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May-June 2008
Stertil-Koni, the world's leading provider of heavy duty vehicle lifts, announced the release of its new hydraulic vehicle lift product today: SKYLIFT.
Two independent, modular lifting platforms provide complete under-chassis operator access, while its vertical lifting orientation saves valuable working space. The independent lift units can be easily repositioned to accommodate virtually any axle width. SKYLIFT's ease of mobility makes it convenient and portable. SKYLIFT can be installed in flush-mounted or surface-mounted configurations.
"SKYLIFT is a product that combines the best features of our conventional lifts, creating a supremely flexible lifting system," says Stertil-Koni president Jean DellAmore. "For instance, most other platform lifts rely on a fixed-base frame system for stability, but frames present tripping hazards and cross members create obstructions that limit access. SKYLIFT's innovative design does not require base frames or crossbeams, meaning a totally clear unobstructed work area."
The SKYLIFT is designed as a modular unit. Four legs (two under each runway) can handle a maximum length runway of up to 45 feet. And unlike most other hydraulic lifts, SKYLIFT is built for multiple loading configurations, as well. For instance, customers can load the lift with up to 77,000 pounds symmetrically and up to 55,000 pounds asymmetrically.
"Installation is easy," said DellAmore. "Two factory authorized technicians can install the lift in a day, and they can easily relocate the lift from one area of the shop to another in very little time." Another important feature of the SKYLIFT line is the impressive floor-to- ramp height: 69 inches (or 1.75m), which provides plenty of headroom and each leg is equipped with an individual measuring device, which ensures smooth and level synchronization within 5/8 inches. SKYLIFT also offers independent hydraulic and mechanical locking systems. With 31 mechanical locking positions, compared with just 24 for most standard lifts, SKYLIFT gives lift operators almost 30% more security.
"Our customers are very excited about this product launch," says DellAmore. "It's great for shops that serve a variety of vehicle weights, classes and vocations and its corrosion-resistant galvanized construction makes the SKYLIFT perfect for wash-bay applications."
The APTA show is the largest public transit show in North America and will feature over 70,000 attendees from all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the world.
We will have multiple give aways for our customers and distributors. We will host several INFORMATION SESSIONS during the show and please continue to consult our website for more information as the date approaches.
factory. Previous venues for this meeting have been held at the factory in Holland.
New products that were introduced at the meeting include:
He hits the street every day with almost 11 years of Koni experience.
Bil's automotive/truck career first started when he was employed as an auto parts store counterman, then as a general manager of two auto parts stores, and then 16 years as a factory district sales manager for AMMCO and Coats equipment. In late 1993 he became an independent equipment rep for a distributor that he had sold to when he was an AMMCO rep.
Bil sold his first set of Koni lifts (ST-1065 model) in August of '97 to the City of Holland, MI.
Bil states that ‘I have always liked to attach myself to the best products available and Koni allowed me to focus on the best mobile lift product'.
Jean Dellamore visited Michigan in June of 1998 to find the person that sold the set of mobiles in August of '97, and after considerable encouragement, convinced Bil to come on board as a sales manager for Stertil-Koni USA. In those days, both the east and west coast of the USA had growing distribution for Koni products, yet the interior of the country lacked distributors. Bil's initial focus was to identify and develop distributors for Koni in 17 states, from Michigan to Texas.
By August of 1999 it was time to regionalize the territories and Bil chose to stay in Michigan and Indiana to develop Koni sales in that specific area. As a Koni representative and desiring to build a strong customer base, Bil decided to expand his old service company as the Koni master distributor for his Midwest territory, to act as a complete sales, training, and service entity for shop equipment. Bil started Kaldesco Equipment in 1979 as a service company for automotive and truck equipment manufacturers. The company's name, Kaldesco, can be curiously defined as the Kalamazoo District Equipment Service Company. Stertil-Koni is Bil's primary product line.
Bil lives near Kalamazoo, MI (halfway between Detroit and Chicago). He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1975 with a BA in Communications & Management. Bil enjoys boating, flying, and fix-it-up projects. He is the proud father of three daughters, gifting him with five grandchildren. Bil's wife, Cindy, owns and operates a custom embroidery business and keeps Bil's Koni hat handouts supplied. She also monitors office activities including bookwork, and advertising processes for Kaldesco Equipment Company.
Company goals are to develop business that will absorb all surrounding Koni territories including the USA, Canada and Mexico. Bil is seeking additional reps to market Koni products.
Bil forecasts that ‘Koni' will become the lift industries household word for the best lifts available. |
The New SKYLIFT is the ultimate in efficiency, versatility and safety
Stertil-Koni invites you to our 50 X 50 booth at the APTA show scheduled to be held October 4-6 at the San Diego Convention Center.
For the last 12 years, Stertil-Koni has held an annual DISTRIBUTOR MEETING. Since our inception in the United States in 1997 these meetings have grown substantially in size and scope. The purpose of the meetings is to introduce our distributors to the newest products, the latest technologies, and provide a forum for all distributors to exchange views and ideas in terms of what is happening in the market place. This year's event was held in Stevensville, Maryland-company headquarters. Over 60 people attended from all over the United States, Mexico, and Canada as well as technical and sales representative from our European
Bil Prouty, Kaldesco Equipment Co. is our distributor in Michigan and Indiana.