VEHICLE WASHES
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A vehicle wash is arguably the most expensive single piece of workshop equipment most companies buy. It's important to get the right one.
• Welcome to Marketplace, Workshop's new bi-monthly listing service for equipment suppliers.
For the first one we have chosen to list manufacturers and suppliers of static vehicle wash equipment, which has changed dramatically since the introduction of electronics.
In the past brush washes were destroyed if you tried to clean a vehicle such as a refuse collector, with high pressure arches providing the only way 'of cleaning these, However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between the two systems as some high pressure arch systems can now be specified with brushes, and some brush systems will operate without brushes!
Wilcomatic
Today's brush washes can be multi-programmed to avoid the machinery of a rear-end loader or roof-mounted equipment, allowing them to take some work from high pressure arch systems.
Although a high pressure arch system must ultimately be more versatile — it's also cheaper and requires less mainte nance — the quality of the wash may vary depending on the vehicle. However,
applying chemicals in foam form so they remain in contact with the paintwork for longer has helped improve the wash quality.
Running costs
Drive-through systems, brush or brushless, are generally cheaper than roll-over or moving-gantry ones, but impact damage is a significant factor in running costs. This is especially true if third parties use the wash. Where they do have an advantage is the amount of space they require. Although the wash quality will to some degree be dependant on the driver.
Credit card, PIN numbers, swipe cards and bar codes can control who uses the wash which makes it easier for operators to provide a service to third-parties, and so recover part of the capital outlay.
On offer
Whichever system you choose it is vital to know what is on offer. To help you we have compiled a list of all the manufacturers of vehicle wash equipment. Any manufacturer or importer of static vehicle wash equipment not listed below should contact our office so that we can update our files.