Rotary Lift has launched a new vehicle lift that company officials say is perfectly suited for school bus fleets.

The MCH413 mobile column lift offers the time-saving, productivity-enhancing features of Rotary Lift’s heavy-duty Mach family of mobile column lifts, but in a smaller package.

According to Rotary Lift, the MCH413 is designed to reduce lift setup time by more than 30%, freeing up more time for bus technicians.

Rotary Lift’s other Mach mobile column lifts have a rated capacity of 18,000 lbs. per column. The MCH413 is smaller — about a foot shorter and 150 lbs. lighter — and has a rated capacity of 13,000 lbs. per column. As a result, it also has a lower price.

“There are a lot of people who like the versatility of mobile column lifts, but don’t necessarily need to pick up 72,000 pounds,” said Doug Spiller, Rotary Lift heavy-duty product manager. “You shouldn’t have to pay for capacity you don’t need. In its four-column setup, with a 52,000-pound capacity, the MCH413 can lift both standard school buses and larger, coach-style buses. Plus, its smaller size and lighter weight make the MCH413 easier to store when not in use.”

The MCH413 is battery operated, so there are no power cords. The Mach series mobile column lifts use three communication cables that are arranged in a horseshoe shape, keeping one end of the lift open for easy vehicle entry and egress. The lift can be operated from any column through Rotary Lift’s control system.

According to the company, the MCH413 raises a bus 69 inches in 68 seconds. Adjustable forks eliminate the need for reducer sleeves, and optional high-efficiency LEDs provide hands-free lighting.

“There’s a growing demand for mobile column lifts because they offer excellent vehicle access and can be used throughout the shop, unlike other lifts that have to be installed and used in a single bay,” Spiller said. “The MCH413’s economical price makes it affordable for fleets of virtually any size. Technicians can return buses to service faster than ever before because the columns are so easy to move, connect and operate.”

The MCH413 lift is available in groups of two (MCH213), four (MCH413) or six (MCH613) columns.