New depot gets it straight
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A SWEDISH-built chassis straightening system the first of its type to be seen in the UK is one feature of a new £120,000 service depot at Unit Commercials, Brunel Road, Churchfields, Salisbury (Scania distributors for SW England and South Wales).
Called the Skanik, the straightening system uses purpose-built brackets, and an air, hydraulic power unit to push or pull a chassis straight with the minimum of stripping down.
Instead of the heavy frame and drive-on ramps used in some other equipment. Skanik use a grid set in the floor so leaving the floor space uncluttered and enabling other repairs to be carried out when the equipment is not in use.
Marketed in the UK by NIKE Hydraulics Ltd. 89 Hall Street. Long Melford, Suffolk, the Skanik system including brackets, power pump, and other associated equipment, costs £.11,800.
The design of the service depot is based on the best ideas accumulated by Mr I. V. Andrews, managing director of Unit Commercials, after visits to Continental service depots and consultation with staff who were going to use the facilities.
The 929sqm (10,000sqft) service floor area has six service bays. five of which are through-bays having 6.1m (20ft) up and over doors at each end. Wherever possible. equipment, storage and auxiliary services have been routed below floor or overhead to leave the floor space clear. An under-floor oil storage room, reached from the inspection pit, also houses the air compressors which are linked to air tools and pressure lubrication points in the service area. The exhaust extraction system is tracked beneath the floor.