Bedford TK 12,000-mile service
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THE TK range of medium Bedfords has been around for well over 10 years now and since there is no immediate plan for a replacement there is no reason to suppose it will not remain for many years to come.
The TK which is the subject of this feature is a 19-ton-gtw tractive unit operated by Pickfords. At the time of the 12,000-mile service that we followed through, the unit had more than 75,000 miles on the clock, but since the vehicle was J registered this was, obviously, at least second time around.
In spite of the hard work to which the unit had obviously been put, however, it had been well maintained and there were only two items needing attention over and above the simple service. The unit had been maintained by the Ponders End (Middlesex) depot of the Arlington group and it was at this depot that we watched the service being carried out.
Bedford services are of three types, coming at 6,000, 12,000 and 24,000-mile intervals. The 12,000-mile service is scheduled to take 11 hours although in our case only 7 hours 54 minutes were booked by the fitter and apprentice.
Non-tilting
There should be no difficulty for the average fitter In carrying out the maintenance of the TK, and apart from the injector tester, no special tools are required for the service. The TK, of course, has a nontilting cab and this can make access to some engine components difficult. However, the only time the cab need be removed (and it only takes about an hour for two men) is when the engine has to be lifted out for major overhaul.
Before our arrival the unit had been steam cleaned, but in fact it was obvious that not long ago a new short motor (consisting of new block, crankshaft and piston and rod assemblies) had been fitted.
Total labour charge for the job, including the rectification of a faulty starter (two hours) and steam cleaning came to £68. On top of this was the cost of 24 pints of oil (£5.76) and various seals, filters and gaskets required to complete the service (£9.68).