Low down on tooling-u
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IN TIMES of recession transport is one industry that is hit first; but any astute businessiman can take advantage of this situation and negotiate capital equipment purchases on far better terms and discounts.
One area often neglected is. workshop equipment from specialised hand tools right through to brake testers. Obviously, each operator's requirements will differ but with careful planning it shouldn't be too difficult to draw up a list of short, mediumand long-term requirements.
The obvious pitfall will be to classify each item as long-term and not make any purchases immediately. This is rather like not taking on apprentices because the day will come for trained fitters or an adequately equipped workshop to meet future demands, and neither personnel nor equipment will be there.
Here, CM hopes to remind management what is available on the market but not to make specific recommendations. The range is vast and it will be up to management to make the final decision.
First, one world of caution. Don't always go for the cheapest, products from unknown companies. The product could be good but there is a chance that costs have been cut by using inferior materials or salesman making inflated recommendations to close a sale.
Find out where the products were made, the terms of the warranty, spare parts availability, back-up and service and, most important, ask the opinion of other users when considering anything other than basic tools.
Vehicle manufacturers are able to supply special but expensive tools for the maintenance and repair of their products. These must be kept either in a lockable store in the workshop on a tool board mounted on the wall or on a mobile tool bench. Outline the tools so that any not in place are easily indentifiable.
The larger operators will probably have someone in charge of special tools and equipment; or an apprentice can do the job as it helps him to become familiar with what is available and also what, for instance, hub pullers or fillet rollers look like.
Special tools and workshop equipment are costly and need to be looked after, many hours.
can be wasted looking for or repairing this vital equipment.
The manufacturers which have supplied information on their latest products are, in the main, members of the Garage Equipment Association which is a trade association within Britain for UK-based companies which manufacture, distribute, import or install garage equipment. The Association is based in London and has in its membership all the leading companies within the industry.
Information on the objects of the Association, membership, and code of conduct is readily available from A. W. Baber, the Secretary, Forbes House, Halkin Street, London SW1X 7DS.
Now a look at what the manufacturers themselves have to offer: Air Industrial Developments Ltd, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS14 ODR. Tel (0543) 480341.
This company produces spray-finishing equipment for the body refinishing industry. Its high-performance low-cost Falcon Spraygun has a Telfloncoated gun body making the unit easy to clean and maintain. Its built-in drip-free lid prevents paint spilling from the gun during spraying. Fan and material control settings are marked to allow precise and consistent settings.
The 1-litre polished container has a quick release/locking mechanism and is also Tefloncoated for rapid cleaning. The unit is available with 1.8 or 1.5 nozzles and consumes 267 litres of air a minute (9.5cfm). Nozzle kits, maintenance kits and a full range of spare parts are available. Recommended retail price is £35.
The AT12 rectifier is a new piston-type pressure unit providing accurate and sensitive air flow control. This is an essential part of any spray booth or workshop where a regulated flow of clean air is needed. The unit is selfcompensating in that the reading on the gauges is reduced automatically when the pressure control knob is adjusted.
There is a sintered bronze filter for easy cleaning and maintenance, and extraction of moisture from air is by a centrifuging chamber through which all incoming air is forced.
The maximum inlet pressure is 12 bar (175 lb/in) and outlet pressure is adjustable from 0.3 to 10 bar (5 to 150-1b/in). Recommended retail price is £27.
Although all AID's rectifiers will clean the air passing through them, there is always a risk of minute particles passing through the filters. To ensure that air entering a spray gun is clean, a new streamlined and lighter weight filter forming the final connection between airline and gun is now fitted. It is lighter, for improved comfort, and will filter down to five micron as well as drying moisture from the air. The list price of the new filter is £6.
Alwayse Ltd, Warner Street, Birmingham B12 OJG. Tel (021)773 6171.
The Mobile Handling Equipment Division manufactures and markets a comprehensive range of hand trucks, trolleys and trailers for general purpose and specialised applications.
Design and survey facilities are available for "one-off specials" or to make on-site recommendations regarding complete systems or specific problem areas related to materials-handling.
The whole range is competitively priced and represents good value for money.
• Apaseill Ltd, Bata Hailsham, East Suss( 1DX. Tel .(0323) 842066.
This company is WE for its range of tyre equipment. The APO ' APO 1402 one-inch airs for heavy duty work E able in pistol-grip or body versions. Feature power regulator, fork.% reverse lever, 1.25in b city, and side handle f control.
Ideal for the small I consuming jobs i workshop, tyre and bays are the APO 1404 chet and APO 1405 5/a-i producing a torque (401b/ft) at 85psi with override for higher toi
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The APO 1400 1/2-in powered and rugged ing up to 30 per ce power then convention wrenches. Special fea clude built-in regulat mounted forward and
rocking dog clutch to power.
0 1403 tyre buffer has a r motor producing n to ensure vibrationormance. Features inhtweight body 0-57kg -ear exhaust, and builttor. It comes complete ng disc.
mpany's range also inheavy duty tyre stand, -type stand, tyre rekit, fixed safety cage, in bead breaker, and c bead expander.
ed tyre/wheel assem.1 be time-consuming y to handle. The Apak Tyre Press has a fast,
double-acting pneu-) which it is claimed se even the most stub d and ease it right off a I rim where necessary. ieel assembly is rolled machine ramp and )y the cone and bar pro:le ram is then posicording to wheel width, :ver valve provides safe control of power to the e under the rim flange. nent of the securing ows the wheel assemolve under the ram and :ase of full lead circumThe equipment has a pressure of 1034kn/sq 1) and an output thrust (5,550 lb), It will take yre wheels from 406 to 16 to 24in).
)rghi AG Double type langer is operated by vdropneumatic power. idle rim diameters from 381 to 1016mm (15 to 40m). Robust in construction, it supports and manoeuvres the weight of the rim/tyre assembly without effort by.the operator.
The machine will handle both flat and well-based rims (overall maximum-diameter 1,900mm and (7 4.8in) width 900mm (35.5in) to fit industrial earth moving and truck tyres. Tyre mounting and demounting is performed safely and easily by clamping the wheel at its centre base or flange.
This is particularly helpful in detaching separate flanges and mounting Super Single/Duplex and truck tubeless tyres.
ARO Machinery Co Ltd, 190 Castelnau, London SW139 DJ. Tel (01)-748 5434.
Top quality welding is now possible by the least experienced.
Synchro-Select, a feature incorporated in ARO's MIG weld ing machines, enables wire speed and current to be automatically matched. The operator only has to keep the torch the right distance from the workpiece and move it at the right speed.
For difficult work the skilled operator can choose Select, giv ing him complete control. The Weldmaster combined MIG and resistance welding machine also incorporate this feature.
Supplied with the 5169 and S179 integral transformer guns for resistance spot-welding, are the Spotrite adaptive control units which give constant quality spot-welds. On the Spotrite 2040 only one control needs to be set, for spot size and weld time are automatically adjusted.
The Spotrite 2041 also has controls for heat and time, used to meet any special circumstances outside the scope of the automatic facility.
The ARO Pull-Pin kit is used with a resistance welding gun to remove dents by pulling studs which have been welded to the damaged part.
Autosense Equipment Ltd, Station Approach, Bicester, Oxon 0X6 7BZ. Tel (08692) 43351.
This company introduced the Autosense A200 computerised garage diagnostic system four years ago and has now launched a new development called the Autosense Phase 11 tape. The new tape cassette offers increased performance and flexibility in operation. It is used in conjunction with the A500 Autosense diagnostic test system, which has expanded computer memory capacity.
The Phase 11 tape automatically determines the test values from the engine, in four basic models. These are: cranking, idle, cruise (2,500rpm) and snap acceleration.
Test results are then compared with the information held in the computer's memory, test values are retained within the memory, and may be recalled either on their own or as part of the overall printout sheet showing each individual test conducted during the sequences.
Like all previous Autosense systems, the A500 with phase II tape has a complete printout. The difference is that the new tape allows the operator the choice to print either the complete report or only those values that are out of specification.
A range of accessories for vehicle-based diagnostic plugs and attachments is available to cover certain specified vehicles.
Existing Autosense users may have their A200 machine updated by the company's own trained service personnel to A500 Phase II capability. Even the earliest Autosense installations in the UK which may now be upwards of four years old, can be updated.
As well:as the tape, the Phase II packag4 includes new printout paper printed circuitboard, onsite conversions, training for operators li and the revised and up-dated Operators manual,
B.T. Sales1 & Service Ltd, 69 Carwood Road, Sheffield, S4 75A. Tel (0742) 616621.
With cv producing diesel fumes within a few seconds of starting, particularly after major overhaul work has been carried out, provisions must be made for exhaust gas removal in a modern workshop. One of the most cost-effective and practical solutions to this problem can be found in the Betex extraction system manufactured by B.T. Sales. The system uses crush proof purpose-made hoses which connect to the vehicle exhaust pipe. The exhaust gases are then ducted via a main line into the extraction fan which expels them outside the workshop.
The duct work is normally located at high level and extraction points are then positioned around the workshop adjacent to working areas, in much the same way as a compressed air facility would be provided. A Betex hose may be connected to an extraction point as and when required, so reducing to a minimum the capital cost of the installation.
Hoses can be run over by vehicles and plant without fear of damage and the unique Betex coupling, which is simiarly crush-proof, enables long continuous lengths of hose to be formed from one-metre units in which it is made. This is particularly useful in cv workshops where exhaust pipe locations can vary considerably from vehicle to vehicle.
A Betex system can be installed overhead virtually anywhere, but the opportunity exists to incorporate the system underfloor at the construction stage. Self-sealing floorplates are located adjacent to each working bay and an underfloor duct connects via a riser to the extraction fan in the normal way.
Thus, the work area can be kept totally free of fixtures.
Betex systems are tailor made for each application and B.T. Sales offers a nationwide en-site survey free of charge and obligation.
The practice of using an airline to blow off dust from brake assemblies is still widespread, produced during this operation contains asbestos. The B.T. Drumclene is a simple device which allows the mechanic to use compressed air for this purpose, but renders the operation safe.
Drumclene has a robust extraction hood with large viewing panels mounted on a variety of trolleys. A segmented diaphragm creates a partial seal with the back plate of the brake assembly and using one of three hand holes provided, the internal blow gun may be used to dislodge brake dust and road dirt.
Extraction is carried out by the connection of a suitable industrial suction cleaner, such as the Nilfisk GS82, which is equipped with absolute filtration designed to comply with regulations concerning asbestos handling. The commercial Drumclene model BT416 will accommodate vehicles with brake plate diameters from 304-483 mm (12-19 in).
Blackhawk Automotive Ltd, Leacon Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23. 3AH. Tel (0233) 32151.
To help conserve profits for vehicle repair shops, Blackhawk has introduced two special offer packages of its lifting equipment range.
The first package for light cv repair shops includes the Blackhawk 453.6 kg (1000th) capacity pedestal type Transmission Jack with a universal platform adapting to all types and makes of transmission.
Designed for under-hoist applications, it allows smooth and accurate operator control to provide precise alignment with complete safety.
Also in the package is a 680.4 kg (1,5001b) capacity engine crane with two accessories, a sling hook, and a safety clutch allowing precise positioning of the engine lifting chain at any lifting angle without fear of the power unit slipping or jolting.
A mobile Blackhawk universal engine stand completes this particular package. Suitable for use for both engines and transmissions undergoing repair or overhual, this stand can be eas
Below: Besides producing exhaust extraction equipment, B. T. Sales and Services Ltd produce a range of equipment for extraction of brake dust from braking systems.
Hy moved around a workshop, while provided with firm locking brakes to prevent movement when in use.
Blackhawk's truck repair package consists of a two-ton high lift engine crane, which, with its wide boom reach allows easy removal and replacement of large power units, at the same time giving adequate clearance.
There is also a 680kg (1,5001b}capacity wheel dolly for removing or replacing single or twin assemblies.
Bristol Pneumatic Ltd, Lodge Causeway, Bristol BS16 3JS. Tel (0272) 657511.
Suitable for the majority of cv workshops is the Bristol range of air compressors. These use a two :-.tage Duplex compression system which gives a lower operating temperature resulting in higher efficiency and power saving.
Bristol two-stage compressors range in capacity from 0.168 to 1.12cum (6 to 40cuft) providing an air service to meet all individual requirements. Four models in the range are now supplied as vertical models and are suited to the garage where space is at a premium. These compressor units are identical in every respect to the standard horizontal models and their compactness is designed to solve a siting difficulty.
All models are driven by means of vee-belts adequately guarded and are fitted with pressure-gauge service and drain valves.
They are normally produced with fully automatic stop/start control by an adjustable electropneumatic pressure switch, but can also be offered for continuousru n duty or on dual control, the latter giving a choice of either method by using a changeover device. Dual control is offered as standard equipment on the 307/D40. Contactor starters are offered and can be supplied either separately for wall mounting or fitted to the air receiver saddle.
Brockho use Ltd, Hill Top, West Bromwich, West Midlands B70 OSN. Tel (021) 556-1241.
Brockhouse Harvey Frost have introduced a fully automatic tyre changer for use with 228 to 381mm (9 to Thin) diameter tyres fitted to open and closed centre wheels of either steel or light alloy.
The new HF Boxer automatic tyre changer (Cat No E5) employs a four-speed gearbox giving wheel rotation in either direction.
The standard locking claws grip the outside diameter of the wheel rim. The claws also grip the inside of the wheel rims, in which case the adjustment is 304.8mm to 508mm (12in to 20i n).
The vertical post of the tyre changer adjusts automatically backwards and forwards and is controlled by one foot pedal. All four foot pedals are protected by being recessed into the cabinet thereby preventing accidental operation or damage. The cabinet is totally enclosed to prevent entry of dirt and dust.
A special thermoplastic airoperated bead breaker with adjustable blade provides a breaking force of up to 11/2 tonnes and equipment provided as standard includes a tyre-inflation gauge, an air filter combined with pressure regulator and lubricator and a tyre lever.
Also being introduced is the HF Boxer semi-automatic model. Its specifications are exactly as those of the automatic model except that a single-speed gearbox is fitted and the tool head and vertical post are adjusted manually.
Below: Bristol Pneumatic is wellknown for its air compressors. This model has a displacement of 40cuft/min and a maximum pressure of 200psi
Recommended price HF Boxer automatic tyre with three-phase motor plus vat, with sing! motor £1,190 plus vat Boxer semi-automa changer with three-phai £896 plus vat; with sing motor, £936 plus vat.
Bryden Engineering Lt Street, Leeds LS10 1 (0532) 36515 The Bryden Mk 5 (3.5in) stroke pneumz clincher is specially des use in the heaviest of cial shoes.
These shoes often h( webs making access to 1 difficult, so the Bruden a 89mm (3.51n) selectiN mechanism giving: (a stage sequencial oper 6.98mm (2.75in) cli stroke, then a 88.9mr clinch/extraction stro kE economy stroke whicl the machine to be used 19.05mm (0.75in) clincl tion stroke only where I ance stroke of 95mm (: not required. This mode saving in time and air o tion.
Either of the two IT operation can be select( flick of a switch situatE easy reach of the open maximum output of the has been increased, bu tailored to the require( the customer, to either tons maximum pressui punch. The above figurE proximate and app working pressure of 551 (80 lb/sq in).
Below: The HF Boxer tyre-changer and semi-i model are suitable for ty, 381mm (15in) diameter. pany also produces a he transmission jack. ndon) Ltd, Walnut Tree Noodbridge Park, Guildrrey GU1 1EL.
sure wash units for , buildings, machinery uipment often suffer reatment. The gun is vulnerable, as ordinary asings are liable to break ad on concrete and they 'won't stand up to being ver by a heavy vehicle.
ing and maintenance therefore will welcome s that one manufacturer eloped a new pressure un that is almost une.
[ant features of the new will handle a pressure ar (300psi) and a maxiw of 381prn (8.5gpm) are Ice and smooth operaressure and its ability to d the roughest useage. :er casing and trigger -e moulded in high imon. It can be held cornwith or without gloves ang spells of hot spray150C (300F).
I GunJet is designed for h most existing wash
it will take 1/4in or 3/sin tensions and standard I Systems Co nozzles !ssories. These include a essure pipe extension idle grip and (on the in
swivels, strainers and ;. The inlet connection is T or NPT female. Colindale-Becker Ltd, South Way, Wembley HA9 OHN. Tel (011 903-6915.
The company offers a range of hoists and brake testers. The Zippo 3311 electro-hydraulic drive hoist has a rating of 14,000kg (30,864lb) with a lifting height of 1,750mm (68.95in) in 85 seconds. A three kilowatt 220/380V motor is supplied as standard.
All components of the hydraulic system are positioned below the platforms for maximum protection. The removable cover plate provides easy access to the complete drive system. The hydraulic piston and cylinder are chrome plated, the piston is guided throughout its entire operation length.
A hydraulic locking mechanism automatically secures the platform at any height in the event of hydraulic leakage. Safety rods automatically prevent the platform from lowering in the event of cable breakage or if the transfer cross beam should not be level. A special longitudinal rail prevents accidents by stopping the lift if the lowering sequence is obstructed.
The 3311 four-post hoist needs little maintenance as all bearings are pre-greased and sealed. Routine maintenance averages 30 minutes every month and the equipment is guaranteed for one year.
For the lighter cv, C.B. can offer the Zippo 1411 four-tonne two-post hoist. The equipment offers a usable working space of 2.6m (8.5ft) between the two posts and adjustable lifting pads 168mm (6.5in) high are available. This model has an overall width of 3,200mm (126in), a lifting travel of 1.7m (5.57ft) in 66 seconds. A three phase 4.4kW electric motor is fitted. This lift complies with all European safety regulations, according to C.B.
A combined brake tester for commercial and passenger vehicles is also offered. Known as the EBS range, the roller brake tester comprises a roll stand with two special tripartite sets of rolls and a switchboard.
The four driven test rollers and suspension-mounted sensor rollers for the start and stop automatic are mounted in a profiled iron frame.
Brake torque is transmitted to special three-phase motors and, according to the principle of ac tive power, this in turn increases the power input of the electric motors. Electrodynamic power meters indicate the input power of the braking force direct in Newtons.
An electronically controlled automatic switch-off device operates without delay and mea surements of the braking force can be extended up to the blocking of the wheels. With the incorporation of the automatic cut off device even on very high measuring devices, damage to tyres is impossible.
Rollers are claimed to be hardwearing and reliable. Optional steel profile/steel plastic grit profile rollers are available.
The tester includes a special test programme for twin axles with fixed intermediate drive.
The four-column lifts start at £1,949 and the two column lift at £3,149. The purchase price for the car and commercial combined brake testers up to 13-ton axle load is quoted as between £9,308 and £11,250. Installation on a customer prepared site is £295.
Above: CompAir Auto Power produces compressors for low and high pressure applications.
to meet the demands of most businesses.
Machines available include lowand high-pressure vertical or horizontal receiver-mounted units, trolley mounted and fully portable compressors. Machines can be selected to meet either specific operations such as spraying or for general purpose useage including tyre inflation through to powering hand tools, greasing operations, and similar applications.
The larger vertical and horizontal receiver-mounted units in the range are suitable for all general-purpose applications. They are of singleor two-stage pump configurations providing delivery air pressures of 150 psi (10.2 bar) or 175psi (12 bar) respectively.
The complete range comprises: (a) five vertical receiver mounted single-stage compressors (VS) with displacement from 2.6 to 17.3cfm (1.2 to 8.2 litres); (b) four horizontal receiver mounted single-stage compressors (HS) with displacements from 7.8 to 17.3cfm (3.7 to 8.2 litres); (c) three vertical receiver mounted two-stage compressors (VT) with displacements from 14.9 to 29cfm (7 to 13.7 litres); (d) four horizontal receiver-mounted two-stage compressors (HT) with displacements from 14.9 to 85cfm (7 to 40 litres); (e) three portable wheel mounted single-stage compressors (PH S) with displacements from 2.6 to 15.4cfm (1.2 to 7.3 litres); (f) three carry handle models with displacements from 2.6 to 3.27cfm (1.2 to 1.54 litres).
AutoPower compressors can be supplied for operation on (continued overleaf)