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latching the clock

28th March 2002, Page 19
28th March 2002
Page 19
Page 19, 28th March 2002 — latching the clock
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

)rivers' hours timers are becoming an increasingly mportant part of the driver's equipment; Craig Sheer eviews four of the current offerings.

With growing congestion and the introlotion of the Working Time Directive P e r present, concerns to those in road ansport monitoring the amount of time Drked every day has become more 'portant than ever. Trucks are an :pensive commodity and need to be Dri(ed intensively if they are to make a !cent return on capital. The driver, the ost important factor in the uck/profit equation,

so has to be ipt workg—but ithin the amework of e hours regu tions.

To satisfy both des of the equawi it is essential to aintain an acouIto record of workg time. Many of the test crop of HGVs can ready monitor elapsed -iving time in conjuncr with CAN-bus and simir electronic systems.

westment

ut for those without this ability an afterarket driver timer could be a worthbile investment.

A wide range of timing devices is alable. They all fulfil the basic required': of single driving time recording; her options vary from model to model. Essential criteria for a good timer include a clear display, ease of set-up and oper

ation, durable build and foolproof controls suited to demands of everyday use. A secure means of installation is preferable, combined with the option of quick removal if the vehicle is multi-shifted.

Starting at the bottom—in terms of price, at least, is the Salter Big Time. Reasonably priced at about 212, this com pact, single-function device is the most basic of the four CM tested. Simple to use, the Big Time has a large display count-down timer which the user sets to the required period leg hours! and simply presses the start button to set in motion.

For 220 I you can get the Driver Hour Guard which has proved a popular choice with drivers since its launch last June. This device is designed to record and display all of the driver's related times, including driving, other work and rest period totals. Running work and rest totals over a fortnight are also maintained, removing the need to keep additional hours records. The Driver Hour Guard is backlit for five seconds at the touch of a button. Salter Big lime, Iran SO.

Break counter

An extra .E2 buys a Driver Timer Mk4 from Norwich driver Richard King, The tripart display shows running driving time and nine and 10-hour daily driving totals. Changing the switch position to clock mode shows the current time and gives a rest break counter, Rounding off this selection is the well established Tach:Trak timer, costing a more substantial 2513. The design has remained virtually unchanged for more than 15 years with an exceptionally durable casing and a single display screen with push button illumination. All work/rest modes including spreadover are recorded and day totals kept for the current week.

Considering the cost difference between these four devices you might expect a similar difference in performance, but each unit has its own merits.

Limitations

The Big Time is a handy timer as long as you accept the limitations of the design. It fulfils its role cheaply and accurately and takes only moments to set. It has the advantage of flexibility as it can be set for break times as well as work timeindependent time records are still needed if the device is to be of more than marginal use but at this price it's certainly worth a look.

For the money the Driver Hour Guard is exceptional value, offering a full range of data display options. However, a certain amount of dedication is required when reading the instructions as it is a complicated piece of work. The controls could also be better as the buttons are quite small and the warning alarm to announce imminent rest periods isn't loud enough.

This is a good effort that records everything you need but it would definitely benefit from some refinement.

Likewise the Driver Timer is a handy in-cab addition and it has a much more robust finish, including a smart stainless mount, and it is easier to use.

The countdown display works well as it shows how much time is left before a break but, unlike the Hour Guard, it won't keep track of weekly totals. Some drivers might prefer to forego that ability for King's more userfriendly design.

As with the Hour Guard the warning alarm could be louder but, at £22 with a money-back guarantee, it's a good buy.

The Tach:Trak is the most expensive option in this group but it has a proven track record and records all the information a professional driver requires. Used in conjunction with regular record-keeping it should prove a sound investment.

The durable build quality will last for years and the size of the controls will accommodate even the most ropegnarled hands, The piercing alarm is also well up to the job. Like the other three devices it must be manually switched alongside the vehicle's tachograph to be of certain benefit but, if your budget allows, this is the best option for optimising working time and staying on the right side of the law.

Tags

Organisations: Iran SO
Locations: Norwich

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