COLUMN LIFT

The new Mach 4 mobile column lift from Rotary Lift is said to feature especially quick setup, and quick lifting as well. The company actually claims a productivity improvement of more than 30%, which equates to an annual saving of $7604 based on an hourly technician rate of $60. Further, it requires virtually no maintenance, Rotary says.

The Mach 4 is sold in sets of four or six battery-operated columns. Each column has a rated capacity of 18,000 lb. The lift can raise a vehicle 70 in. in just 78 seconds, according to Rotary, and it  can be used to service vehicles from classes 1 through 8, plus material-handling vehicles with optional adapters.

Each Mach 4 column is powered by two deep-cycle marine batteries and is equipped with an onboard waterproof Minn Kota charger. It can be used anywhere in the shop —  including wash bays —  as well as outside. Its hydraulic cylinder is positioned to protect its chrome piston rod from debris and damage at all times.

The Mach 4’s proprietary horseshoe wiring layout offers both quick setup and convenience. The Mach 4 connects the columns using just three communication cables, not four, forming a horseshoe shape that leaves the front or back of the lift open. This layout enables technicians to drive trucks in and out of the bay area without wasting time disconnecting and reconnecting cables. The cables are also located up and out of the way, instead of on the ground. At the end of the day, a quick tug on each disconnected cable automatically rewinds it into a built-in cord reel, Rotary says. As well, each of the Mach 4’s columns is identical, so a technician can control the entire lift while standing at the most convenient column.

The patent-pending control panel on each column features a graphic layout of the column setup, a live height reading, battery indicator, programmable height-limit settings, and one-touch controls. A slow-lowering function allows for precise vehicle positioning. Lifting and lowering of all columns is automatically synchronized.

In terms of safety, the Mach 4 has locking mechanisms every three inches and a lower-to-lock function for those technicians who prefer the additional peace of mind that comes from knowing that the vehicle weight is resting on the lift’s mechanical locks.


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