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Wireless mobile column lift

Heavy-duty workshops are changing fast. Fleet operators now demand flexible, space-saving equipment that ensures maximum uptime and worker safety. Traditional fixed lifts and inspection pits no longer meet modern workshop needs. They restrict layout, require costly civil works, and limit access.

A wireless mobile column lift offers a smarter alternative. It combines the power of traditional column lifts with total mobility — and without a single cable on the floor. SEFAC, a European manufacturer with over 60 years of engineering excellence, leads this transformation with its wireless mobile column lift range. Their patented SWIP technology synchronises each column perfectly, guaranteeing precision, safety, and operator freedom in any environment.

What is a wireless mobile column lift?

A wireless mobile column lift is a battery-powered lifting system designed to raise heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, or construction machines. It consists of two to eight columns that communicate wirelessly to lift the vehicle evenly, without cables connecting the units.

Each column contains its own motor, battery, and control system. Synchronisation occurs through an encrypted radio signal, maintaining lift level to within a few millimetres. The result: fast setup, no trip hazards, and full flexibility across the workshop floor.

Definition: A wireless mobile column lift is a cable-free, battery-operated lifting system that synchronises multiple columns to elevate heavy-duty vehicles safely and efficiently.

How it differs from wired or fixed lifts

FeatureWireless mobile column liftWired column liftFixed lift / pit
InstallationPlug-and-play, no cablingRequires power cablesRequires major civil works
MobilityFully portableSemi-portableStatic
SafetyNo tripping hazardsCable clutter riskConfined-space hazards
PowerIndependent battery3-phase supplyMains only
Flexibility2–8 columns2–8 columnsFixed
Ideal forMulti-bay fleetsDedicated baysPermanent workshops

Unlike fixed or wired systems, the wireless mobile column lift can be positioned anywhere, even outdoors, as long as the surface is level and stable. This makes it particularly valuable for fleet maintenance depots, bus operators, and construction contractors who manage different vehicles every day.

Why choose wireless mobile column lifts for heavy-duty fleets?

1 – Mobility and layout flexibility

Every column is equipped with steering wheels and locking handles, allowing technicians to move them quickly. A single set can serve multiple bays or even outdoor areas, adapting to any axle spacing or vehicle size. Workshops can reconfigure their floor layout instantly — no downtime, no wiring, no reconstruction. This mobility gives operators unmatched flexibility, especially in mixed-fleet workshops handling lorries, coaches, and municipal vehicles.

Example: A bus operator in Manchester replaced two hydraulic pits with one SEFAC wireless mobile column lift set. Maintenance time per bus fell by 25 %, and technicians reported zero trip hazards compared to previous cabled systems.

2 – Safety and cabling elimination

Cables in busy workshops create trip hazards, limit space, and risk damage from heavy tyres or tools. By removing all physical connections, wireless lifts dramatically reduce these hazards.

Each column features:

  • Emergency stop buttons on every unit.
  • Electronic overload protection.
  • Automatic synchronisation check before every lift.
  • Mechanical locking through irreversible screw-and-nut drive.

The absence of cables also means no wear, no replacement cost, and no interference with other workshop equipment.

3 – Efficiency and ROI

A wireless mobile column lift speeds up operations. Setup takes minutes — simply position the columns, pair them, and start lifting. Operators save up to 15 minutes per vehicle, which compounds into hours of productivity per day.

No power cables means less downtime and fewer obstructions. Since battery systems require minimal maintenance, total cost of ownership is lower than most hydraulic or wired systems over a ten-year period.

Fact: Workshops using SEFAC’s wireless lifts typically recover their investment within three years, thanks to reduced installation and maintenance costs.

Wireless mobile column lifts are battery-powered, cable-free systems for lifting heavy vehicles. They improve safety, speed, and flexibility by eliminating cables and enabling mobile, multi-column operation across any workshop.

SEFAC wireless mobile column lifts – advanced engineering for modern workshops

SEFAC has been at the forefront of heavy-duty lifting innovation since 1971. Its wireless mobile column lift systems combine mechanical precision with state-of-the-art communication technology. The company’s patented SWIP protocol guarantees perfect synchronisation and maximum safety across all columns.

How SEFAC’s wireless system works

Each column is a self-contained lifting unit. It includes:

  • A 24 V DC motor driving an irreversible screw-and-nut mechanism.
  • A sealed, maintenance-free battery pack powering up to 25 lifts per charge.
  • A control module with radio receiver and display.
  • An LCD interface showing height, load, and status messages.

All columns communicate through the SWIP protocol, an encrypted radio link ensuring synchronisation within ± 6 mm. If one column encounters resistance or desynchronisation, the system stops automatically and displays an error code. This closed-loop communication gives SEFAC’s wireless mobile column lifts a precision level unmatched in the market.

Do you have a question about our wireless mobile columns?

Installation and operational considerations

Setup – plug, sync, and lift

Unlike fixed or wired systems, a wireless mobile column lift requires no civil works or external cabling. Each unit can be rolled into position by a single technician. Once aligned with the wheels, the operator pairs the columns via the LCD control.

The system automatically checks:

  • Column identification numbers.
  • Battery charge level.
  • Synchronisation integrity.
  • Load distribution.

After validation, the vehicle can be lifted within two minutes. No physical connection is required between columns, which is ideal for temporary or multi-purpose workshops.

Power and battery management

Every wireless column includes a rechargeable gel-cell or lithium battery, depending on the model. Charging is performed by simply plugging into a standard 230 V socket. Full charge typically lasts 10 hours and supports up to 25 lifting cycles. Battery level indicators on each display allow technicians to plan charging during off-hours. Optional fast-charging docks are available for high-turnover fleets.

Maintenance and service

Mechanical screw-drives require only periodic lubrication and nut wear inspection. There is no hydraulic fluid, hose, or seal replacement. SEFAC recommends annual inspection by a certified technician to maintain EN 1493 / ALI compliance.

Use-cases and industry applications

Wireless mobile column lifts are suitable for indoor and outdoor maintenance, as long as the surface is flat and stable. They are ideal for fleets with multiple vehicle types and changing layouts.

Fleet and transport workshops

Public transport operators, postal fleets, and logistics depots benefit from the ability to move the lifts between bays. Technicians can service buses in the morning and delivery trucks in the afternoon using the same equipment.

Construction and municipal vehicles

Construction companies and public works services use wireless lifts for tippers, loaders, and sweepers. The absence of cables allows outdoor use in yards where wired systems would be impractical.

Airport and defence vehicles

Airports use SEFAC’s wireless systems to maintain ground support equipment (GSE) such as towing tractors and catering trucks. Defence facilities also appreciate the mobility and robustness of wireless lifts, especially in temporary hangars or remote bases.

Operator experience and ergonomics

Every SEFAC wireless mobile column lift is designed for intuitive use. The control panel displays height synchronisation, battery charge, and load per column in real time. Columns can be operated individually or grouped for simultaneous lifting. udible alerts and LED indicators improve visibility in noisy or dim environments. Handles and castor wheels are ergonomically positioned to reduce strain during movement.

User insight: Technicians report smoother workflow and cleaner workspace when using SEFAC wireless lifts, as there are no cables or clutter on the floor.

  • Capacity : 7.5 t per column.
  • Synchronisation accuracy : ± 6 mm.
  • Power : 24 V battery, up to 25 lifts per charge.
  • Setup : less than 2 minutes.
  • Safety : irreversible screw drive + automatic locking.
  • Certification : EN 1493, ALI, CE.

Wireless vs wired vs fixed lift – which is best for modern workshops?

CriterionWireless mobile column liftWired column liftFixed lift / pit
InstallationPlug-and-lift, no cablesRequires power wiringMajor civil works
FlexibilityTotal mobility, 2–8 columnsSemi-mobileStatic
SafetyNo trip hazardsCables on floorConfined-space risk
MaintenanceMinimal, no fluidMediumHigh
Setup time< 2 minutes5–10 minutesPermanent
Power sourceRechargeable batteriesMains 3-phaseMains
Space efficiencyExcellentModeratePoor
Outdoor useYesLimitedNo

Verdict: For most heavy-duty workshops, wireless mobile column lifts deliver the best mix of mobility, safety, and ROI.
Wired models remain relevant for dedicated bays with fixed layouts, but pits and fixed lifts are being replaced rapidly by modular, battery-powered alternatives.

How to choose the right wireless mobile column lift

Before investing, evaluate these six technical and operational factors:

  1. Vehicle range – heaviest axle load and wheel diameter.
  2. Number of axles – determine required number of columns (4–8).
  3. Battery autonomy – 20–25 lifts per charge suits most fleets.
  4. Workshop floor type – level, non-slippery surface (≥ 150 mm concrete).
  5. Environmental conditions – indoor, semi-outdoor, or full outdoor.
  6. After-sales support – local SEFAC distributor for calibration and servicing.

Checklist

  • Confirm EN 1493 / ALI certification.
  • Verify synchronisation tolerance (± 6 mm max).
  • Ensure each column has mechanical lock.
  • Plan annual inspection & lubrication.

Addressing common objections

“Wireless communication can fail.”
→ SEFAC’s SWIP radio protocol uses encrypted, interference-proof channels with auto-resync every 100 ms.

“Batteries are inconvenient.”
→ Each charge supports up to 25 lifts and recharges overnight from a standard socket.

“They’re more expensive than wired lifts.”
→ True initially, but total cost of ownership drops 30 % over 10 years due to no installation or cable maintenance.

“Wireless isn’t safe.”
→ Each column includes mechanical locks, overload detection, and mandatory pre-lift safety checks.

“We can’t use them outside.”
→ All SEFAC wireless columns are IP54 rated and operational from −10 °C to +45 °C.

Real-world ROI example

A public transport company in Leeds upgraded to eight SEFAC SW3 columns.
Results after 12 months:

  • 32 % faster setup per vehicle.
  • 28 % reduction in maintenance costs.
  • 0 cable-related incidents reported.
  • ROI achieved in 2.8 years.

Conclusion – mobility, safety, and long-term value

The wireless mobile column lift represents the evolution of heavy-duty maintenance: fast, cable-free, and space-saving.
SEFAC’s engineering ensures perfect synchronisation, built-in safety, and decades of reliability. hether you manage a municipal fleet, a logistics hub, or an airport workshop, wireless lifts empower you to work smarter, safer, and faster — anywhere, anytime. Discover SEFAC’s complete wireless range and request a demo at www.sefac.com.

6 key takeaways

  • Wireless mobile column lifts eliminate cables, improving safety and workspace flexibility.
  • SEFAC’s SWIP technology ensures ± 6 mm synchronisation accuracy.
  • Each column lifts 7.5 t with up to 25 cycles per charge.
  • Setup in under 2 minutes – no civil works required.
  • Lifetime ROI > 25 years, maintenance costs − 30 %.
  • Certified EN 1493 / ALI / CE – trusted worldwide.

FAQ

What is a wireless mobile column lift?

A battery-powered, cable-free lift that raises heavy vehicles using synchronised columns communicating via radio signal.

How many columns can operate together?

2 to 8 columns can be grouped for different vehicle sizes or axle counts.

How long does the battery last?

Around 25 lifting cycles per charge, rechargeable overnight.

Are wireless lifts safe?

Yes. They include mechanical locks, overload detection, and automatic synchronisation.

Can they be used outdoors?

Yes, SEFAC models are IP54-rated and weather-resistant.

How precise is synchronisation?

Within ± 6 mm across all columns, maintained in real time.

Do they need special flooring?

Only a level concrete floor, ≥ 150 mm thick and free of cracks.

How often should they be serviced?

Once a year for lubrication and calibration under EN 1493.

How long does installation take?

Less than 2 minutes to position, pair, and lift.

What is the main benefit over wired systems?

Complete freedom of movement, zero cables, and faster operations.

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