In today’s heavy‑duty vehicle maintenance world, a reliable column lift can make the difference between efficient workshop operations and costly downtime. SEFAC has built a strong reputation for mobile column lifts designed for trucks, buses, coaches, special vehicles and even rail. This article explores how a SEFAC column lift works, the various real‑world applications, and why workshop managers should consider these systems as a strategic investment.
What is a SEFAC column lift?
A column lift, in SEFAC’s terms, refers to a mobile column‑type lifting unit — essentially a vertical column with screw‑and‑nut electro‑mechanical drive (rather than hydraulic), designed to lift heavy vehicles by the wheels or axles. SEFAC offers both wired and wireless versions. For instance, their “standard mobile column” range supports wired sets of 2/4/6/8 columns.
One key advantage: mobility and flexibility. A SEFAC column lift can be positioned around a vehicle, enabling lifting in workshops that may not have built‑in pits. For example, the wireless SW3 model supports lifting heavy trucks and buses outdoors as well as indoors.
Use‑cases: where a SEFAC column lift adds real value
Below are concrete examples of how SEFAC column lifts are used across different workshop types:
1. Truck and coach maintenance
In a large bus or coach workshop, vehicles often have large tyres and multiple axles. A SEFAC column lift set allows the workshop to lift the vehicle level with minimal infrastructure change. Technicians can remove wheels, access suspension, brakes, perform under‑chassis inspection while standing in a comfortable posture. For example, SEFAC states that the S2 column lift (18,000 lbs per column) “is the ideal tool for commercial vehicle maintenance technicians… they can work in an upright position”.
2. Mobile column lifting in multi‑purpose workshops
Some workshops handle both trucks and special vehicles (construction, airport, utility). A wireless SEFAC column lift like the SW3 enables flexible configuration: you can use a set of 4 columns today for a standard coach, then regroup 6 or 8 columns tomorrow for a heavier vehicle. This mobility means the same floor space can serve different vehicle types, reducing the need for separate pits or fixed lifts.
See also : Column truck lifts
3. Rail workshop adaptation
Although less typical for “truck” lifts, SEFAC’s technology also applies to rail vehicles. Their rail‑specific column lifts (with fixed or extendable claw) are designed to lift trams, trains and rail cars. The same principles of modular columns, mobility, and electro‑mechanical screw lift apply—demonstrating the breadth of “column lift” usage beyond road vehicles.
4. Retrofit / small workshops
Even smaller workshops that may not specialise in heavy trucks can benefit from a SEFAC column lift. For example, using a set of 4 columns instead of investing in a full pit or a large overhead crane system can be more cost‑effective and quicker to install. SEFAC’s marketing suggests mobile column lifts are “more cost‑effective than workshop pits or scissor lifts”.
Key features of SEFAC column lifts
When selecting a SEFAC column lift, these features stand out:
- Capacity per column: Many models are rated at 18,000 lbs (~8.2 t) per column (S2, SW3) for trucks and coaches.
- Wheel / tyre size compatibility: The S4 model, for example, handles tyre diameters from 38 to 46 in.
- Wired vs wireless operation: Wired sets are more static; wireless (SW3) offers freedom, no trailing cables, outdoor/indoor use.
- Electromechanical drive: SEFAC uses two distinct lifting technologies depending on the column type — a ball screw mechanical system for wireless columns, and a screw–bronze nut irreversible mechanical system for wired columns. Both ensure a controlled, secure lift, with the bronze nut acting as the main wearing part on wired models.
- Configurable sets: 2, 4, 6 or 8 columns can operate together, giving workshop scalability.
- Minimal infrastructure: Because mobile columns do not require major civil works, they can be more easily installed or moved when required. SEFAC notes this under rail and road applications.
Selecting the right SEFAC column lift for your application
Here are practical guidelines:
- Start with your vehicle fleet: Identify the heaviest axle loads, the largest tyre diameters, number of axles, and whether you need mobility (indoors/outdoors) or fixed installation.
- Decide wired vs wireless: If your columns will always stay in one place near power supply, wired may suffice (cost‑effective). If you need to move them, park them when not in use, or use outdoors, choose wireless.
- Choose capacity and number of columns: For standard trucks/coaches, one might choose a four‑column set of S2 (18,000 lbs each).
- Check tyre diameter / fork width compatibility: If you service large tyre vehicles (e.g., airport vehicles), ensure your chosen column lift supports the tyre dimensions.
- Plan for workshop layout & floor: Ensure the floor is level and compatible, and plan where columns will be parked when not in use. A mobile column lift set should not obstruct other operations.
- Review maintenance and service: SEFAC offers service contracts, and the screw/nut system reduces wear parts compared to hydraulics. The quicker you can get spare parts, the less downtime.
- Future‑proofing: Consider whether your fleet may grow, add larger vehicles, or need more columns. SEFAC’s modular sets allow adding columns later.
Real‑world story snapshots
Here are a few illustrative scenarios:
A coach operator refurbishes their workshop. Instead of excavating a pit, they install a set of 4 SEFAC S2 column lifts. They now lift coaches for brake and wheel service, and plan to add two more columns later to handle articulated units.
A bus maintenance depot wants outdoor lifting capability when servicing field vehicles. They purchase the SW3 wireless column lifts: battery operated, no trailing cables, and mobile positioning near the buses when needed.
A rail‑workshop uses SEFAC rail column lifts (with extendable claws) to lift trams for bogie removal. Though not strictly “truck”, the technology shows the versatility of the column lift concept in heavy vehicle maintenance.
More than a simple lifting device
A column lift from SEFAC is much more than a simple lifting device. It represents flexibility, safety, maintenance‑efficiency and scalability for heavy‑duty vehicle workshops. Whether you manage trucks, buses, coaches or special vehicles with oversized tyres, a well‑chosen SEFAC column lift set can streamline operations, reduce downtime and make your workshop future‑ready.
If you are currently reviewing your lifting infrastructure or planning a new workshop layout, consider the SEFAC range: assess your vehicle fleet, tyre sizes, mobility requirements, and service needs — then match the right model (S2, S4, SW3) accordingly. Investing in the right column lift now will pay dividends over years of reliable, safe operations.
