CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton recently invested in a new heavy truck lift that has resulted in significant productivity and efficiency gains, as well as substantial financial savings. The new lift columns have allowed the Fleet Services team to perform in-house repairs on fire trucks, police cars, tractors, and other large trucks, eliminating the need for outsourced repairs. This has helped to avoid vehicle downtime, lengthy wait times for repairs, and inflated maintenance costs.
The Stertil-Koni Hydraulic Truck Lifts, which cost the Town $62,000 in late 2022, are expected to pay for themselves in under two years. Previously, outsourced complete front and rear brake repairs on a typical fire truck would cost upwards of $12,000 in repairs and labor, and the truck would be out of service for at least two months. With all maintenance done in-house, it now costs an estimated $5,000 to complete the same fire truck brake repair within a day or two, depending on part availability.
“The investment in the heavy truck lift has eliminated unnecessary expenses, kept the Town’s trucks on the streets, and improved the work environment for Fleet Services staff. Before the lift was available, staff would often have to lay on their backs on creepers and roll under large trucks to make repairs. The new lift has made it easier to identify issues or concerns before they escalate into problems,” said Fleet Services Superintendent, Joe Pitt.
The Stertil-Koni team’s training and attention to detail were also praised by Pitt.
“They provided a trainer who led the crew through a class and taught them how to use the lift proficiently. The improved work environment has already benefited the safety of Town employees and community members,” said Pitt.
With the increase in workplace efficiency and improved working conditions, Clayton Fleet Services has been able to build strong working relationships with other departments and excel in their work. Plans are already underway to expand the team further to keep up with the demands of growth and provide quality, affordable, and timely maintenance to the Town’s heavy trucks.
