SchoolBus logo in red and orange
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Rotary Lift Offers Retrofit Options for Old Inground Lifts

According to the vehicle lift supplier, existing pits are often reusable with new certified replacement inground lifts.

September 29, 2016
Rotary Lift Offers Retrofit Options for Old Inground Lifts

Rotary Lift’s 70Q, MOD30, and MOD35 heavy-duty inground lifts are available as direct structural “frame only” replacements for existing pits.

2 min to read


Rotary Lift’s 70Q, MOD30, and MOD35 heavy-duty inground lifts are available as direct structural “frame only” replacements for existing pits.

MADISON, Ind. — For repair shops with heavy-duty inground lifts that are 20 to 40 years old, Rotary Lift offers three retrofit options to install a new certified lift in the existing pit.

Rotary Lift’s 70Q, MOD30, and MOD35 heavy-duty inground lifts are available as direct structural “frame only” replacements for all Rotary Lift standard inground lifts, as well as most competitive inground lifts of this vintage.

Ad Loading...

If an existing pit is still good, the retrofit strategy can save shops up to 50% of the cost of installing a new heavy-duty inground lift in a new pit, according to Rotary Lift. Also, installing a new Automotive Lift Institute-certified lift can bring the shop into compliance with ANSI safety standards and International Building Code requirements.

Each hydraulic jack in a Rotary Lift heavy-duty frame-only retrofit inground lift has from 25,000 to 35,000 pounds of capacity. In most 20- to 40-year-old pits, each inground lift cylinder is rated at 18,000 pounds.

Before the Rotary Lift retrofit options can be considered, the shop’s existing pit must be evaluated by a structural engineer to ensure that it is in good condition and to determine how much additional load it can support.

“The cost of a new pit is a big part of the investment in a new inground lift,” said Doug Spiller, Rotary Lift’s heavy-duty product manager. “We’ve found the majority of 20- to 40-year-old inground lift pits can safely handle additional lifting capacity. When that’s the case, Rotary Lift provides viable and economical choices to upgrade to a higher-capacity, certified inground lift with minimal pit modification and cost.”

For more information, go here or call (800) 640-5438.

More Maintenance

Technician operating a red APEX tire changer next to an APEX wheel balancer with mounted tire, displayed against an orange background with BendPak branding.
MaintenanceFebruary 12, 2026

BendPak Launches New Tire Changers and Wheel Balancers

APEX by BendPak expands its tire service lineup with new swing-arm tire changers and wheel balancers designed for school bus and light-duty fleet maintenance operations.

Read More →
Technician using diagnostic software on a laptop connected to a commercial vehicle to analyze CAN bus data.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 5, 2026

Noregon Updates JPRO with CAN Bus Diagnostics

JPRO Professional v3 adds new bus diagnostic capabilities and expanded vehicle coverage for fleet technicians.

Read More →
A product photo of the Meritor brake pads against an orange background and the Cummins logo
MaintenanceJanuary 30, 2026

Cummins Introduces Meritor MFLEX4 Air Disc Brake Pad

Check out key features of the new air disc brake pad and catch free 2026 brake training sessions from Cummins and Meritor. Details here.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 29, 2026

8 Ways To Simplify and Streamline School Bus Fleet Operations

What if your fleet technology actually worked together? Learn eight practical strategies to integrate multiple systems into one platform, unlocking clearer insights, stronger safety standards, and smoother daily operations.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.

Read More →
Maintenanceby StaffJanuary 2, 2026

2026 School Bus Maintenance Survey Now Open

Calling transportation directors, fleet managers, and shop leads! School Bus Fleet’s annual Maintenance Survey, sponsored by Dorman Products, is open and closes at the end of January.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Up close image of an engine.
Managementby StaffNovember 6, 2025

Applications Open for Propane Autogas Skills Grant Program

With alternative fuels on the rise, PERC’s grant program helps schools prepare students for careers maintaining low-emission fleets through hands-on training and equipment funding.

Read More →
Fleetio graphic announcing Maintenance Shop Network expansion into Canada with features like trusted repair shops, real-time tracking, automated approvals, and streamlined payments.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseOctober 8, 2025

Fleetio Expands Maintenance Shop Network into Canada

Fleetio's expanded network gives transportation departments new access to verified repair partners, faster approvals, and real-time repair tracking.

Read More →
Technician using Truck Check-Up diagnostic software on a Panasonic Toughbook laptop inside a truck cab
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 10, 2025

Noregon Updates Shop Management System, CARB Inspection Tool

The maintenance company's Truck Check Up and ShopPulse products receive enhancements and feature updates.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A man in a grey t-shirt works on the electrical components to a school bus stop arm.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 8, 2025

Pro-Vision Launches FleetGuard Maintenance Plan

The company's new maintenance program offers inspections, fast repairs, and support to keep school bus video systems running.

Read More →