In today’s heavy‑duty vehicle maintenance world, standard fixed lifts and pits are often too rigid, expensive or space‑consuming. That’s where mobile column lifts shine. With SEFAC’s expertise in this niche, workshops servicing trucks, buses, coaches, special vehicles and even rail can adopt truly mobile, efficient lifting solutions. This article explores what SEFAC mobile column lifts are, how they are used in mobile or flexible settings, and why they should be part of your workshop planning.
What are SEFAC mobile column lifts?
A mobile column lift from SEFAC refers to a vertical column unit which can be moved into position around a vehicle (rather than built into the floor), and then used — either as a single or as part of a set — to raise heavy vehicles safely. Unlike a fixed pit or built‑in scissor lift, the mobile column provides flexibility: you can reposition it, store it away, or use it outdoors/inside. SEFAC’s mobile column lifts are found under their “Road / Mobile column lifts” section.
Key technical features include:
- Electro‑mechanical screw & bronze nut drive (irreversible system) – reducing risk of accidental descent and maintenance.
- Wired versions (e.g., S3) and wireless versions (e.g., SW3) for mobile operation.
- Flexibility in configuration: sets of 2, 4, 6 or even 8 columns can operate together to lift larger vehicles.
In other words, SEFAC mobile column lifts let you convert a portion of your workshop floor into a lifting station — and then revert it when not needed.
Real‑world mobile‑use examples
Here are several practical scenarios where mobile column lifts deliver real value.
Example 1: On‑site servicing of coaches at remote depot
A coach fleet operator runs maintenance at four depots scattered across a region. Instead of installing expensive pits at each site, they purchase a set of SEFAC wireless mobile column lifts (SW3 series). They wheel the columns into a bay, connect batteries (no trailing cables), lift the coach, perform wheel/brake/undercarriage work, and then wheel the columns to a storage area. Later, they move the same columns to a remote outdoor bay when the depot lacks a roofed workshop. The freedom to position the equipment where needed — even outdoors — defines “mobile”.
Example 2: Municipal vehicle fleet with multi‑purpose workshop
A municipal garage serves trucks, garbage vehicles, airport ground‑support units and snow‑plough trucks. Their workshop layout needs to adapt to different vehicle types. They install SEFAC mobile column lifts of varying capacities (standard + special vehicles). When a large airport vehicle arrives with oversized tyres, they rearrange 6 columns to form a lifting zone. When a smaller bus arrives, they use 4 columns and store the others. This flexibility means they don’t need dedicated fixed lifts for each vehicle type — one mobile column system covers multiple uses.
Example 3: Construction site maintenance – mobile‑column set travels with fleet
A construction company runs large trucks on site and occasionally needs maintenance on site (rather than returning vehicles to main workshop). They have a mobile column set from SEFAC which they load into a trailer, bring to site, deploy around the truck, lift it and perform service on‑location. Because SEFAC mobile column lifts are designed to be moved and used in varying environments, this use case becomes viable. The workshop becomes truly mobile.
Example 4: Rail maintenance depot with temporary layout
A rail maintenance facility uses SEFAC mobile column lifts to lift multiple types of vehicles — trams, rail cars, light locomotives. When one bay is dedicated to building refurbishment, the mobile column lifts are rolled out to an alternative bay, set up quickly, and used there for a period, then returned. The ability to relocate lifting equipment without heavy civil works is a major advantage.
Example 5: Pop‑up seasonal service centre
A large coach operator opens a seasonal service centre at a holiday destination for summer maintenance. Rather than building permanent infrastructure, they deploy SEFAC mobile column lifts to a leased warehouse for six months. After the season ends, they store the columns and reclaim the space. The mobile column lifts enabled a semi‑temporary facility.
Do you have a question about our wireless mobile columns?
Why SEFAC mobile column lifts are especially suited for mobile use
Mobile use imposes extra demands: portability, flexibility, variable environments, minimal permanent installation. SEFAC meets these demands via:
- Wireless technology: The SW3 wireless mobile column lifts operate on on‑board batteries, enabling full mobility indoors or outdoors without trailing cables.
- Compact footprint and manoeuvrability: Columns include drawbars or wheels so you can move them into place and park them when not in use.
- Configurable sets: Whether you need 2 columns for a smaller vehicle or 8 for a heavy trailer, SEFAC allows modular configurations.
- Minimal infrastructure: Because you’re not building a pit or modifying the floor, mobile columns reduce downtime and civil works. SEFAC itself highlights that mobile column lifts are “more cost‑effective than workshop pits or scissor lifts”.
- Heavy‑duty capacities: Some mobile column lifts by SEFAC handle tyre diameters up to 1,486 mm and vehicle weights up to 50t with 8.2t per column (S4 model).
- Low maintenance and reliability: The screw & bronze nut system is irreversible and less prone to hydraulic leaks or buckling, making it suitable for varying site conditions.
How to select the right SEFAC mobile column lifts for mobile applications
1. Define mobility requirements
Ask: Will you use columns in multiple bays? Outdoors? On site at remote locations? If yes, lean toward wireless models (e.g., SW3) which remove cables and allow on‑site repositioning. If the columns will stay in one bay, a wired set may suffice and be more cost‑effective.
2. Match capacity to vehicle fleet
For standard heavy trucks/coaches you might choose columns rated at 18,000 lbs (~8.2t) per column (S3 model). For special vehicles with oversized tyres, you may require the special‑vehicle series from SEFAC which accommodates tyres 45‑58″ and capacities up to 22,000 lbs per column.
3. Consider tyre/wheel size compatibility
If your vehicles have large diameter tyres (airport or quarry vehicles), you’ll need forks/adaptors and a model rated for large diameters. The S4 model handles tyre diameters from 600 mm to 1,486 mm with adaptors.
4. Number of columns & configuration
Decide how many columns you need simultaneously. A mobile setup may need to reconfigure between 4 and 8 columns, depending on vehicles. SEFAC allows sets of 2/4/6/8.
5. Infrastructure & floor conditions
Since mobile columns will be moved around, ensure the floor is level, strong and free of obstacles. Outdoor use may require protection or weather‑proofing. Wireless models let you deploy outdoors if floor quality permits.
6. Maintenance & service support
Mobile use can mean rougher environments. SEFAC’s low maintenance design (only one wearing part in some models) is an advantage. For example, the S3 model highlights “only one wearing part (bronze screw nut)”. Also check service support for remote or mobile deployment.
Benefits of mobile column lifts in a mobile or flexible workshop layout
- Space optimisation: Columns can be stored when not used, freeing the floor for other operations.
- Reduced civil works: No pit excavation means less downtime and cost.
- Versatility: One set of mobile column lifts can serve multiple vehicle types, locations and operations.
- Rapid deployment: In mobile sites or temporary workshops you can deploy mobile column lifts quickly.
- Better ROI: Because the equipment is flexible, you spread cost across more uses and sites.
- Enhanced fleet coverage: Enables servicing vehicles right where they are (onsite), reducing transport time and downtime.
Mobile column lifts: final thoughts
For heavy‑duty vehicle workshops, the concept of “mobile column lifts” is not just about mobility — it’s about flexibility, scalability and efficiency. With SEFAC’s line of mobile column lifts tailored for standard trucks, coaches, special vehicles and mobile applications, workshops can adopt lifting systems that move with their needs.
Whether you’re running a depot servicing coaches, a municipal fleet with mixed vehicles, a mobile onsite service centre, or a seasonal pop‑up workshop, SEFAC mobile column lifts offer a solution built for mobility. Start by assessing your fleet profile, mobility requirements and site conditions. Then choose the right SEFAC model (wired or wireless), configuration (2/4/6/8), and tyre/weight compatibility. Deploy for mobile use, retract when done, optimise your space — and keep your heavy‑duty fleet ready to roll.
