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keeping them running
Page 149
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Ron Cater With the advent of roller brake-testing equipment, workshops have been able to dispense with expensive, dangerous and time-wasting operations on the road to investigate or assess the condition of vehicle brakes. But difficulties have arisen with certain types of vehicle in trying to obtain adequate adhesion between tyres and the testing rollers. Several systems have been introduced ranging from imposing concrete blocks on the vehicle body to an expensive and clumsy hydraulic load simulator which has considerable limitations.
Ford and Slater, the Leicesterbased British Leyland distributor, having met this problem in its own pre-testing bay, designed and developed a useful load simulator which should not be beyond the pocket of the majority of organizations possessing a brake tester.
The unit comprises a pair of high-powered air-operated rams which can be coupled by chains to the axle. The appropriate loading can be applied to any axle, irrespective of the type of body fitted to the vehicle, in a few minutes. All the equipment is contained within the existing pit of the tester and the unit can be easily operated by a man working on his own.
Two sets of weights are obtainable with the device, 2 tons per side for light vehicles and 4 tons per side for the heavier types.
Also it is possible to apply the load to one side only if, for instance, one is researching a fault in the vehicle braking system,
The use of simple chains and shackles for transmitting the load to. the axles ensures a completely universal anchoring device.
It is claimed that the unit has operated with complete success at the Ford and Slater depot test bays; the distributor is now making the unit available generally at £550 fitted. For the present the unit can be fitted only to the Triangle brake tester but other makes can be accommodated if required.
Engineers interested in the device are invited to see it in operation; applications should be made to Mr J. Nicoll at Ford and Slater Ltd, Narborough Road South, Leicester, LE3 2JG. Telephone 0533 823261./7.