchoring is required.

Power and connectivity

• Wired versions require standard 400 V / 3-phase supply (or 230 V option).
• Wireless versions operate on rechargeable batteries with auto-charger plugs.
• Optional cross-beam connectors enable axle lifting for additional support.

Training and after-sales service

SEFAC provides onsite training for safe operation, daily inspection, and maintenance. Local partners across Europe and North America offer annual certifications and full parts availability. Workshops benefit from a long-term service ecosystem rather than a single-use purchase.

Use cases and industry applications

Column truck lifts are essential wherever heavy vehicles require fast, safe underbody access. Their mobility and modularity make them a versatile asset across multiple sectors.

Main applications:

• Fleet workshops: haulage, logistics, and waste management depots.
• Public transport: bus, coach, and tram maintenance.
• Construction & civil engineering: dump trucks, loaders, and mixers.
• Airports & defence: ground support and armoured vehicles.
• Forklift and light truck maintenance: adaptable with optional adapters.

In all cases, column lifts help reduce downtime, increase safety, and free floor space for other operations.

Example: A transport operator in Birmingham replaced inspection pits with wireless SEFAC columns, doubling vehicle throughput while improving technician safety metrics by 40 %.

Mobile column lifts vs fixed lifts vs inspection pits

Verdict: For workshops seeking flexibility, safety, and long-term ROI, mobile column truck lifts deliver the optimal balance between mobility, reliability, and cost efficiency.

How to choose the right column truck lift

Before investing, evaluate the following factors:

1. Vehicle range – weight, axle count, and wheel diameter.
2. Lift capacity – choose 8.2 t or 10 t per column based on the heaviest axle.
3. Available power supply – wired or battery-powered wireless.
4. Workshop layout – consider floor type, space, and traffic.
5. Usage frequency – daily or periodic maintenance.
6. Service support – access to certified after-sales provider.

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Checklist

• Verify compliance with EN 1493.
• Ensure even floor surface for synchronisation.
• Confirm load distribution per column.
• Schedule yearly inspection and nut wear control.

Addressing common objections

“Wireless systems are unreliable.”
→ SWIP technology ensures precise synchronisation with encrypted radio signal; proven in thousands of lifts worldwide.

“The columns truck lifts are expensive.”
→ One mobile set replaces multiple fixed bays and eliminates pit construction costs – ROI in under 3 years.

“Maintenance is complex.”
→ Screw/nut systems need only periodic lubrication and wear check. SEFAC provides full support and parts availability.

“We don’t have enough space.”
→ Columns can be rolled into a corner when not in use – freeing up valuable floor area.

Maximise uptime and safety with SEFAC

Modern heavy-duty workshops need equipment that evolves with their fleet. SEFAC’s column truck lifts offer unmatched safety, flexibility, and service life – from city buses to off-road haulers. With more than 60 years of engineering experience, SEFAC continues to set the benchmark for reliable, sustainable lifting technology that delivers measurable ROI and peace of mind. Discover how SEFAC can transform your workshop. Request a demo or quotation at www.sefac.com