NEW ORLEANS — Rotary Lift introduced its updated MOD30 environmentally friendly inground lift at the American Public Transportation Association EXPO 2011 on Tuesday.

The latest MOD30 updates have been driven by input from customers, according to the company.

"Through our focus on continuous improvement, Rotary Lift has partnered with key customer fleets around the country to develop a new transit package and other design enhancements to make the MOD30 even better," said Doug Spiller, Rotary Lift heavy-duty product manager.

The new MOD30 transit package includes an ultra-low-profile version of Rotary Lift's patented universal saddle adapter. The saddle can accommodate multiple Rotary Lift exclusive third party-certified adapters and inserts, including new low-profile inserts that enable the MOD30 to pick up low-floor and kneeling buses. The saddle can be retracted completely into the ground for zero obstructions when not in use.

The transit package also includes a new saddle for the rear post that features six insert receptacles. This saddle utilizes multiple inserts that swivel 360 degrees and slide left and right to provide an incomparable pickup range.

Both of the MOD30's saddle adapters offer a greater adjustment range, making lift set up faster and easier for technicians. As a result, technicians spend less time positioning the vehicle and can get to work faster, according to the company.

Technicians operate the MOD30 while standing at the upright control console. The console also provides lift status, operation and maintenance information, online training guides and programmable wheelbase settings to save technicians time. Joystick controls allow infinite speed control for locating and connecting with confined lifting points.

Moreover, Rotary Lift has improved the console's graphical display to make it easier to match the screen image to the lift layout. The console access panels have also been redesigned so the units can be installed flush against a wall, if desired.

The MOD30 is contained in a 6-foot-deep steel enclosure that is completely sealed inside and out with Rotary Lift's exclusive EnviroGuard coating, a quarter-inch-thick polyurethane sealant that is covered by warranty against damage caused by electrolysis and harsh contaminants for 10 years. The containment forms a barrier between the lift and the ground which traps oil and other shop fluids that might come into the lift housing, while at the same time locking out groundwater and contaminants from the outside.

Rotary Lift's patented Liquid Detection System monitors the system and signals the technician if liquid accumulates in the lift housing.

The MOD30 is also energy-efficient. Wheelbase adjustment requires just a half horsepower motor. For set up, individual cylinders can be raised by themselves, one at a time using a 5-horsepower motor. Only after all axles are engaged will the units operate all lifting motors. This function is managed by a variable frequency drive, which delivers reduced energy for loads below the lift's maximum capacity.

Finally, the Rotary Lift MOD30 inground lift has been third party-tested by ETL and ALI certified to meet ANSI safety and performance standards.