BPS specialises in 4x4s
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Rugged ex-ministry Bedford M-types are converted for a variety of tasks in civilian life
• Specialisation has been the key to BPS Government Surplus's success in vehicle reconditioning. As this Devon-based company's name suggests, it concentrates on reconditioning ex-ministry Bedford M-type 4x4 trucks. These rugged vehicles, with BPS reconditioning attention, are converted for a variety of tasks in civilian life.
The M-type — it looks like a 4x4 Bedford TK — is available plated at 9.3 or 11.18 tonnes gvw. BPS supplies its reconditioned vehicles to local and airport authorities, construction companies and the like. Typical applications include snow plough, gritter, tipper and many other duties where all-wheel-drive is an advantage. According to Barry Sanders, BPS's proprietor, the bulk of the company's sales are made to local authorities.
The BPS reconditioned M-type provides a significant saving of around 50% on the cost of a new vehicle. This recondition cost is particularly attractive especially to operators requiring all-wheeldrive vehicles only on a seasonal basis, which accounts for the bulk of 4x4 duties in this country.
For your money, BPS provides an extensively reworked vehicle. Standard power for a BPS recon M-type is a reconditioned Bedford 330 diesel coupled to a four-speed Bedford gearbox. Customers can optionally specify 330 turbo diesel power at extra cost. This optional power unit is a new engine.
All items are inspected
The M-type's two-speed, constant-mesh transfer box, which allows four-wheeldrive operation in high or low ratio, is retained. BPS points out that any items not reconditioned, or replaced by it in the reconditioning process, are checked and inspected as part of the overhaul work.
Other BPS drive-line work includes replacing the original, single-tyred rear axle with a remanufactured twin-rear-wheel unit. New on/off-road tyres are fitted all round.
BPS fits its recon M-types with a new, fully trimmed cab. Also, extensive work is carried out on the vehicle's electrical system including the fitting of new engine and chassis wiring harnesses. All electrical components including starter, alternator, lights and the like, are renewed.
According to Barry Sanders, his company also completely reconditions the braking system, with relined shoes, new hoses, new wheel and master cylinders and new actuators for the air-overhydraulic system.
In its finished state, a BPS reconditioned M-type has its chassis painted with black Harnmerite. The cab is finished gloss painted and fully undersealed. BPS provides a 12-month warranty on its reconditioned M-types. At extra cost, a wide range of bodies can be fitted including gritters, tippers and tankers.
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