Stop re-lining during the season
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A simple electro-magnetic braking device has enabled Shearings Pleasureways Holidays Limited to streamline maintenance operations and cut running costs. The Altrincham, Cheshire, based company has fitted this device, the Telma Retarder, to its entire fleet of coaches.
It is so pleased with the result that now the units are specified as standard equipment for all new vehicles.
Shearings Director in charge of tours (Mr John Beaumont) says in a recent tribute: "In all cases we have found the Telma Retarder has worked successfully with plenty of advantages and no disadvantages."
Progressive
Progressive thinking has successfully taken the Company through changing times and in the past five years the number of coaches operated has increased nearly five-fold. Progressive thinking too has kept Telma ahead of the times. Its electro-magnetic retarder for heavy vehicles is the simplest yet most advanced on the market today. The retarder provides a completely reliable, trouble-free auxiliary braking system which is independent of normal brakes and of the engine, clutch and gearbox.
The Problem
Discussing Shearing's problem, Mr Beaumont said that during the summer of 1965, it was found in the operation of some vehicles that brake adjustments were often necessary and in many cases re-lines had to be carried out when vehicles came in from Devon and Cornwall or Scottish runs, each one a round trip of just over 1,000 miles.
"For example, a vehicle on the Newquay tour might have had up to four or five brake re-lines during a season and adjustments every week" he says. "This work not only involved considerable additional pressure on our maintenance staff but added considerably to costs.
Telma—The Answer
"In 1966 we fitted our first Telma Retarder. "This marked the end of the problem of brake re-lines and adjustments.
"We found a coach could go through a whole season, averaging 30,000 miles with only one or two brake adjustments and no re-lines.
"In addition, the safety factor of a coach being able to stop in the event of normal brake failure is invaluable."
Pays for Itself
Mr Beaumont said "We have found that within two years the units pay for themselves in the saving in materials and time. We also get a higher resale price for a Telma fitted coach.
The Retarder
The Telma Retarder is mounted into the transmission line.
It consists of 16 powerful electro-magnets set between two steel discs which rotate with the propeller shaft.
The driver, using a four position switch mounted on the steering column, energises the electro-magnet coils to select the exact amount of braking required.
Long Life
There's no wear because there is no friction. There's no fade and the unit needs little maintenance apart from periodic lubrication.
Drivers say the Retarder reduces driving strain and fatigue, enables higher speeds to be averaged in greater safety and gives passengers a smoother more comfortable ride free from the surges normally associated with sudden braking.
Complete Range
Telma makes two types of retarders which between them, offer a complete range of units suitable for all types of coaches. There's the 'C' type which fits in the drive line between the engine and the rear axle and the latest 'Focal' type designed specially for underfloor or rear engined coaches and is mounted directly on the gearbox or rear axle.
Installation takes only a day and the unit is guaranteed for a year.
To find out more about Telma and what it can do for you and your business fill in the coupon below.