Confronted with growing requirements for added safety and performance in heavy duty vehicle maintenance facilities, one relatively low tech solution is emerging as a key player, according to heavy duty lift company Stertil-Koni.
Meet the high lift wheel dolly, which according to a recent review of best practices across North America conducted by Stertil-Koni, is enhancing ergonomics and versatility on the shop floor.
“First and foremost, wheel dollies are used for removal and installation of single and dual wheels on raised buses and trucks,” noted Peter Bowers, technical sales support manager at Stertil-Koni. “Secondly, Stertil-Koni’s popular WDA-500 model high lift wheel dolly has a telescopic crane arm option that turns this model into a universal lifting tool.”
Here’s how: The crane arm offers efficiency and stable ergonomics when lifting disc brakes, brake drums, fuel tanks, tool boxes, calipers and many other heavy parts.
The WDA-500 model has a capacity of 1,100 lbs. That may come in handy when a technician is removing large wheels that can often weigh up to 500 lbs. each. The crane arm on the WDA-500, which is fitted with a 360-degree pivoting hook for greater range and flexibility, easily swivels aside to allow wheel removal operations to be completed without straining the technician.
“As with all Stertil-Koni high lift wheel dolly models, it dramatically lowers the occurrence of back injuries and abdominal strain because work can be completed at an altitude which is higher than floor level and in line with a technician working in a full standing position,” Bowers said.
The WDA-500 can accommodate wheel sizes from 10.63" to 51.18". The dolly stands 47.17 inches high with a width of 45.28" and length of 33.30". Lifting height is 28.23". It weighs 220 lbs. The high lift wheel dolly can also be used with mobile column lifts, platform, and inground lifts.
