In a heavy‑duty vehicle workshop – servicing trucks, buses, coaches or special vehicles – selecting the right lifting equipment is key. For many operations the ideal solution is a mobile column lift setup: highly flexible, safe, space‑efficient and tailored for heavy axles and large tyres. This article presents how SEFAC’s range of truck‑lifting equipment answers those needs. We will examine what makes SEFAC mobile column lifts special, walk through key models, highlight selection criteria, and show why a workshop should choose SEFAC for lifting heavy vehicles.
What does “truck lifts” mean in SEFAC’s context?
When we talk about “truck lifts” in the SEFAC context, we mean lifting systems designed for heavy‑duty road vehicles – trucks, coaches, buses, municipal or airport vehicles – and specially configured mobile column lifts, rather than standard car lifts. SEFAC explains that mobile column lifts are an ideal solution for truck workshops and heavy‑duty vehicle maintenance because they offer flexibility, loading capacity and cost‑effectiveness compared to fixed pits or conventional scissor lifts.
SEFAC has decades of experience: their website reports they design, manufacture and sell mobile column lifts, axle stands and transmission jacks for heavy duty vehicles such as trucks, buses, coaches, metro, locomotives and rail cars. Their expertise means they produce equipment with technical features tailored for heavy road fleets: high axle loads, large wheel diameters, multi‑column sets, paired/ grouped operation.
Moreover, SEFAC emphasises that their screw‑and‑nut electro‑mechanical design (rather than hydraulics) adds safety and reliability, important for heavy duty lifting. For a workshop seeking to invest in “truck lifts”, the SEFAC proposition is compelling: a specialist range built for the heavy‑vehicle sector.
The SEFAC truck lift product range: key models you should know
Here are some of SEFAC’s key mobile column lift models tailored to heavy road‑vehicle maintenance (truck lifts). These models illustrate capacity, configuration, technology and flexibility.
S2 column lift
The S2 model is one of SEFAC’s heavy‑duty column lifts, capable of 18,000 lbs (≈ 8.2 t) per column. It is aimed at commercial vehicle garages servicing buses, coaches and HD trucks.
Key features:
- Configuration sets of 2, 4 or 6 columns.
- Compatible with wheel size 38‑46 inch and rim size 12‑20 inch.
- Minimal wearing parts: only the bronze screw nut. Helps reduce maintenance cost.
This model makes sense for truck workshops that have a fixed installation and handle standard HD trucks or coaches.
SW3 wireless column lift
For greater flexibility, SEFAC’s SW3 wireless model offers 18,000 lbs per column and up to 8 columns in a set. The key differentiator is wireless operation: no trailing cables, on‑board batteries, and freedom to position columns wherever needed (indoor or outdoor).
Highlights:
- Patented “SWiP” communication system ensures synchronized operation of multiple columns.
- Ball bearing screw lift system for reduced maintenance (greasing only every 5 years).
- IP54 rated for protection. Compatible for busy workshop floors.
- Suitable for buses, coaches, HD trucks, civil works vehicles and garbage trucks.
For workshops that may require mobile operation, outdoor lifting, or flexible location changes, the SW3 model stands out.
S4 mobile column lift
For very heavy vehicles and large tyres, SEFAC’s S4 offers 8.2 t per column (≈18,000 lbs) and up to 6 columns for a vehicle up to around 50 t total.
Important features:
- Tyre diameter compatibility from 38 to 46 inches (with adaptors).
- Touch screen display, ISO+ height correction ±2 mm for high‑precision levelling.
- Bronze nut quick change device allows rapid field maintenance.
- Seamless control in grouped usage (2/4/6 columns). Ideal for large trucks, trailers or combined units.
Why SEFAC truck lifts offer real advantages for workshops
Investing in SEFAC truck lifts brings multiple benefits for heavy‑duty maintenance operations.
Safety and reliability
SEFAC stresses that their screw/nut electro‑mechanical system is “intrinsically safe.” For example, the screw pitch is so shallow that the fork cannot lower without activation of the motor – meaning the load cannot drop inadvertently. This is a major advantage compared to hydraulic systems which require additional ratchet safety devices.
Low maintenance and long lifetime
Many SEFAC models highlight minimal wearing parts (bronze nut only), fewer moving parts, and long service intervals. For instance, the SW3 wireless model requires greasing only every five years. The bronze nut quick-change device on the S4 and S2 ensures that when wear does occur, downtime is kept to a minimum.
Flexibility and workshop footprint efficiency
Mobile column lifts from SEFAC can be re‑configured: sets of 2, 4, 6 or 8 columns depending on the workshop needs. They can be wired or wireless, indoor or outdoor, enabling usage across different vehicle types and layouts. This flexibility allows workshops to free up space, adapt to large vehicles or multiple axles, and handle non‑standard tyres.
Heavy‐duty capacity and large tyre compatibility
SEFAC models cater for large wheel diameters (e.g., up to 1,486 mm) and heavy vehicles (18,000 lb per column, up to ~110,00 lb vehicle). This makes them genuinely suitable for the “truck lifts” category rather than only lighter commercial vehicles.
Global service and track record
SEFAC reports over 65,000 lifting jacks in 45 countries, 22,000 customers. They also emphasise a full service network: installation, commissioning, training, spare parts, service contracts. This ensures that the investment in lifting equipment is backed by support.
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How to select the right SEFAC truck lift for your workshop
When you are choosing a SEFAC truck lift, here are key criteria you should evaluate:
Lifting capacity per column
Start by understanding the heaviest axle or wheel load you will deal with. For example: the S2 and SW3 models provide 18 000 lbs per column; the S4 offers roughly 8.2 t (~18 000 lbs) per column. Based on your vehicle fleet, choose a model that covers the worst‑case load with a margin.
Number of columns and configuration
Consider how many lifting points you need: 2, 4, 6 or 8 columns in a set. SEFAC allows configuration in sets. For trucks with two axles, a 4‑column set may suffice; for larger vehicles or multiple axles, a 6 or 8 column set may be necessary.
Tyre/wheel diameter compatibility
If your trucks have large tyres, low profile, or are special‑vehicles with oversized tyres, check the diameter range. All SEFAC models — S2, S4 and SW3 — cover the same lifting range when used with the appropriate adaptors.
Wired vs wireless operation
If flexibility and mobility across the workshop (indoor or outdoor) is a priority, consider wireless models like SW3. If the installation is fixed and cables are acceptable, wired models offer good value and simplicity.
Safety and interface features
Look for intuitive controls (such as the touch screen on the S4) and high precision levelling (e.g., ISO+ +/- 5/32 in) for safety and ease of use. Also check that the system is certified (ALI, UL, CSA) where relevant.
Maintenance and lifecycle costs
Since SEFAC emphasises minimal wear parts and maintenance, check the maintenance schedule, availability of spare parts and service network. The quicker you can maintain or replace key wear items (such as bronze nut) the better.
Future scalability and service support
Think ahead: if you expand fleet, change vehicle types or require more lifts, SEFAC’s modular systems allow you to add columns or adapt to new requirements. Their global network of service and parts means less risk of downtime.
Implementation & maintenance of SEFAC truck lifts in your workshop
Pre‑installation & layout planning
Before installing your SEFAC mobile column set, assess the workshop floor (levelness, load‑bearing capacity), the overhead clearance, tyre diameters of vehicles, and whether mobile or fixed configuration is best. SEFAC guidance suggests mobile column lifts are often more cost‑effective than pits or scissor lifts when you weigh installation cost, flexibility and space usage.
Training & safety management
SEFAC offers commissioning and training as part of its services. Proper operator training is essential: correct column placement, synchronised lifts, safe positioning of vehicles, obstacle detection and emergency protocols. The irreversibility of the screw/nut system offers inherent safety but proper usage still matters.
Routine maintenance & servicing
Periodic maintenance should include lubrication of mechanical parts (some models require greasing only every 5 years for major components), inspection of control systems, battery ageing (for wireless models), checking of synchronisation and leveling systems, and regular service contracts with SEFAC or their authorised network.
Upgrades & longevity
Ensure your purchase includes options for future expansion (extra columns, adaptors for larger tyres, wireless vs wired transition). SEFAC’s quick change features (e.g., bronze nut change device) help extend the life of the columns with minimal workshop downtime.
Why choose SEFAC as your truck lift partner
Choosing the right supplier is just as important as the equipment itself. SEFAC stands out for several reasons:
- Long history and proven track record: over 60 years in heavy‑duty lifting, and recognised by major transport and rail manufacturers.
- Specialist focus on heavy vehicles and mobile column lifts rather than adapting lighter‑vehicle lifts. Their product range is designed for “truck lifts” rather than car lifts.
- Certified systems: many models are ALI, UL and CSA certified and undergo rigorous testing (e.g., load tests at 150 % of nominal).
- Comprehensive service: installation, commissioning, training, spare parts and global distributor network. Workshops benefit from full lifecycle support.
- Innovative safety and maintenance features: screw‑and‑nut irreversible system, bronze nut quick change, wireless tech, touch‑screen interfaces, wide tyre compatibility.
- Flexibility: ability to adapt to workshop layout, future fleets and special vehicle requirements.
Truck lifts: summary & conclusion
When it comes to “truck lifts” for heavy‑duty vehicle workshops, SEFAC offers some of the most advanced, purpose‑built mobile column lift solutions on the market. From the S2 wired set aimed at standard HD trucks to the SW3 wireless for maximum flexibility, and the S4 designed for larger tyres and heavier loads, the range covers a wide variety of lifting needs.
By choosing a SEFAC system, a workshop gains safety, flexibility, low maintenance and future‑proofing. But the right choice depends on understanding your vehicle fleet (axle loads, tyre sizes), workshop layout, mobility requirements and maintenance regime. Evaluate those factors, select a SEFAC model accordingly, plan for installation and maintenance, and you’ll secure a robust investment for your heavy‑duty lifting needs.
If your workshop is handling trucks, buses, coaches or special vehicles and you’re looking for the best “truck lifts” solution, SEFAC deserves serious consideration. Contact their technical team to discuss your fleet profile and layout, then match the correct model and configuration to your needs.
