SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Rotary mobile lift features operator-friendly design

The company's latest addition to its line of mobile column lifts, the RCH4, also features an automatic steering system, which makes it faster and easier to position the columns for service, officials say. Each column is identical and has a rated capacity of 18,000 pounds, for total lifting capacity of up to 144,000 pounds.

February 9, 2012
2 min to read


The RCH4 is sold in sets of four, six or eight battery-operated columns. Each column is identical and has a rated capacity of 18,000 pounds, for total lifting capacity of up to 144,000 pounds.

MADISON, Ind. — Rotary Lift's latest addition to its line of mobile column lifts, the RCH4, has an easy-to-use, operator-friendly design, according to the company.

The RCH4 is sold in sets of four, six or eight battery-operated columns. Each column is identical and has a rated capacity of 18,000 pounds, for total lifting capacity of up to 144,000 pounds. It can lift a vehicle 70 inches in 78 seconds.

Ad Loading...

The RCH4 also features Rotary Lift's automatic steering system, which makes it faster and easier to position the columns for service. Fixed forks fit most large tires without adjustment, so technicians can get the vehicle up in the air for service more quickly, officials said.

Every column is equipped with Rotary Lift's patented control panel. These intuitive controls include a graphic layout of the column set up, real-time height reading and error display, a battery indicator, programmable height limit settings and one-touch controls. Lifting and lowering of all columns is automatically synchronized, and there is a slow-lowering function for precision vehicle positioning.

Additionally, the RCH4 is battery operated with an internal charger, eliminating the need for power cords and improving the lift's portability. Its hydraulic cylinder is inverted so the chrome piston rod is protected from debris and damage at all times.

"The new RCH4 is an excellent choice for maintenance managers who are looking for a mobile column lift that's affordable and has the features and benefits they need to improve shop productivity," said Doug Spiller, Rotary Lift heavy-duty product manager.

There are a number of optional accessories available for the RCH4:

Ad Loading...

• A high-efficiency LED system provides hands-free lighting under the vehicle.
• Steel reducer sleeves slide onto the forks to allow proper contact with smaller radius tires.
• A large wheel riser kit raises tires on ramps to allow for proper fork placement.
• A weight gauge shows technicians the load weight of the vehicle being lifted.

The RCH4 mobile column lifting system has been third-party tested by ETL and ALI certified to meet industry safety and performance standards.

More Maintenance

Fleet manager reviews maintenance and performance data on dual computer monitors.
MaintenanceApril 27, 2026

How School Bus Fleets are Getting Ahead of Breakdowns

Don’t let bus downtime wear you down. Here’s how bus operators are shifting from manual processes to AI-powered, data-driven maintenance systems for improved reliability and safety.

Read More →
Matthews Bus Company maintenance team members stand in front of a yellow school bus, recognized by Pennsylvania State Police for fleet safety, cleanliness, and inspection performance.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseApril 22, 2026

Pennsylvania School Bus Maintenance Team Praised for Dedication to Safety

Matthews Bus Company’s West Jefferson received a letter of commendation from the Pennsylvania State Police for their fleet inspections.

Read More →
zonar system image
SponsoredApril 20, 2026

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Transfinder promotional graphic featuring “P.A.Y.S. – Pay As You Save” surrounded by icons of school transportation operations (bus, maps, calendar, clock, documents, and money), with tagline about saving time, money, and headaches in school transportation.
SponsoredApril 16, 2026

How Transfinder Technology P.A.Y.S. (Pays as You Save) Saving Time, Money and Headaches in School Transportation Operations

Transportation leaders say when their districts implemented Transfinder's AI enhanced logistics technology, it paid for itself in financial savings, time savings and operational headache reductions (OHR). In this white paper transportation experts share specific ways they have experienced how Transfinder P.A.Y.S. (Pay As You Save) off. Each, in their own way, said transportation technology is not simply a software purchase — it’s a strategic investment in operational efficiency, cost containment and staff satisfaction.

Read More →
Row of yellow school buses with overlay text reading “The essential guide to school bus fleet maintenance: Maximizing safety and uptime” and the Geotab logo.
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

Data-Driven School Bus Maintenance Guide

Stop reacting to engine lights and start predicting them. This guide reveals how transitioning from a "break-fix" model to a data-driven maintenance strategy can drastically reduce fleet downtime and protect your district's budget. Learn how to transform your garage operations from a cost center into a reliability powerhouse.

Read More →
Buyers Guide and Directory thumbnail
SponsoredMarch 13, 2026

2026 School Bus Fleet Vendor Directory & Buyer's Guide

Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
2026 School Bus Maintenance Survey thumbnail
SponsoredMarch 13, 2026

2026 School Bus Maintenance Survey

What top challenges are school bus maintenance teams facing in 2026? Explore new trends from School Bus Fleet’s annual maintenance survey covering fleet composition and age, fuel types, used vs. new purchasing patterns, technician pay and certifications, and the impact of the driver shortage. Survey sponsor: Dayton Parts.

Read More →
School Bus Maintenance in 2026: Costs, Tech & Workforce Gaps
MaintenanceMarch 13, 2026

2026 School Bus Maintenance Survey

What top challenges are school bus maintenance teams facing in 2026? Explore new trends from School Bus Fleet’s annual maintenance survey covering fleet composition and age, fuel types, used vs. new purchasing patterns, technician pay and certifications, and the impact of the driver shortage. Survey sponsor: Dayton Parts.

Read More →
A purple and white Fleetio graphic with text reading "Fleetio Introduces AI Service Advisor."
Maintenanceby Staff and News ReportsMarch 13, 2026

Fleetio Launches AI-Powered Maintenance Service Advisor

The company’s new AI tool helps fleet managers approve repairs faster, prioritize maintenance, and reduce shop time across high-volume fleets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
photo of a large school bus maintenance shop faded in the background with a red ribbon on top that reads "garage products to watch" and the SBF logo
Maintenanceby Amanda HuggettMarch 12, 2026

Maintenance Must-Haves: Shop Products We Love

From tire changers and diagnostics to wash systems and brake tech, these maintenance must-haves save time, reduce strain, and keep school bus shops running efficiently.

Read More →