STEVENSVILLE, Md. —  Electric-hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG) engines, which are increasingly being used in commercial vehicles, generate significantly more heat, which is leading to a transformational shift in heavy duty lifting, according to a new industry overview from Stertil-Koni.

The new greener engines typically run up to 50% hotter than conventional engines. While that in itself is not a problem, when those searing temperatures combine with the typical road grime that accumulates on the undercarriages of commercial vehicles, engine life can be unnecessarily cut short, according to Stertil-Koni.

In response, vehicle maintenance shops throughout North America are increasingly turning to heavy duty vehicle lifting systems that are specifically engineered to be water resistant, thereby permitting technicians to pressure wash commercial vehicle undercarriages in a safe, efficient and operator-friendly manner.

“Heat is the enemy when it comes to preserving an engine, and grime in and around the engine compounds the problem,” said Peter Bowers, Stertil-Koni’s technical sales manager. “It increases the heat and accelerates engine degradation. Because the new alternative fuel engines run hotter than conventional models, it is increasingly important to be able to properly clean the undercarriages of vehicles to achieve a maximum lifespan for your fleet.”  

Stertil-Koni offers several water-resistant systems. For example, the company’s SKYLIFT series, a vertical rise, clear floor concept platform lift with no crossbeams or columns, is available in a wash bay version. It features hot-dip galvanized platforms, three layer mono-pox coated lift supports and a stainless steel control box to provide superior protection for the electronic controls.

In addition, Stertil-Koni’s mobile column lifts are National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) 4 compliant, meaning that the enclosures are water-resistant and can withstand low-pressure water from direct hose spray.

“We pride ourselves in listening very carefully to our customers’ needs, and then designing the ideal, heavy duty lifting system to meet their specific requirements,” said Dr. Jean DellAmore, president of Stertil-Koni. “In the instance of ALI-certified, water-resistant vehicle lifts, our customers can rest assured that with Stertil-Koni they have a safe, long-lasting solution to ensure that their investments in the new, ‘green’ engines  are not undermined by a real-world problem — excessive heat — that can be expertly mitigated thanks to an advanced lifting system, represented by the Stertil-Koni SKYLIFT.”