Arrow Self Drive has turned to Totalkare for new equipment, to improve its workshop and promote efficiencies.
In recent months Huddersfield-based Arrow Self Drive has been on a bit of a spending spree in a bid to upgrade and improve its workshop. In doing so, it sought advice from lifting and testing experts, Totalkare. The shopping list was pretty extensive including an in-ground load-simulating brake tester, headlamp tester and two-post lift to service its fleet of over 2,000 commercial vehicles, which are available for flexible business hire. All vehicles are maintained and repaired in-house by a team of engineers, underlining the need for efficient and reliable workshop equipment.
Totalkare’s in-ground brake tester provides easy-to-use diagnostic software resulting in advanced data collection, storage and improved presentation of results. The handheld tablet unit communicates wirelessly with the brake tester, offering an advantage over traditional fixed displays which can be easily obscured.
The DVSA-approved unit, with angled cover plate design to minimise tyre damage, can be installed as a standalone, across an existing pit or as part of an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) lane. Arrow opted for a model that features load-simulation, removing the need for manual loading which is often time consuming and difficult work. The tester comes supplied with cabinet, computer, printer, monitor and handheld tablet which enables brake tests to be conducted with ease from within the cab of the vehicle in just a few minutes.
On the lighting front the company purchased the 2500 headlamp tester. This provides an intuitive LCD display, laser alignment and automatic adjustment, with a long battery life and quick recharge time for continuous operation in the busy workshop. Paired with the brake tester, technicians are able to test in-house for the two most common reasons for annual test failure, ensuring continual compliance.
Arrow also invested in a two-post lift, which raises vans from the chassis to provide access not only to the underside of the vehicle but also to the wheel arch area. Benefitting from lifting speeds of 30-60 seconds, the two-post lift can help increase productivity in busy commercial garages.
“As part of our hiring guarantee we aim to manage every aspect of vehicle care including scheduled repairs, service checks, and maintenance swiftly,” says Chris Brian, area workshop manager for Arrow. “We anticipate that the new workshop equipment additions will allow us to be even quicker in our turnarounds and minimise vehicle downtime. Technologies such as wireless displays and load-simulation can help save time, which is really important when managing a large fleet like ours.”
Nigel Poynton, area sales manager for Totalkare commented, “Arrow has invested in a great combination of products which will improve the overall efficiency of its workshop.”
The equipment will be supported by a comprehensive service contract with Totalkare, including twice-yearly visits from a Totalkare field service engineer to ensure everything is running smoothly.
