LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
A set of six new vehicle lifts entered operation in July in an effort to increase the capabilities of the 1st Fighter Wing's vehicle maintenance team when working on large vehicles.
The lifts decrease turnaround times, reduce labor costs, and provide better accessibility for vehicle maintenance and fire-fighting teams.
The primary purpose is to better service the P-23 Crash Truck, which will account for 80 percent of the lifts' usage, said James E. Wise, 1st Logistics Readiness Squadron Material Control Section supervisor.
Maintenance was contracted out to local shops in the past, due to the lack of equipment capable to lift the vehicles, said Mr. Wise. This arrangement cost the fire department time and money.
Before the lifts' arrival, technicians unloaded 3,300 gallons of water and fire-fighting agents from the 77,880-pound vehicle before it was serviced, a process that took an entire day. Crews then refilled the vehicle with liquids after the maintenance was complete, adding yet another day to turnaround times.
The $51,380 lifts allow vehicles to be serviced while full of liquid, slashing turnaround time by two full days, said Mr. Wise. Further, the ability to repair the vehicles at the maintenance depot on base saves the wing approximately $5,000 per job.
"Many jobs can now be performed in a week rather than two weeks using more traditional equipment," he said. "These lifts will help save time and reduce labor costs in the long run."
The lifts' efficiency extends beyond the confines of the fire department. Each one, which can support up to 90,000 lbs., is mobile and can be transported between facilities (indoors and outdoors). Easily transportable, the lifts are designed to handle cumbersome jobs involving larger vehicles, such as disabled tractor-trailers and motor coaches.
"Older equipment was lower to the ground, and harder for technicians to get underneath," said Mr. Wise. "The lifts allow technicians much easier access to work on the vehicle and are much safer."