Commercial Vehicle Workshop January 2024

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The trade magazine for servicing and repair professionals

COMMERCIAL

VEHICLE WORKSHOP JANUARY 2024

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CONTENTS

Volume 21

Issue 1

REGULARS

22

5

Viewpoint

39 In the workshop

6

News

45 What’s new?

10 Traffic news

49 Digital digest

BUSINESS 14 Fuel pricing specialist Portland Pricing has cemented a new partnership with the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme. CVW reports.

BRAKES 17 Juratek reports on brake operating temperatures and their impact on performance.

19 Thinking of purchasing or upgrading your brake tester?

MAHA UK has a few suggestions about what to consider.

22 Mann+Hummel offers a blow-by-blow account of how air dryer filtration works in an HGV air braking system.

BATTERIES & LIGHTING 24 Sub-zero temperatures are often responsible for an increased rate of flat batteries. CVW hears from one fleet owner who’s found a solution in VARTA’s AGM batteries.

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26 Is it time to move to AGM batteries for heavy duty applications? Ecobat Battery thinks it is and offers an indepth explanation.

29 Labcraft knows a thing or two about creating bright and safe working areas. When approached by BT-HS, it had some illuminating solutions.

31 Hella has unveiled a raft of LED lamps which are claimed to improve visibility, bolster safety and boost efficiency.

TRAILER SERVICING 32 Correct wheel alignment on trailers can prolong tyre life and decrease fuel consumption. It’s also a lot safer too, says Tom Coad at AES UK.

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34 It is easy to forget how much surface area needs to be prepped on cabs and trailers. Stephen Reynolds of Truck East Scania discusses the importance of the correct products and how they help with efficiency.

36 Making the right choices when buying components for SMR work cannot be underestimated. Are you getting what you pay for? BPW advocates for quality solutions.

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VIEWPOINT Editors JOHNNY DOBBYN JOHN LEVICK workshop@cvwmagazine.co.uk Editorial Assistant FREYA COLEMAN

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TIME FOR THE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR?

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Group Editor KIERAN NEE Digital Manager KELLY NEWSTEAD Digital Assistant LYDIA PROCTER Senior Account Manager ALEX DILLEIGH Group Manager ROBERT GILHAM Graphic Designer GEMMA WATSON Group Production Manager CAROL PADGETT Subscriptions Commercial Vehicle Workshop is a business magazine for companies and individuals involved in all aspects of commercial vehicle servicing.

It is published 11 times a year and is available on free subscription to qualified readers.

Subscription rates: UK £30 post paid Airmail £80 post paid Europe £50 post paid To be removed from this magazine’s circulation, please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk.

Printed by Stephens and George Published by HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF

appy New Year and welcome to 2024. It promises to be an interesting 12 months, dominated no doubt by the impending general election. Whatever the result no prizes for guessing the outcome – the CV industry will, of course, soldier on.

Before we look forward to the year ahead, let’s go back 12 months, if only to see if what was written on this very page came to pass. We talked of the SMMT offering us a modicum of positive news with its forecast that light commercial vehicle registrations were estimated to grow by 13.8% in 2023. In fact, taking the latest figures, growth yearto-date stands at 19.8%. Positive news indeed, especially when you add in the figures for new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) which grew by 14.9 % in the third quarter of 2023, with 11,531 trucks hitting Britain’s tarmac. In addition, the new bus, coach and minibus market grew by 130.6% in the third quarter of 2023 with 1,739 vehicles registered.

Cause for cautious optimism, perhaps?

We mentioned that on a broader scale there was talk of recession looming large, but the consensus currently is that we have managed to avoid that, though the spectre still looms for this year. The Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast of max unemployment reaching 4.9% was undershot and is currently 4.2%, and, as we know, there’s still a shortage of skilled labour in the aftermarket.

At the beginning of the year, it was thought that easing supply chains and the better availability of goods and services that we need, would temper inflation with headline rates predicted to peak at around 4% rather than the 6% that was being mooted. As it transpired neither scenario came to pass, and we are stuck somewhere in the middle at 5.25%, still painfully high for many but at least the rate appears to be stabilising.

So, after all that reflection, what are we to think? Yes, things remain tough economically but forecasts for next year are encouraging, even if only in a small way.

One major financial services player talks of the UK economy growing 0.6%, not huge but in the right direction at least.

Closer to home, from what we see and hear from suppliers, workshops and those involved in the SMR market, it would appear that there’s a mood of quiet optimism in the air. Investment seems to be happening across the board – in workshops, in technology and in training. And if the SMMT’s figures are to be believed, then there will be a whole load more vehicles to service and maintain in the coming years alongside the current vehicle parc that is being kept on the road longer.

As ever workshops that offer the best customer service, invest in more efficient ways of doing things and, above all, keep an eye on the bottom line, are the ones that will do well in 2024. Make that New Year’s resolution now!

Tel: (01923) 237799 Website: www.hamerville.co.uk Copyright © 2024

8,249 From 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

All the best in 2024.

The CVW Team

Associate member

The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication

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NEWS

Growth just the ticket for bus market Britain’s new bus, coach and minibus market grew by 130.6% in the third quarter of 2023 with 1,739 vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Operator demand more than doubled compared with the same quarter last year, as passenger levels returned to pre-pandemic levels for the first time, providing a confidence boost for UK road transport services looking to replace their older vehicles. The July to September period saw the greatest demand of any quarter since Q4 2019, with more of the latest, greenest models joining roads in towns and cities across the nation.

Big demand Growth was driven primarily by deliveries of minibuses, up 156.3% to 1,074 units – representing 61.8% of the market – following a dip in demand in Q2 due to supply disruptions. Single deckers, meanwhile, rose by 46.3% to 338 units, and double deckers by 214.4% to 327 units. It means 3,836 new units have been registered in 2023, the greatest demand from January to September in the last four years.

The return to 2019 ridership levels is positive, but new vehicle demand this year still remains -43.1% below the 2016 peak. With the sector currently on an upward trajectory, amid huge OEM investment in the net zero transition to deliver 14 electric or hydrogen models to market, the sector is well placed to deliver the benefits of mass green mobility.

Producing the goods UK commercial vehicle (CV) production returned to growth in October following September’s decline, rising 47.1% year-onyear, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

12,853 vans, buses, trucks, coaches and taxis rolled out of factory gates, up 4,113 units on last year and with the best percentage gain of the year. In a sign of the significance of the recovery, the increase is October’s best performance since 2008, up 41.4% on 2019’s pre-pandemic figures.

Output in the month was driven by production for export, up 47.0% to 8,680 units as more than two-thirds (67.5%) of output was shipped abroad. The EU cemented its place yet again as the UK’s largest international market, receiving

96.0% of exports. The domestic market also boasted a strong monthly performance, with orders increasing by 47.2% to 4,173 units.

October’s figures solidify CV manufacturing’s strong performance in the year-to-date, up 15.3% to 98,610 units – an increase of 58.6% on the same period in 2019 and representing the best 10 months since 2011. Exports continued their doubledigit rise, increasing 21.4% to 62,229 units, whilst the home market recorded more modest growth of 6.1% to 36,381 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A return to growth after September’s dip highlights the sector’s resilience and ability to build high-quality commercial vehicles – evident in the increasing demand for British-build vans at home and beyond.”

Get it for free Repairify is rolling out an offer, providing new customers with the opportunity to access three months’ worth of free remote services with any compatible diagnostic device up to a maximum of 12 jobs in the period.

The promotion provides new customers or customers that have not used remote services in the last six months with the opportunity to access Repairify’s remote services. Customers will be able to scan, diagnose, calibrate or programme vehicles using Repairify’s IMI-trained technicians and data centre of OE tools.

Phil Peace, managing director of Repairify, says: “We have thousands of devices in the marketplace and many customers already benefiting from our remote services. This campaign provides us with the opportunity to enable new customers to experience our market-leading offering free of charge.”

For more information and to start completing complicated repairs for free WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF001

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Profit from leasing

British demand for new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) grew by 14.9 % in the third quarter of 2023, with 11,531 trucks hitting Britain’s tarmac.

financial partner will evaluate the request and, if it receives formal approval, the official lease agreement will be prepared.

Once signed, the order is processed, equipment delivered and installed, and the bodyshop staff trained.

The monthly fee includes the equipment and set-up. The leasing fees are treated as operating expenses, so they don’t impact balance sheets, which means bodyshops immediately start to reap the benefits of both performance and profitability.

Operators go full gas Zero emissions automotive developer, First Hydrogen hosted representatives from 21 UK fleet operators and industry specialists at the HORIBA MIRA proving ground near Coventry to test drive its first-of-their-kind hydrogen fuel cellpowered light commercial vehicles (LCV).

The event gave operators a unique opportunity to get behind the wheel of a hydrogen fuel cell electric 3.5 tonne van (FCEV). Twenty nine drivers each took the opportunity to drive on the MIRA track, simulating different duty-cycles and

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Trucks on a roll

Drivus, part of Axalta, is simplifying the equipment leasing process for the automotive refinish market with its financial services offering.

The latest piece of technology available through Drivus Financial Services is Axalta Irus Mix, which is claimed to be the fastest fully automated, hands-free refinish mixing machine on the market. Launched in May 2023, Axalta Irus Mix delivers highly accurate colour and works with Axalta’s packaging, maximising profitability and minimising environmental impact to help refinish customers meet or exceed key business goals.

The process is simple, says the company.

Drivus will analyse the bodyshop requirements before creating a tailored proposal of lease solutions. Once agreed in principle with the bodyshop, Axalta’s

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reaching speeds of up to 70mph. Operators experienced the vehicles' smooth handling and appreciated the quiet drive.

Attendees included fleet managers from the grocery sector with participants from Asda and Sainsbury's, parcel delivery company DPD, NHS England, VINCI Group, mining organisation Anglo American, and Network Rail. Several utilities providers including Wales & West Utilities, Northern Gas Networks, SGN & National Gas were also present.

The track day also drew interest from vehicle leasing and rental companies, with ARVAL (BNP Paribas Group), Novuna, and Redde Northgate attending, along with British motor trades residual value experts, Glass’s Guide. Also joining the event were representatives from Brit European Transport, National Windscreens & the Canal & River Trust.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says this represents the UK’s sixth consecutive quarter of growth and the greatest number of new HGV deliveries in any quarter since the end of 2019, as operators invest in the latest, greenest and most efficient truck technology available. Most positively, uptake of electric and hydrogen trucks continues to rise, representing 0.8% of the market in Q3 – the largest quarterly share of 2023, compared with 0.3% and 0.4% in Q1 and Q2 respectively.

Growth was driven by uptake of rigid HGVs, up 13.9% to 6,293 units, while demand for articulated trucks was also strong, rising 16.1% to 5,238 units. The most popular truck body continues to be tractors, typically used for the largest delivery trucks, up 16.4% to represent some 44.5% of the market. There was also a rise in demand for box vans – slightly smaller delivery trucks – with registrations up 11.8%, while uptake of curtain-sided trucks and refuse vehicles increased by 62.5% and 16.6% respectively. Tipper registrations declined, however, down - 9.7% compared with a strong third quarter in 2022.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented: “Britain’s sixth quarter of rising HGV rollout and increasing uptake of zero emission trucks this year underlines the sector’s strong position, with operators in all UK regions getting the latest fuel-efficient and very greenest models.”

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NEWS

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No more blind spots Durite launched its new DVS Progressive Safe System (PSS) at the FORS annual conference in November.

Fuelling the future Viritech, the developer of hydrogen powertrain solutions, has launched its new refuelling product, H2 Fill, a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solution for a wide range of hydrogen powertrain applications.

One of the key benefits of hydrogen vehicles over battery-powered vehicles is faster refuelling. However, hydrogen pressure vessels operate at very high pressures, and often, vehicles have multiple pressure vessels, requiring accurate control of the refuelling process. In compliance with SAE J2799, H2 Fill automatically communicates with the refuelling station, and is capable of monitoring multiple vessels for temperatures and pressure during the refuelling cycle.

Clear solution In terms of its technical specification, H2 Fill communicates via IR (infrared) using the IrDA protocol (as per the SAE J2799 standard) and can also be supplied without an IR sensor for applications where a sensor is already pre-installed. Viritech can also assist customers with vehicle integration of H2 Fill.

Phil Wild, CEO of Viritech, said: “H2 Fill has been designed to provide a solution to a clearly identified customer need. It has been designed to be offered as a stand-alone product or to be used as part of a fully integrated Viritech powertrain solution. This is consistent with our commitment to provide enabling powertrain technologies, as well as support to OEMs and Tier-1s in their transition to hydrogen-powered vehicles.”

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Compared to DVS phase 1 and the original Safe System, the new PSS requires the nearside detection system, BSIS (blind spot information system), to distinguish between stationary and moving objects, and to only alert the driver when a collision is imminent. A MOIS (moving off information system) has also been added to detect VRUs (Vulnerable Road Users) who are within or about to enter the critical blind spot area in front of a vehicle.

Durite’s All-In-One Progressive Safe System (PSS) uses smart AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology to completely

eliminate blind spots and offers an enhanced detection area that fully meets the coverage proposed by Transport for London (TfL) to improve visibility and safety.

According to the company, “the safety and commercial benefits of fitting an effective CMS (camera monitoring system) are numerous and can have an immediate, positive impact on any responsible road transport business.”

No stopping them There’s a new name in braking. Fras-le, a global manufacturer of commercial vehicle friction materials and brake systems, says it is poised to make a significant impact on the UK market with its cutting-edge commercial vehicle (CV) braking solutions.

The company’s entry into the UK market follows the acquisition of Juratek in March last year, and is a strategic move to offer its comprehensive range of CV braking products, particularly its brake pads and brake linings.

Its braking systems, it’s claimed, are designed

to deliver optimal performance in diverse operating conditions, ensuring reliability and safety for commercial vehicles across the UK. Fras-le's CV friction compounds are produced using high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to withstand the challenges of heavy-duty applications.

Whether it's long-haul transportation, construction, or distribution, Fras-le says its CV braking solutions are tailored to provide consistent and reliable stopping power, contributing to enhanced vehicle safety and reduced maintenance costs.

Get it in your diary Free visitor registration is now open for the Sustainable Road Transport Show the UK's dedicated exhibition and conference for solving commercial and passenger fleet decarbonisation.

Taking place between 15-16 May 2024 at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, the event, formerly ITT Hub, will showcase the latest decarbonisation technology, solutions, services and strategies.

According to organisers Farnborough International, the two-day exhibition, conference and meeting programme brings together more than 3,000 attendees, over 70 innovators and solution providers and

government officials to guide fleet operators through a challenging ecosystem of future-defining technologies that will transform the road transport sector.

The show provides a platform to network and collaborate with global leaders and experts from transport, energy, finance and technology.

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TRAFFIC NEWS Toyota’s electric addition

The Toyota Professional range of light commercial vehicles has been augmented with the addition of the Proace Max – the largest vehicle in the range, available in four configurations with two wheelbase lengths, three overall lengths and two height options to provide multiple load-carrying possibilities. n its largest form, the Proace Max Electric has a 17m³ cargo capacity. Full height doors and a practical square opening with a low threshold make for easy access.

The doors open to 270˚, maximising kerbside loading space and access.

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The powertrain uses the latest battery technology to provide zero tailpipe emissions driving and a range of up to 260 miles (WLTP standard). The powertrain is expected to provide best-inclass performance, with the EV battery adding up to 12.5 miles (20km) to the driving range.

Carrying capacity is up to a maximum 6.6 m³ while the 1,400kg payload is best in the model’s class. The platform is suitable for a wide range of conversions, including one or three-way tipper and dropside beds, plus optional chassis,

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platform and crew cab lay-outs.

The Proace family has also had a facelift with a new frontal design, with full LED lighting and alloy wheels are available (according to model) to create an even more distinctive appearance.

The interiors feature new steering wheel designs and equipment features, including (according to grade) fully digital displays and multimedia systems with built-in navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

Want to know more about the Proace Max? WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF002

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Fifty up for Noone NOONE TRANSPORT Noone Transport, based in Co. Meath, Ireland, is undergoing a period of significant investment as it opens new routes throughout Ireland, the UK and continental Europe.

As a result, a mixture of 50 Krone curtainsiders and temperature-controlled trailers will enter its fleet over the coming months, most of which will operate from the company’s newly built warehouse and distribution facility, 20 minutes from Dublin port.

The new trailers comprise 20 Profi liners and 30 Cool liners.

The curtainsiders come with Krone’s award-winning multi lock

loading system, which features strapping points every 10cm along each side for multiple strapping options and secure loading. The high-impact phenolic floor allows for fork loading up to seven tonnes and for fast top-loading. Each is fitted with an Edscha sliding roof.

The Cool Liners are a mixture of duplex steel, single and double deckers, some with multi-temperature control. While in transit, each load benefits from KSC ProPlus Cool – the latest telematics system from Krone, which automatically monitors inside temperatures, coupling status, brake condition, door openings, fuel level, trailer location and tyre pressures.

In addition, ProPlus Cool handles complete document management via WLAN, which enables the traffic office to connect to the Krone Telematics Box via WLAN to access and retrieve all relevant data.

The rear doors are of highsecurity ‘container-type‘ design, while the loading security certificate complies with European standard, EN 12642 Code XL. “We are delighted to once again be returning to Krone during this new growth phase, “ says director, Daniel Noone.

“Krone knows the product inside out and match the trailer specifications to our operational needs. Its efficient service and dependable parts supply enable us to provide an exceptionally reliable service for our customers.”

For more information on Volvo Trucks

For more information on Volvo Trucks

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Volvos on test Ewals Cargo Care has taken another step in developing its alternative fuels strategy and has started to evaluate the potential addition of electrified vehicles to its existing fleet of 685 trucks.

This fleet already utilises low-emission diesel trucks that meet the European Euro VI standards; however, the benefits of electric vehicles and the reduced impact they

With an electric range of up to 450km, 50% shorter charging time and new active safety features, Volvo ́s updated medium-duty electric trucks are designed for the urban environment – enabling safe zero-emission city transport and logistics.

in its fleet, a trailer with a capacity of up to 11% more than a standard curtain side trailer.

Due to their regular charging requirement, the current best use case of electrified vehicles is in the short hauls between the key waypoints of a multimodal journey, i.e. a client's premises, rail stations and seaports in the network, and the cargo's 'last mile' to its destination.

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are believed to have on the environment warrant investigation. So, it has recently conducted a realworld trial of the technology and identified that the UK and its northern trucking port, based close to Immingham and the Port of Humber, represented the ideal location.

For the trial, it selected Volvo Trucks, to see what its flagship product, the Volvo FM Electric, could offer.

It is one of five vehicles that have debuted in Volvo Truck’s electric vehicle solution range and its power and range make it well suited to pull the large mega trailers used as standard

VOLVO

As cities introduce clean city zones and companies step up their sustainability ambitions, zero emission trucks that can meet all needs for city transport and logistics are more relevant than ever before. To meet these demands, Volvo Trucks has revealed its updated electric mediumduty trucks – the Volvo FL and FE. The AC charging capacity of the batteryelectric medium-duty trucks has been almost doubled to 43 kW, cutting the time needed to charge the battery by around 50%. It has also updated the battery packs, delivering up to 450km in total range from one charge.

The new FL and FE models also come with a new design with a revamped front end, distinct LED headlights and a boosted iron mark as well as the Volvo wordmark in the front.

For more info on Krone,

EWALS CARGO CARE

City slickers

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TRAFFIC NEWS Tiger earns its stripes JOHNSONS HOTEL LINEN Johnsons Hotel Linen, one of the UK's largest hotel laundry hire and service providers, has begun introducing to its fleet 52 rigids and three fixed double decks manufactured by Tiger Trailers, with an emphasis on durability to meet its demanding operations.

Strength was a primary requirement when identifying a supplier for the new fleet additions, and Johnsons’ Tigerbuilt rigids and trailers have been tailored with this in mind, each featuring Anchorfix steel plates impregnated within their GRP-faced sidewalls to provide enhanced protection for the load securing tracks, mitigating damage from frequent cage loading.

The initial twenty rigids are

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based on the DAF LF 4x2 chassis and their specification includes a bespoke aerodynamic kit and a rearsloping roofline for improved air flow, a full-closure Dhollandia 1,500kg cantilever tail-lift, and ventilators in the roof to combat damp laundry loads. Three different full-print liveries were applied across these vehicles, which have entered service throughout Johnsons’ nationwide fleet.

Peak performers Tiger’s double deck solution comes in tri-axle box van stepframe guise, with these trailers providing support to the laundry specialist’s rigid fleet and regional hubs by transporting up to 74 cages during times of peak demand.

The neck of the trailer offers additional storage space for loose laundry items, aided by an internal tail-lift. The fixed fulllength upper deck is rated at 10,000kg and is constructed of steel overlaid with phenolic floor, with a steel durbar crash plate at the rear. The reversing spot lamps on each side have been fitted at a 45˚ offset behind the rear axle to elevate safety and visibility during lowspeed manoeuvring around yards and hotel car parks.

Completing the trailers’ specification is a gated Dhollandia 2500kg twin-tier column tail-lift.

For more info on Tiger Trailers, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF006

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BUSINESS

FUEL

FOR THOUGHT Fuel pricing specialist Portland Pricing has cemented a new partnership with FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme). CVW reports.

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he new service, which is provided by Portland Analytics, is now the official provider of fuel price information to FORS operators, providing simple, actionable insights to enable effective fuel price management and cost savings. The York-based company has been publishing UK market fuel price data for over a decade and aims to make fuel purchasing straightforward and understandable for commercial users. The new agreement means that Portland will become a FORS Affinity Partner, with discounted rates available for FORS operators.

Price is right Through a subscription to Portland’s online pricing portal starting from £40 + VAT per month, businesses can gain access to an industry-leading Fuel Surcharge index and calculator, get visibility of underlying wholesale fuel costs to track premiums charged by suppliers, and understand when to buy to take advantage of market

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movements. Portland’s service also shows the average price of bulk fuel by region, prices and emissions data for alternative fuels such as HVO, as well as average fuel card and forecourt prices. The data is available across five dedicated toolkits allowing users to build a subscription to suit their requirements, with a 5% discount available to FORS members. All services include access to daily market headlines to provide the context behind price movements, alongside underlying crude oil price information and exchange rate data.

Regardless of whether a company purchases fuel itself or contracts this part of its operation out, it has been well documented that movements in diesel and

“...diesel prices have fluctuated significantly over the last year...”

HVO prices can seriously impact budgets.

UK bulk diesel prices have fluctuated significantly over the last year (moving between £1.04 and £1.57 per litre since 1st September 2022), making it essential to reflect accurate fuel costs in haulage agreements and to secure the lowest possible price versus the wholesale base cost.

Smarter procurement The client base for Portland’s pricing service spans multiple sectors including logistics companies, fleet operators, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers.

The company’s range of expertise encompasses all aspects of the fuel supply chain, covering both the traditional and future fuel markets, with an offer extending into the more detailed consultancy services provided by Portland Analytics.

Mike Johnson, director of Portland Analytics, says: “We are looking forward to engaging with vehicle operators to provide access to our market-leading pricing and

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analytics services. Partnering with the gold standard for British transport operators is a privilege and our aim is to work closely with members to deliver improvements to fuel

procurement strategies, to further enhance FORS’ already class-leading offering.”

Geraint Davies, FORS concession director, adds: “In my former role as COO

of a large haulage company I had overall responsibility for fuel procurement. This included the purchasing of full bulk loads of diesel and HVO, as well as bunkering with UK Fuels. Much of this purchasing activity involved the spot market and it was very useful to have the market insight of the Portland Pricing tools when making these decisions, as savings of over £3,000 are possible on a full load with intelligent procurement practices. This is an essential service in my view and can pay for itself several times over.”

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FORS CAN BE FOUND ON THEIR WEBSITE (FORS-ONLINE.ORG.UK), AND FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT PORTLAND PRICING ARE AVAILABLE AT PORTLANDPRICING.CO.UK OR WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF007

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BRAKES

DON’T FADE AWAY Commercial vehicles experience a wide spectrum of use in service, and this has a direct bearing on the duty to which their brake system is subjected; and the operating temperatures that are reached. Matt Leeming, Juratek marketing manager, reports.

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t the one end of the scale, vehicles can be running up and down the motorway hardly ever applying their brakes, while at the other, others could be on delivery constantly stopping and starting, some working as tippers and others on routes with long hill descents involving continuous brake application.

Brake temperature mapping of these very different operating conditions indicates peak temperatures can typically range from the relatively modest 200˚C under light conditions of use, all the way up to 850˚C during long hill descents.

The development of fully service compatible brake pads and discs has to recognise and cater for all of these possible conditions to ensure the resulting products that are offered for sale are safe, and durable. It is not really enough to simply carry out the mandatory UNR90 tests which only cover the basic braking effectiveness and fade and not the performance, durability and compatibility between brake pad and brake disc under the wide range of different service operating conditions.

The development of these fully rounded products usually starts with small scale trials

Pad Wear v Temperature

covering basic performance, fade and wear, before moving to longer, more specialised (and expensive) tests such as simulated Alpine descents and vehicle field trials.

The development process involves many incremental product improvements, typically the development cycle can take a minimum of two years, from laboratory to marketplace. With the final products having undergone countless hours of exposure to the full range of speeds, pressures and temperatures that can be seen in service.

The typical wear (temperature curve is shown left), illustrates how pad wear (durability) is critically affected by increasing brake disc temperature – the higher the rubbing temperature at the interface of the pad and disc, the faster the rate of wear.

Premium stopping power Basic pad grades, which are perfectly suitable up to medium levels of duty, wear at a much faster rate once the operating temperature exceeds 450˚C for any length of time. This is where a better (premium) grade of pad containing higher temperature wear resisting ingredients in its formulation shows an advantage and though the initial cost may be more expensive, they frequently provide the end user with a more cost-effective fitment.

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Cracked Scania disc

BRAKES

“...the braking load and temperature build up will be more localised rather than being distributed uniformly over the braking path...”

The above image shows a poor quality brake pad tested over the temperature range 100 > 600˚C disc temperature and is structurally incapable of coping with the full range of braking duties.

The image below shows a premium quality brake pad tested over the same temperature range (100 > 600˚C) and fully capable of coping with the full range of service conditions.

Cracking stuff Higher temperatures and speeds can also often result in thermal crazing and cracking of the brake disc, resulting in the need for the brake discs to be replaced to ensure safe operation. This is why the compatibility of the pad and disc is important and needs to be included as a part of the brake pad development process.

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If the pad is too hard or too stiff the braking load and resulting temperature build up will be more localised rather than being distributed uniformly over the braking path, leading to “hot spots” on the surface of the disc and eventual rupture (cracking) of the disc surface. The compatibility of brake pad and disc under

different operating conditions is one of the many factors covered during Juratek’s development of both its brake pad grades.

FOR MORE ON JURATEK, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF008

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BRAKES

BRAKING NEWS

Thinking of purchasing or upgrading your brake tester? Then MAHA UK has a few suggestions about what to consider.

I

n the fast-paced world of trucks and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), safety is not just a priority – it's an absolute necessity. Nowhere is this truer than in the realm of brake testing, where ensuring the highest level of safety is paramount.

When it comes to setting up a brake tester, you should leave nothing to chance.

The installation and setup of this type of equipment should always be handled by a qualified service technician or an authorised service professional. This approach ensures that individuals with the right training, equipment and expertise are responsible for this crucial task.

Potential hazards, such as the presence of electrical equipment near moisture, an inappropriate location for installation, or inadequate securing, can all be expertly addressed by a qualified technician. By entrusting professionals with the installation process, this ensures that these hazards are minimized, providing peace of mind to users.

Safety in operation Not only is safe operation essential for the well-being of the user, but it also significantly contributes to the longevity of the equipment. Here are some valuable tips.

Qualified personnel: only individuals who have received proper training should operate a brake tester, and it should be used strictly within its specified performance limits to ensure safe and accurate testing.

Maintain a clean environment: keeping the area around the brake tester clean is vital for both safety and the equipment's performance.

Secure shutdown: when the brake tester is not in use, it should be switched off, and the main switch should be secured with a padlock to prevent unauthorised restarts.

JANUARY 2024 CVW 19

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BRAKES

Emergency procedures: in case of an emergency, users should know how to use the main switch or emergency-stop switch to promptly shut down the system.

Ventilation: operating a vehicle engine in enclosed spaces can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, making adequate ventilation essential to prevent this hazard.

Danger zone inspection: prior to driving a vehicle onto the tester, it is crucial to inspect the danger zone for any potential safety risks.

Roller drive caution: unless equipped with a DC or mechanical brake (covered in training), for vehicles with a driven axle on the roller set, exiting should only be done with the roller drive running. Exiting with the roller drive at a standstill can cause extreme roller acceleration and motor/gearbox damage.

Safety during servicing: maintenance matters!

Even during maintenance and servicing, the safety message remains important.

Professional service: service work should exclusively be carried out by qualified service technicians or authorized service partners to guarantee expertise.

Electrical work: only trained electricians with the necessary skills should handle electrical parts of the system.

Secure shutdown: before conducting repair, maintenance, or setup work, the main switch should be switched off and secured with a padlock.

Fire hazard prevention: regularly clean the roller set to prevent fire hazards caused by rubber abrasion. Abrasion should be removed before any maintenance work begins.

Overheating awareness: when working on the control cabinet or roller sets, exercise caution regarding overheating parts.

Emergency response: if, unintentionally, the brake tester starts during maintenance, it should be shut down immediately, and the service department should be contacted.

Reassuringly, though, motors are isolated by disengaging the motor protection switches during maintenance/calibration, so this shouldn’t be possible!

Make sure your brake tester comes equipped with distinctive and appropriate safety features designed to protect both users and equipment.

A commitment to safety at every step In conclusion, safety should lie at the heart of everything your equipment supplier does, whether it's installing versatile lifts or vehicle inspection equipment. From commission and installation to operation and servicing, the workshop supplier should prioritise the user every step of the way. Choosing a reputable supplier, like MAHA UK, means choosing a commitment to safety that ensures every time a brake tester is used, it can be used with complete confidence.

20 CVW JANUARY 2024

FOR MORE ON MAHA UK, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF009

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BRAKES

AIR FORCE The HGV air braking system is a sophisticated piece of engineering, creating crucial stopping power, and improving safety with evenly distributed braking for rigid and articulated vehicles. That system relies on air dryer filtration to achieve peak performance.

Mann+Hummel offers a blow-by-blow account of how it works.

A

s components go the air dryer cartridge filter plays a vitally important safety role in a commercial vehicle’s air system, removing oil particles and cleaning the air. This filtration device improves the efficiency and reliability of air brake systems by reducing the amount of maintenance needed to clean air brake valves and protects the entire air operated braking system from corrosion and premature breakdown and failure.

The main tasks of an air dryer filtration cartridge are to: ��� remove the moisture from the compressed air ��� separate larger oil droplets, liquids, and dirt particles

“The absorbent material within the cartridge removes oil from the air purge and then recycles it.”

The absorbent material within the cartridge removes oil from the air purge and then recycles it. In addition to removing oil, it also provides better oil assimilation by containing the hydrophobic molecules.

22 CVW JANUARY 2024

Previously, before the introduction of air dryer filtration cartridges, commercial vehicles required frequent, time consuming and costly draining of accumulated water from their air tanks. Fortunately, modern air dryers absorb water and reduce its effect on the system's components. This allows the air dryer filtration cartridges to effectively protect heavy-duty trucks and trailers which rely on compressed air for actuation of braking systems and control brake operation.

The principal operation of an air dryer filtration cartridge is based on a simple charge cycle. Compressed air enters the system and passes the pre-filter.

��� the air is dried in the desiccant container by means of adsorption. ��� the dry air leaves the cartridge through the centre orifice to supply the pneumatic system.

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The regeneration cycle First step: ■ the purge valve installed in the air dryer opens and releases the compressed air inside the cartridge to atmosphere. The cartridge is now pressure-less.

Second step: ■ dried and expanded air from the

pressure reservoir enters the cartridge in the reverse direction.

■ the high volume of dry air regenerates the moisture laden desiccant and leaves the cartridge through the thread plate orifice holes.

At this point the whole process continues on repeat until the time where the service interval requires a change in the air dryer filtration cartridge.

Regular and correct maintenance of the air dryer filtration cartridge protects the entire braking system from costly and unnecessary breakdown and repairs but primarily ensures the truck and trailer braking systems operate to their prime efficiency. Always make sure that OEquality air dryer filtration cartridges are

used, such as our MANN-FILTER portfolio of air dryer filtration cartridges that offer industry leading protection for increased service and maintenance schedules and heavy-duty operating cycles.

FULL INFORMATION OF OE QUALITY FILTRATION CAN BE FOUND HERE: WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF010

Components of an air-dryer filtration cartridge

JANUARY 2024 CVW 23

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BATTERIES & LIGHTING

BE ATING THE

COLD

A

nders Johansson knows a thing or two about trucks. Not only is he the owner of a trucking company, he’s a fleet manager and a driver. He spends up to five nights a week on the road in northern Sweden – frequently at sub-zero temperatures and in near constant darkness.

These factors have frequently affected the batteries used previously by his fleet.

“When you spend so many hours on the road, lights plus a microwave, refrigerator, iPad and coffee machine are essential items to live as normally as possible. And, of, course, a cab heater,” he says.

All these electronic devices are powered by the battery. With more and more comfort and safety functions installed in vehicles, the drain on batteries increases. Batteries are discharged deeply overnight and must provide energy to the power-hungry starter – even on frosty winter mornings. This is where VARTA AGM batteries show their strength. “Now our drivers can rest with the heater on and use all electronic equipment and still be safe and confident that their truck will start in the morning,” continues Johansson. The AGM technology together with its patented PowerFrame® grid design generates more than enough energy for excellent starting power even in low temperatures, proven by vehicle tests in winter at -20° C.

24 CVW JANUARY 2024

Sub-zero temperatures are often responsible for an increased rate of flat batteries, making the winter a very challenging time for truck batteries. CVW hears from one fleet owner who’s found a solution in VARTA’s AGM batteries.

Since fitting VARTA ProMotive AGM in his fleet, engines now start reliably even after being switched off for an extended period. For Johansson it was a major problem that often batteries did not manage that: “If you’re stuck in the middle of a forest up here in the far north, the nearest workshop may be 250 to 300km away. That’s why drivers often didn’t turn their engine off overnight in the past to make sure there was still enough power the next morning.” Since that is no longer necessary, Johansson saves a lot of fuel and money, despite the slightly higher purchase price of the VARTA ProMotive AGM compared with other batteries.

What is the ProMotive AGM?

VARTA AGM technology provides Johansson's fleet with reliable and economical operation over the entire service life of the battery.

AGM stands for Absorbent Glass Mat. The glass mat absorbs the electrolyte which prevents the drop-off in capacity caused by electrolyte stratification. It also increases the battery's cycle stability making it more resistant to heat and cold than any other

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battery technology on the market. And there’s more: because the acid is bound in a glass fleece separator, the energy management system plus battery sensor installed in the truck can precisely determine the operating and charging condition of the battery over the entire life of the battery and provide precise energy management.

Conventional batteries have a lifetime expectancy of about only six months in the latest generation of trucks. They need to be charged every three weeks and they run up to four hours. An AGM battery is much more powerful. It runs up to 12 hours and recharging is not necessary at all. With its advanced technology an AGM has a life expectancy of two years and longer.

Online help The increasing complexity of modern trucks represents a major challenge for trucking companies. To ensure that fleets are best equipped to cope with these, VARTA has not just developed a reliable, future-ready product in the form of the AGM battery, but also offers the corresponding service with

its VARTA Partner Portal. The portal’s main feature is that it offers fleet managers a stepby-step guide in selecting and fitting the right battery technology for their vehicle.

By registering free of charge on the website https://varta-partner-portal.com/heavycommercial members will receive custom advice relating to their fleet, strategic purchase recommendations, the latest

technologies and trends, support on battery management-related questions, analysis and optimization options for battery performance and a great deal more.

FOR MORE ON VARTA, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF011

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BATTERIES & LIGHTING

PUT AGMS ON THE AGENDA Is it time to move to AGM batteries for heavy duty applications? Ecobat Battery thinks it is and offers an indepth explanation.

D

espite the fact that the series production of AGM (absorbent glass matt) batteries began for original equipment (OE) fitment for truck manufacturers in Europe back in 2019, 80% of the UK replacement battery market is still made up of traditional SLI (starter/lights/ignition) batteries, which is a very different picture to Europe, where the market is more reflective of the shift towards AGM.

Profit motive This UK anomaly is all the more peculiar in light of the introduction of AdBlue (diesel exhaust fluid) systems with Euro 5/6 engines, when most commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturers chose to relocate the position of the battery trays to the rear of the chassis, where vibrations are greater and which can contribute towards early battery failure. So, in addition to the fact that AGM batteries are now the OE standard, is the fact that SLI batteries are particularly vulnerable to vibration, both factors that make SLI replacements completely unsuitable for these applications. This situation therefore provides both the CV wholesalers that

26 CVW JANUARY 2024

distribute replacement parts, and the workshops/fleet operators who install them, with opportunities.

As AGM batteries are more expensive than their SLI cousins, they naturally provide a greater profit potential to distributors, but they also benefit workshops and operators because they are not only the correct OE quality replacements, they are considerably more cost effective when factors such as the total cost of ownership (TCO) and potential vehicle breakdowns are taken into account as well.

It is widely accepted that the greatest loss to an operator is to have a vehicle stranded by the side of the road, because the considerable reputational damage is magnified by potential late delivery charges and the obvious recovery costs, and fitting SLI batteries as replacements will only increase these risks. To further reduce these risks, Ecobat Battery has long championed the principle of

upgrading the specified OE battery when it needs replacing, and with options such as the ODYSSEY AGM, VARTA ProMotive AGM and Exide Endurance+PRO GEL, there’s plenty of suitable choices.

For the most energy demanding continental requirements, the ODYSSEY AGM reduces the risk of a call out to what might only be a flat battery by 60% and safeguards the ability for starting, compared to a conventional SLI battery.

These batteries also overcome the electrolyte and vibration issues of SLI batteries by incorporating AGM separators, meaning the acid is fully absorbed, so it cannot sink, and as the plates all sit on a rubber base and are top welded together with hot rubber melt, they have vibration resistance built in. Allied with an inherent

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fast-charging capability even from 80% of discharge, with this option, battery related breakdowns become a very rare occurrence and as they deliver twice the power and three times the life of SLI batteries, they are typically lasting for four years plus, which significantly reduces the TCO. For similarly high demand situations, the efficient technology incorporated into the VARTA ProMotive AGM provides the solution for trucks with a heavy reliance on numerous power consuming functions, including parking cooler/heaters, without wearing out and causing downtime. It has been developed in collaboration with the leading CV manufacturers to support innovations that will be standard equipment in the future.

Gel batteries differ from other battery types because instead of being in liquid form, the electrolyte is fixed in a gel, which leads to unmatchable cyclic (charge/discharge/charge) life.

Furthermore, as Exide Technologies is the inventor of gel technology, its Endurance+PRO GEL battery is not only highly robust, but offers the best in class deep cycle properties that allow an unmatched safe depth of discharge of 90%.

Charging advice Largely due to the requirement for operators to adhere to environmental legislation, the electrical demands put on batteries are further stretched by initiatives such as ultra low emissions zones, which often require vehicles to operate without their engine running, meaning the battery is the sole source of power. As a result, over time, the battery’s state of charge can suffer as the vehicle’s charging system is rarely in a position to fully recharge the batteries.

There is however a solution to this situation, which is also a best practice principle that will further contribute to the vehicle’s overall reliability, increase the lifespan of its batteries and further reduce the TCO, and that is to actively charge the

batteries when the vehicle is not in service.

Although Ecobat Battery is fully committed to this practice, it is also keen to highlight a practical matter that must be taken onboard, and that’s the charge voltage required by these various battery types. While SLI, as well as gel, batteries require between 13.8 and 14.4V, it must be noted that AGM batteries require a charge voltage of between 14.6 to 14.8. This may not sound like a big difference, but if AGM batteries don’t get this higher voltage when they are in a discharged state, they won’t get charged properly, which could reduce their service life.

Naturally, Ecobat Battery has the ideal solution for this issue, and this comes in the form of the Victron IP65 blue smart charger, which is capable of charging all battery types for both 12 and 24-volt systems and will allow fleet operators to keep the batteries in their vehicles in the best possible condition and reduce the likelihood of battery related breakdowns.

FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF012

JANUARY 2024 CVW 27

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BATTERIES & LIGHTING

Specialist lighting company, Labcraft, knows a thing or two about creating bright and safe working areas in and out of vehicles. When it was approached by BT-HS, it had some illuminating solutions. CVW sheds some light.

LIGHTING UP TIME E

stablished in 2018, Bespoke Traffic & Highways Solutions (BT-HS), comprises six divisions: traffic management, emergency services, fleet support, rail services, civil engineering, and vehicle rental. It specialises in dedicated 7.2/7.5t and 3.5t traffic management vehicles and surface treatment vehicles as well as 12t, 18t and 26t IPV crash cushions, blockers, cone layers and mobile lane closure boards. It is accredited with FORS Silver Hire, Avetta (compliance management systems) and is a member of BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association).

Safe working As a leading provider of specialised traffic management and highways vehicles, the company is always looking to improve operational safety for users of its vehicles and recently specified high-intensity lowvoltage Labcraft Nebula strip lights and

Scenelites for its impact protection vehicle (IPV) range. Jason Grigg, UK customer account executive for BT-HS, explained the reason for the company’s equipment choice: “The nature of the specialist work carried out by our customers dictates the very highest quality and performance regarding every aspect of each vehicle we provide.

Efficient and reliable lighting is no exception and, in this regard, we selected the Labcraft Nebula strip light and Scenelite Si9 because they match the high-spec’ safety criteria our customers demand.”

Designed and manufactured in the UK

by Labcraft, the Si7 Nebula strip light is surface mounted on each side of the IPV cone well to provide a brightly lit and safe working area for operatives as they distribute cones onto the road.

“Nebula incorporates the Orizon LED strip light,” explains Matt Stubbs, sales manager for Labcraft, “which uses the

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BATTERIES & LIGHTING

latest in LED Cree technology, for optimum performance and reliability – essential factors when operating in a potentially hazardous environment. The waterproof LEDs achieve greater luminosity, allowing us to offer a brighter unit whilst using fewer LEDs to maintain a low power draw – it’s where safety and efficiency meet.”

More illumination Set in a low profile, tough aluminium housing, Nebula is made for quick and easy ‘plug-and-play’ installation, making it ideal for BT-HS to retro-fit to new or existing vehicles. “Plus,” says Grigg, “we needed a lamp that sits as flush as possible, to minimise the risk of accidental damage and to keep the access clear.”

For additional illumination onto the immediate areas around the vehicle, BT-HS also specified two Labcraft Si9 Scenelites.

Fitted to the front and rear sides of the vehicle, the Si9 is the first of its type to emit a bright white light, allowing crystal clear visibility.

“The Si9 is made from polycarbonate and the lens features an anti-glare light guide which disperses the light evenly to avoid any hotspots, providing a clean and sharp field of light, on both sides of the vehicle,” adds Stubbs.

Furthermore, the robust outer cover provides protection against severe weather conditions and pressure washing.

“The Labcraft Nebula and Scenelite are now part of our standard specification, and it’s reassuring to deal with a like-minded British manufacturer from whom new equipment and parts are always readily available,” concludes Grigg. “We build, convert and fabricate to the highest standard and in this regard, Labcraft ticks every box.”

“...we needed a lamp that sits as flush as possible to minimise the risk of accidental damage...”

FOR MORE ON LABCRAFT, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF013

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BATTERIES & LIGHTING

Hella has unveiled a raft of new LED lamps which are claimed to vastly improve visibility, bolster safety standards and boost efficiency.

SEE YOUR WAY

F

or those making the switch to LEDs for the first time, the Valuefit range makes a cost-effective transition to LED technology. Among the recent additions to the Valuefit offering is the Blade auxiliary headlamp series. Options include a choice of white or amber position lights, a round design for upright mounting in sizes 7" and 9" with either a chrome or black ring, and a 9" rectangular design with chrome design for either upright or pendant mounting.

Elsewhere in the range, the TS1700 LED work lamp has been developed with approval for use as a reverse lamp in accordance with ECE R23 regulation.

These latest work lamps benefit from a new thermal management system which ensures optimal light output whatever the ambient temperature, further prolonging the service life.

Hella’s new K-LED Rebelution rotating beacon does away with the traditional beacon dome and benefits from a new minimalist design. A permanently visible warning signal is emitted with an even stronger circumferential signal makes it

unique. The result is a 360° warning that doesn't dazzle the human eye.

When it comes LED worklamps, operators are advised to consider the true lumen value. By accounting for energy loss during operation, the company’s ‘measured’ lumen values provide a reliable representation of light output.

In most cases, manufacturers calculate the sum of each individual LED lumen which doesn’t necessarily provide an accurate value. With all work lamps, you can expect a power loss of between 25-35% through electronic components, and then up to a 15% loss through the reflector or lens system. It’s why it’s important to assess ‘measured’ lumen values.

Other introductions include the Jumbo LED auxiliary high beam headlamp. Available with upright or pendant-mount fixings, it features state-ofthe-art optics and an impressive LED light pattern.

Featuring contour-enhancing EdgeLight technology, the powerful Jumbo LED has a high beam reference number of 25, providing an indication of the maximum luminous intensity.

A high beam with a low reference number radiates over a wide area, but not as extensively into the distance as a high beam with a high reference number. A high beam with a high reference number is ideal for long straight stretches. For winding roads, a low reference number is better suited. The figure can be found on certified high beam headlights near the E-marking.

Currently, ECE R112 states that the sum of all reference numbers of high beam headlights must not exceed a total of 100.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF014

JANUARY 2024 CVW 31

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TRAILER SERVICING

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

I

t is estimated over 50% of trailers on UK roads are out of alignment, with fleet operators often focusing on tractor units and overlooking trailers due to the nature of how they’re exchanged. AES believes there are enough benefits for larger fleets to consider corrective wheel alignment on trailers including: ● Tyres cost savings – up to 15% savings on

Correct wheel alignment on trailers can prolong tyre life and decrease fuel consumption. It’s also a lot safer too, says Tom Coad at AES UK.

tyres costs with correct wheel alignment ● Fuel savings – a correctly aligned trailer

can reduce the pulling force (drag) on the towing unit lowering rolling resistance ● Safety – misaligned trailers often take up more room on the road due to “dogrun” or “crabbing” this can create uncomfortable and unsafe handling properties for the driver ● Environment – fuel and tyre cost savings reduce your CO2 emissions and tyre dust pollution Below we have outlined how trailer alignment can affect the tractor unit and detailed ways in which technicians/fleets can fix out of line trailers.

How does a misaligned trailer affect a tractor unit

���

32 CVW JANUARY 2024

This creates abnormal tyre wear on the front wheels of truck as well as the trailer itself.

Measuring a trailer Wheel alignments on trailers can be carried out easily in-house with specialist equipment or by trained contractors. It’s important that the axles are aligned to the frame of the semi-trailer rather than to each wheel, the reason being if one axle is out of line using that as a reference will result in the other axles being out of line.

��� The rear axles of the trailer are out of square. One is negative, the other positive indicated by the blue arrows.

Each axle rolling in different directions ��� Opposing forces are created which work against the frame of the trailer ��� This results in a lateral force which pulls the front of the trailer to the left which is transferred over to the tractor unit’s towing axles and even the front axle can receive undesirable lateral pulling force ��� This force must be counteracted by a lateral force which is created by steering the front wheels to the right.

Hence, the driver needs to steer to the right to keep a straight-ahead direction on the road

���

���

���

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Misaligned trailer axles Once you have measured the axles of a trailer you are looking for what we call “out of square”, essentially the rolling direction of the axle in relation to the centreline created with the wheel alignment system.

And “parallelism” which looks at how all the axles are in relation to each other.

Axle with eccentric bolt or axle: Adjusting trailer axles Once you have identified which axles require adjustment we suggest adjusting to OEM specifications but have outlined some examples below.

Adjust out of square by turning the eccentric bolt or axle to the desired value.

The adjustment will affect the individual toe values on both sides simultaneously.

Pay attention to parallelism to frame centreline and between the other axles.

Adjust out of square by moving the eccentric plate Adjust out of square by moving the adjustment washer up or down until the desired out of square value is obtained for the axle. The adjustment will affect the individual toe values on both sides simultaneously. Pay attention to parallelism to frame centreline and between the axles.

FOR MORE INFO ON AES UK, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF015

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TRAILER SERVICING

SCOUR THE MARKET It is easy to forget how much surface area needs to be prepped on cabs and trailers when readying them for paint. Stephen Reynolds, bodyshop manager, Truck East Scania discusses the importance of investing in the correct products and how they help with overall efficiency.

T

ools and abrasives are the lifeblood of any workshop, and it’s no different for us. It is important that the jobs are completed efficiently while ensuring a high-quality finish that makes the painting part of the process as easy as possible. We are always reviewing and researching products that can benefit our business and one of the areas we investigated was upgrading our sanders and abrasives.

Relevance During this process we were introduced to Mirka via one of our suppliers, although we were already aware of the brand through our peers. So, we decided to bring it in and see what it had to offer. Having brought it on site, we then got a full understanding of the breadth of products that were in the portfolio and seeing several relevant products being used in our processes, we took the plunge and invested in mobile dust-extraction systems, abrasives and sanders.

34 CVW JANUARY 2024

Sanders are used for many hours on our floor, so it’s important to have tools that produce fewer vibrations and are built with the user in mind, which is where the Mirka Deros comes into play.

As the tool is lightweight means, it reduces the stress on the joints of technicians – not having to manhandle it around large surface areas every day. In addition, with sanders there are vibrations but the reduction we have seen since using the company’s tools has dramatically reduced and we hope to reduce risk of exposure to our staff.

For the abrasives, we noticed that we were going through what felt like loads of discs which was not cost-effective in the short, medium and long term. Since moving over to the Abranet abrasive range, our technicians have noticed several benefits.

The first is the fact that they are suitable for use across multiple applications, so technicians do not have to change the abrasive depending on the work they are doing. The second is they are hardwearing, so they provide the same consistency of cut, whether it is the abrasive’s first or hundredth use.

In addition, we took the opportunity to streamline our core abrasives list. The reason we did this was because we decided we did not want to carry any products that were not required for our processes, and we knew that if there were one-off jobs that required a different grit to what we had we could easily bring it in.

In a workshop like ours, one of the main jobs we do is prepping cabs for paint and we must have been producing kilos of dust

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a week. The issues this created were contaminated surfaces and an increased amount of time technicians spent clearing the dust after each job. To combat this, we invested in mobile dust extraction systems.

These units do not take up a lot of space on the floor and when combined with the tools and net abrasives they ensure we have a dust-free work environment. Having these systems means our shops are cleaner and more efficient, technicians are happier, and we have significantly reduced the risk of contaminated surfaces, so less reworking is required. In addition, having what can be described as a cleaner prep, leads to a better end result.

“Our shops are cleaner and more efficient, technicians are happier, and we have significantly reduced the risk of contaminated surfaces.”

Another way our team has increased the efficiency of our trailer and cab prep processes and the key-to-key times of these jobs is through training. The training we have received has not been generic, it has been customised to the needs and requirements of the business and our technicians.

The training was on site, which enabled the technicians to see how the tools and abrasives handle our work, so processes are more efficient and cost-effective. This means that the savings we are making from using products to the best of their abilities can be invested back into the business.

Overall, it’s important to constantly refine processes with the help of partners because in the long run, it helps increase productivity as well as overall efficiency.

FOR MORE ON TRUCK EAST SCANIA, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBE016

FOR MORE ON MIRKA, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBE017

JANUARY 2024 CVW 35

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TRAILER SERVICING

ORIGINAL THINKING Making the right choices when buying components for SMR work cannot be underestimated. With many options available, one question remains. Are you getting what you pay for? BPW argues for quality solutions.

A

fter 125 years, BPW knows a thing or two about producing engineered trailer axle and suspension systems and it’s always been our belief that using original spare parts is an investment in reliability and performance rather than just an expense.

In an industry filled with choices, the question of cost often arises. However, it’s not all about the costs, but the overall value and benefits these parts deliver. We’ve always believed in unwavering commitment to quality and reliability, that the cost of spare parts goes far beyond the initial price.

New shoes A critical issue in the industry revolves around the ever-present temptation to take financial shortcuts by choosing cheaper or non-genuine components. For example, for essential systems such as the BPW drum brake assembly, these parts may not meet the rigorous standards of their genuine counterparts, leading to diminished reliability and durability.

Where economic considerations often drive decision-making, workshops and fleet managers choose budget-friendly alternatives, seemingly poised to save on immediate expenses. However, this well-intended approach to cost control often conceals potential pitfalls that, in the

36 CVW JANUARY 2024

long run, could jeopardise operational efficiency and, more importantly, the safety of commercial vehicles and their drivers.

Consider drum brake shoes, for instance. There has been a growing shift in the industry towards replacing brake shoes in their entirety, moving away from relining to ensure optimum capability. Although relining appears to be a cost-effective option, it may compromise function and safety. Buying new BPW brake shoes eliminate the risks associated with older, worn, and damaged brake platforms.

All new BPW brake shoes are supplied complete with rollers, removing the problem of seized or damaged rollers caused by shot blasting during the relining process. When brake shoes reach the end of their lining life, they can be relined.

However, a disadvantage of sending brake shoes to be relined is that you might not get the same shoes back. We advise you to mark your shoes first, ensuring the ones sent are the same as the ones returned.

Receiving different shoes with no prior knowledge of their historical workload could be costly.

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In some cases, cost-cutting measures extend to maintenance practices.

Workshops might opt for infrequent servicing, reduced inspection routines, or quick repairs to decrease labour and downtime costs. These practices might initially be cost-effective but can lead to delayed identification of critical issues, escalating repair expenses. It is important to note that damaged BPW brake shoes or a brake drum can negatively impact braking performance, causing impact wear on both the camshaft and slack adjuster. Moreover, the friction material of the brake shoe assembly complements the metallurgy in the BPW brake drum, ensuring optimal wear behaviour. When the friction material incorrectly matches the brake system, it can often result in brake noise, vibration, and premature lining degradation.

An auto-slack adjuster fitted on BPW drum braked axles has a wear indicator, meaning wear on a brake lining can be easily detected. The minimum thickness of the brake lining is indicated by the position of the lever when the brake is released.

Think before you buy BPW brake shoes are optimally profiled to match the brake drum. Made in the BPW factory using a specially developed steel alloy, pressed and hardened shoes are dip-coated with zinc phosphate for enhanced surface protection. It’s important to acknowledge that brake linings and drums are wearing parts, necessitating regular inspections to ensure braking efficiency is maintained.

An aftermarket training course is available for BPW spare parts distributors.

The course covers parts identification and includes training on the BPW internal aftermarket portal. Access to up-to-date data gives a distributor the information they need to check the availability of parts across the UK. With a good understanding of BPW products, distributors can confidently advise and support customers.

When considering your next purchase, ask yourself, “Am I getting what I pay for?” The answer is a resounding yes when using BPW’s new genuine parts. It’s not just a purchase; but an investment in quality, safety, and performance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BPW, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBE018

JANUARY 2024 CVW 37

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IN THE WORKSHOP

ROUTE TO SUCCESS Falcon Buses has gone fully digital to transform its fleet maintenance with software from Freeway Fleet Systems. The system is being introduced in two workshops to eliminate paper and provide live digital information on Falcon’s fleet. CVW gets the download.

A

family-owned business established in 2012, Falcon has grown from just four coaches to 65 buses and coaches today. Running tendered local bus services for Surrey County Council, coupled with commercial bus and coach services, Falcon had become overwhelmed with paper. With the paperwork burden becoming unsustainable and affecting productivity, the company started looking for a digital solution back in 2019.

“We went to the Coach and Bus UK show in 2019 to look for systems and discovered Freeway. Its system looked a perfect fit for us as a complete end-to-end solution and well proven in the industry.

Crucially, it was the only system that integrated with Ticketer and that was vital for us as we wanted to move to digital

driver checks but we didn’t want to issue drivers with mobile devices,” says Richard Telling, managing director of Falcon Buses.

Based in Byfleet, Surrey, the new system sees Falcon’s workshop staff equipped with rugged tablet devices replacing paper service sheets. Live data is sent to a central Freeway system to provide complete visibility of the fleet and the system also manages other assets such as workshop equipment. A dashboard screen displayed on a large wall-mounted monitor screen in the workshop provides an instant snapshot of all the status of work on the day.

The Freeway and Ticketer integration allows drivers to record their walk-around checks on Ticketer machines and provides the workshop with instant information on any defects. “With paper driver checks we didn't know about defects until the evening.

Now thanks to the Ticketer and Freeway integration, we know about any defects straight away. This means we can immediately schedule any rectification work, minimise vehicle downtime and better allocate workshop resources,” Telling adds.

JANUARY 2024 CVW 39

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Find plenty of advice, online chat and self-help tools on our website, or talk to us on the helpline, free and in complete confidence, Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 8am–5pm

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039_CVW_JAN24_Layout 1 11/12/2023 14:25 Page 41

IN THE WORKSHOP

As well as managing workshop activity and compliance, Freeway is also being introduced to manage stores. With a digital asset register of thousands of parts, the system will help Falcon improve stock control, tracking part usage and ultimately measure the performance of individual parts and the real costs of keeping individual vehicles on the road.

According to Falcon, one of the most useful features of Freeway is a re-torquing app which provides an automatic alert when re-torquing is due. “Re-torquing has traditionally been really difficult to manage as the vehicles tend to be back in service and out of ‘the system’ engineering-wise.

This neat little re-torquing feature in Freeway is really useful,” Telling explains.

Due to the Covid pandemic, Falcon delayed the implementation of Freeway until 2022 and to help get its system up and running, Falcon employed the services of FleetPerks, a consultancy providing advice and implementation that had direct experience working with Freeway’s customers.

“We knew introducing a digital system would involve a lot of work and knowledge we lacked. So, we were fortunate to find Steve Perks who had previous management experience implementing Freeway at a major London bus operator. As we’ve expanded so much in recent years, we are always so busy and I'm sure we’d have struggled to get up and running without his help,” Telling concludes.

FOR MORE ON FREEWAY, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF019

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043_CVW_JAN24_Layout 1 11/12/2023 14:54 Page 43

IN THE WORKSHOP

THE PRICE OF FAILURE The DPF Doctor Network is an independent global network of trained technicians, headed by founder Darren Darling. In this feature, member Keith Shanahan of Shanahan Auto Services, Ballyedmond, Co. Wexford shares his diagnostic approach to a poorly performing CTDi engine.

W

e had a couple of jobs recently which again demonstrated the importance of a number of factors which are sadly lacking in the many vehicles that come to us after they have been ‘seen’ by other garages. Correct diagnosis is dependent on a number of key factors including training, experience, correct tooling, technical information, product knowledge and, most importantly the desire for a technician to seek an appropriate conclusion to a job – for themselves and their customer.

The case study I want to share relates to a CDTi engine (also known as the GM Medium Diesel), as found in the old Vauxhall Astravan. This vehicle had been to another garage. The owner was dismayed

with the results after spending much time and money going back and forth to the garage. He contacted me after reading about us on social media and locating us through the DPF Doctor Network website.

Double checking Speaking to this gentleman, I gathered as much information as I could about the history of the vehicle, its issues, the work carried out to date including the extensive list of regenerations and the high number of additives used. As part of the network, we go through a set of checks that help with the initial assessment. This entails gathering key data, checking the physical condition of several components, checking for trouble codes and much more.

"...correct diagnosis is dependent on a number of factors..."

JANUARY 2024 CVW 43

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IN THE WORKSHOP

Questioning of the customer about their driving, fuelling, and servicing habits is also essential at this stage.

After completing the initial assessment, we now had a lot of information to go back to our customer with and, to cut a long story short, we now had a good idea of the direction to go in regarding diagnosing the cause of our DPF problem.

We may well see one or indeed many faults initially but rather than fire in some additive or a fistful of parts we dig down to the root cause of the issue. Every time.

We may need some new parts, a repair of some sort, appropriate use of additives from JLM Lubricants, or even an ‘educational’ session with the customer/ driver. We never jump to conclusions.

Legacy failures In the case of this vehicle this is what had happened previously:

■ It initially started off with the all too

common ‘fire in some additives and drive the sh*t out of it’ treatment.

■ At no time was the customer asked about his driving style, distances regularly travelled, service history, fuelling habits, repair history etc. (I knew all too well that the garage in question hadn't done themselves or the customer any favours from the outset).

■ This initial course of action was unsuccessful. In fact, the van became more sluggish.

■ The next step for this garage? Let's put in some more additives and carry out a regen! In fairness, this time around they did conduct a code read but disregarded everything that didn't seem to be part of the actual DPF component itself.

■ The visits to the garage became more

frequent, the quantity of the additives used certainly outweighed the quality and the regeneration of the DPF became a procedure that was undertaken multiple times during each visit to the garage.

Damage done Obviously, by this stage, the customer’s alarm bells were ringing. Later during the job, I discovered several issues that I knew would crop up after hearing the customer's story. Due to the excessive use of cheap additives and the number of forced regenerations, the DPF and catalyst were thermally damaged. Worse though was the fact that the initial cause of the problems was not the DPF itself. Other much more affordable components had failed.

On this vehicle we discovered failed heater plugs and a differential pressure sensor fault caused by a wiring issue. Regardless of the number of times this DPF was cleaned, regenerated, or soaked in additives, it would clog up time and time again because of these faults. Unfortunately, in this case it meant several bills for needless work and needless expense leading to the biggest expense of all for this customer – a new DPF. The technician owes it to the customer to ensure they really are genuine DPF experts and skilled diagnostic technicians so they can perform a first-time fix and save their customer time and money.

FOR MORE INFO ON JLM, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF020

FOR MORE ON THE DPF DOCTORS, WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF036

44 CVW JANUARY 2024

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WHAT'S NEW?

FLUID THINKING MORRIS LUBRICANTS

U

p until recently, the antifreeze coolant market has been dominated by traditional blue two-year antifreezes using older inorganic chemistry and five-year red antifreezes that employ newer Organic Acid Technology (OAT). These older products have now fallen into the commodities bracket as the OEM and global qualifications that these products meet are limited and may even be outdated. Engine designers are now not only specifying increasingly tailored engine oil formulations but are extending their demands to antifreeze coolant formulations.

New requirements To accommodate these new requirements Morris Lubricants has released a new range of Ultralife Antifreeze Coolants: Ultralife 1, Ultralife 2, Ultralife 3 and Ultralife 4.

This new range has been formulated to offer refined levels of protection to engines employed across a range of market sectors, including passenger car, light commercial vehicles and heavy-duty diesel commercial vehicles.

The Ultralife antifreeze coolant range now covers 169 different engine specifications. This means workshops can have confidence that they are selecting and using the correct antifreeze coolant.

“...mixing different product types can be highly detrimental...”

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

ULTRALIFE 1 This product is an OAT based antifreeze coolant that is qualified for use in a wide range of vehicles across a variety of markets, including commercial vehicle and passenger car. This antifreeze coolant provides high levels of rust and corrosion protection.

ULTRALIFE 2 This is a silicate-free OAT antifreeze coolant which has been formulated primarily around the demands of Japanese, Korean and European car manufacturers where seal and gasket compatibility are essential to prevent the likelihood of deterioration and leaks. This antifreeze coolant contains phosphate technology for effective pH control and enhanced corrosion protection.

ULTRALIFE 3 This antifreeze coolant has been developed in line with German OEM requirements, with a silicate inhibitor for advanced aluminium protection and phosphate to buffer the pH and keep the product slightly alkaline.

This OAT antifreeze coolant covers engines used in the commercial vehicle, off-highway and passenger car markets.

ULTRALIFE 4 As a robust and versatile

antifreeze coolant spanning multiple vehicle sectors, this product has long established credentials due to its tried and tested OAT inhibitor chemistry.

This product is ideal for mixed vehicles fleets employing a range of OEMs and equipment types, including gas engines.

It is easy to fall into the trap of selecting blue or red antifreeze coolant based on past use, but choice should never be based on colour. The colour is purely cosmetic and plays no part in how the antifreeze coolant performs. It is also worth mentioning that mixing different product types can be highly detrimental with reduced effectiveness and harmful side effects. Antifreeze coolant choice should therefore always mirror original equipment manufacturer specifications to maximise protection, efficiency and performance of the engine.

Help at hand The Ultralife range of antifreeze coolants covers a wide variety of vehicle specifications to meet manufacturer requirements.

Morris’s technical team recommend checking the engine specifications required to make sure the correct antifreeze coolant is used. If unsure, you can seek industry experienced advice by calling this team or by visiting the Morris Lubricants website.

WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF021

JANUARY 2024 CVW 45

046_CVW_JAN24_Layout 1 11/12/2023 14:13 Page 46

WHAT'S NEW?

QUICK QUICK SLOW HIKOKI POWER TOOLS The new 36V ½ in WR36DGW2Z cordless impact wrench from Hikoki Power Tools is said to offer superb torque, a highly efficient brushless motor, adjustable settings and a rock-solid ergonomic construction. The WR36DGW2Z boasts tightening torque of up to 1,400 Nm and a nut-busting torque of 2,000 Nm. With four versatile modes, an option for either auto-stop/ auto-slow prevents overtightening or bolts dropping.

The integrated battery dampening system prolongs the life of both the battery interface and the tool itself while the ergonomic soft grip allows for comfy handling and enhanced safety.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF022

■ RYME AND REASON THE WORLDWIDE GROUP The Worldwide Group has launched Ryme Worldwide, the group’s company for the UK and covering England, Scotland and Wales. The Worldwide Group is a 40-year established designer, manufacturer and installer of MOT equipment with a presence in 85 countries. It has a long-term contract with the Drivers and Vehicle Agency in Northern Ireland as the sole source vendor to supply, deliver, install, calibrate and maintenance of new vehicle testing equipment, associated integrated test lane software (E-swift) and all associated IT Hardware, licenses and management information systems at the MOT centres. The new Ryme Worldwide business is based in East Anglia, and its MOT equipment for the UK is manufactured in Spain.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF023

46 CVW JANUARY 2024

42: THE ANSWER TO THE MEANING OF LIFE… BETTAPARTS Bettaparts has introduced 42 brake discs, one set of brake shoes and two wear leads to its braking range. Highlights include reference BD1366V (front) to fit Citroen Relay / Jumper 06-, Fiat Ducato 06- and Peugeot Boxer 06-. The new wear leads cover various light commercial vehicle applications, including references AWL327 and AWL328 for the MAN TGE 16-, Crafter 16- and Multivan 21-.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF024

FLAME ON! LASER TOOLS The new Laser Tools lightweight and compact butane gas‐powered torch (8710) features a piezo‐electric ignition system and incorporates essential safety features such as a safety lock to prevent unintentional ignition and a flame lock for continuous usage. The refillable gas tank has a 12ml capacity, delivering a runtime of approximately 20 to 30 minutes and achieving a maximum temperature of 1300°C. For heating small components for removal, it’s also suitable for soldering tasks where a traditional soldering iron may not be appropriate. Its safety lock and flame lock mechanisms ensure user security and convenience during operation, and its compact dimensions, measuring 102 x 68 x 35mm, make it highly portable and easy to store.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF025

ONE STEP REMOVED STANDOX Standox has introduced a new 1K-Allround Primer Surfacer U3080S as an aerosol, which shortens the repair process a repair step is eliminated. During preparation, small sand-throughs are common.

These must be primed or sealed before topcoating.

The new 1K-Allround Primer Surfacer U3080S allows fast processing as it provides filling power and good adhesion on both metal and plastic substrates.

1K-Allround Primer Surfacer U3080S is suitable for use on bare metal providing very good corrosion protection, and on all common plastic substrates with required flexibility. Application is very easy with good sprayability and flow, thanks to SprayMax technology. It can be re-coated after sanding with waterborne basecoats as well as with solventborne basecoats or topcoats. Initially offered in grey, black and white will be available in due course.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF026

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WISDOM ON WHEELS BRIDGESTONE

AIR HAMMER TIME LASER TOOLS The Laser Tools in-line air hammer extractor (8727) is claimed to be a “revolutionary” tool engineered to simplify the challenging task of removing diesel injectors. This innovative solution is compatible with all Laser 5/8 in UNF or M18 thread diesel‐injector adaptors and is designed to significantly reduce the time and effort required for this procedure. The extractor is designed to mount in-line with the target injector, enabling a more efficient transmission of impact force and vibration. The secret is the pneumatic hammer pull function: this extractor employs impacts to pull rather than push, ensuring precise and effective extraction.

This design not only enhances impact and vibration transfer but also reduces the overall working length, expanding its range of applications, particularly when used with the engine still in the vehicle. Suitable for any injector adaptor featuring a 5/8 in UNF or M18 thread.

Recommended for use with a wide range of the company’s diesel injector adaptors, including the 4760 (Delphi/Bosch CR kit), 5128 (Bosch CR dual-connection adaptor), 7802 (Bosch Extractor), 6118 (Siemens M25), 6119 (Denso M20), 6120 (Siemens M27), 6121 (non-CR M12 injectors), 6122 (Delphi M14), and 6123 (off-line adaptor).

The air-powered extractor operates at 4500 ‘blows per minute’, with an approximate air consumption of 3.9CFM, and requires a working pressure of 90psi.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF027

Created for fleets seeking to maximise efficiency and boost the total value of ownership, the new Ecopia Enliten from Bridgestone is a new longhaul tyre range that delivers best-inclass fuel efficiency.

The Ecopia Enliten incorporates low energy pattern designs and highperformance compounds and – in low profile Ecopia Steer Enliten – a new spiral belt construction increases cornering power and optimises pressure distribution to improve wear life.

The tyres have an EU label A-grade in rolling resistance, with a 12% rolling resistance reduction in the drive axle and an 8% reduction in the steer axle compared to its previous generation.

Developed with the digital future of mobility in mind, the new range is already equipped with RFID and is ready to be fitted with tyre-mounted sensors.

The tyres are initially available in size 315/70 R22.5, with four additional sizes to be added throughout 2024 and one further size in 2025. Ecopia Trailer Enliten will be available from late 2024 to complete the range.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF028

046_CVW_JAN24_Layout 1 11/12/2023 14:18 Page 48

WHAT'S NEW?

NO STOPPING THEM TMD FRICTION Under the Mintex brand, TMD Friction has extended the range of brake discs and pads for light commercial vehicles. The latest brake discs include part MDC2846C for Mercedes-Benz X-class (470), and X-class platform/chassis (470) and Nissan Navara platform/chassis (D23), np300 Navara (D40), and np300 Navara pickup (D23, D23T); part MDC3178C for Ford Tourneo Custom V362 bus (F3), Transit Custom V362 bus (F3) and Transit Custom V362 van (FY, FZ).

The new brake pads encompass MDB3518, accommodating vehicles such as Citroen Jumpy III bus (V_), Jumpy III platform/chassis (V_), Jumpy III van (V_), Spacetourer bus (V_), Fiat Scudo bus, Scudo platform/chassis, Scudo van, Ulysse bus, Opel Vivaro C, Vauxhall Zafira Life, Peugeot Expert, and Toyota Proace.

Additional brake pad introductions include MDB3521 for Fiat Ducato bus (250_), Ducato platform/chassis (250_) and Ducato van (250_).

WANT TO KNOW MORE? GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF029

BODY LINE POWER‐TEC’S Power‐TEC’s new wheel arch and body line marker tool (92688) optimises the sanding/contouring process with accurate marking. The versatile instrument is designed to accurately and quickly trace wheel arch and body lines directly onto the panel, utilising the existing curves and swage lines.

The tool features a parallel marking design, along with rollers (to prevent further paintwork damage) and spring‐loaded pencil mount (keeping the pencil in contact with the surface).

WANT TO KNOW MORE? GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/VBF030

049_CVW_JAN24_Layout 1 11/12/2023 10:20 Page 49

5

DIGITAL DIGEST

1

DECEMBER’S

TOP FIVE

4 2

Those of you not taking advantage of the CVW website are truly missing out. With an array of technical articles, breaking news and helpful business tips, it’s a great source of information right at your fingertips. If you’re not already convinced, this month, CVW’s Freya Coleman, takes a look back at the most popular articles on the website from the past month.

1 AGEING OILS FOR AGEING VEHICLES?

2 HYDROGEN POTENTIAL

Kicking off this month's list, Mike Bewsey, former chairman of the VLS, warns against using the most up to date engine oils on customer vehicles. This comes as the age of the UK vehicle parc is increasing along with the average length of fleet vehicles’ time on the road.

Ever wondered if hydrogen might be the fuel of the future? Well, you’re not alone. In this next popular online article, CVW hears about Ford’s latest UKbased project which aims to establish if hydrogen fuel cell technology can help to deliver enhanced zeroemission-driving range in energy-intensive use cases.

WWW.RDR.LINK/ VBF031

WWW.RDR.LINK/ VBF032

3

3

4

CLUTCH REPLACEMENT GUIDE

READ ‘OIL’ ABOUT IT

5

Next up, Schaeffler’s Alistair Mason takes readers through a clutch replacement on a front wheel drive 2012 Ford Transit.

Follow along for some instalment tips, including to remember to drain, flush and replace the clutch fluid.

In this next popular online article, Motul, one of the oldest names in the lubricants market, announces new offerings to the CV market that go beyond just oil. Read about the company’s developments in creating high quality, high-performance range of heavy-duty products.

Last but not least, Paul Hollick, chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals, takes a look at how the slowing of electrification has led van fleets to return to established emissions strategies.

WWW.RDR.LINK/ VBF033

WWW.RDR.LINK/ VBF034

WWW.RDR.LINK/ VBF035

EMISSION STRATEGIES

JANUARY 2024 CVW 49

050_CVW_JAN24_Layout 1 11/12/2023 10:44 Page 50

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Commercial Vehicle Workshop.

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information.

Bosch Aftermarket ...................................................... (page 9)

Mann+Hummel (UK) Ltd ............................................ (page 13)

www.rdr.link/VBF100

www.rdr.link/VBF110

Bowmonk .................................................................. (page 47)

Mechanex .................................................................. (page 42)

www.rdr.link/VBF101

www.rdr.link/VBF111

Clarios (Varta Batteries) ............................................ (page 28)

Morris Lubricants .................................................. (front cover)

www.rdr.link/VBF102

www.rdr.link/VBF112

CVW Online ................................................ (inside back cover)

Osram ........................................................................ (page 25)

www.rdr.link/VBF103

www.rdr.link/VBF113

Drakefield .................................................................. (page 38)

Premier Pits .............................................................. (page 33)

www.rdr.link/VBF104

www.rdr.link/VBF114

Ecobat Battery Technologies (Manbat) ...................... (page 30)

rdr.link ........................................................................ (page 48)

www.rdr.link/VBF105

www.rdr.link/VBF115

Eminox ...................................................................... (page 41)

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket UK Ltd .............. (page 15)

www.rdr.link/VBF106

www.rdr.link/VBF116

Ferdinand Bilstein UK Ltd/Febi .................................. (page 4)

Stertil UK Ltd .............................................. (inside front cover)

www.rdr.link/VBF107

www.rdr.link/VBF117

Juratek Ltd/Frase-le .................................................. (page 21)

Totalkare Heavy Duty Work .................................. (back cover)

www.rdr.link/VBF108

www.rdr.link/VBF118

Maha UK .................................................................... (page 16) www.rdr.link/VBF109

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50 CVW JANUARY 2024

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