After more than a decade of using one of its trusty brake testers and racking up countless tests, Turbine Commercials’s Andy Burrows decided it was time to replace and invest in a new MAHA MBT 7250 EUROSYSTEM.
Turbine Commercials, a Renault Trucks dealer in Suffolk, has been a MAHA customer for many years, first employing the services of the workshop equipment manufacturer after needing equipment that was DVSA certified and compliant. Both parties have developed a partnership in that time, which has led to the purchase of two brake testers and a full ATF lane, the latter used by DVSA three times-a-week.
From time-to-time, MAHA’s engineers are required, to either calibrate equipment or repair and Andy says its speed of service over the years has only cemented the relationship between the two.
As an example of service he says: “On one occasion, on the morning a DVSA tester was due in, I had an electrical phase go down on one of the brake rollers. Immediately, I jumped on the phone, but I needn’t have worried because one of the company’s engineers diagnosed the problem and talked me through how to fix the issue quickly – this was all done before the tester arrived!”
Mustn’t grumble
On this more recent occasion, however, there was a “grumbling issue” with the nearside brake roller. With this brake tester being well over 10 years’ old and wary of a congested MOT schedule, he invited MAHA’s workshop equipment specialist, Louis Tunmore, in to assess the situation, after which Louis presented a variety of options.
“There was a scenario where we could’ve had the equipment reconditioned,” said Andy. “During the space of a conversation, however, I believed the bigger package – new brake tester, wiring, safety system, computer and bench – was the best value for money. We couldn’t risk cancelling or rearranging MOTs, and after more than a decade, plus the competitive package that was offered, we decided it was time to invest and buy brand new. Turbine’s choice was a MAHA MBT 7250 EUROSYSTEM.
“Louis injected confidence in me with his knowledge and enthusiasm – I signed the contract that day – and then he joined us on the day of installation a couple of weeks later.”
MAHA’s and Turbine’s journey continues and shows no sign of slowing either, with Andy hinting that another ATF lane “may come to fruition in the near future.”
The MBT 7250 Eurosystem
The MBT 7250 EUROSYSTEM measures brake system performance quickly and accurately. Its large roller sensor, with a diameter of 100mm and axle load of 18t, guarantees excellent coverage across each tyre’s dimensions.
Users can connect additional floor units, so the brake tester can also be used as a base module for installing test lanes. Its electronic, temperature-compensated strain gauge system produces precise measurement results, irrespective of the conditions, thanks to its robust and long-lasting design.
A benefit of using a MBT 7250 is that it is fitted with a dual-speed motor. In the UK, opposed to other parts of the world, users will conduct an applied park brake test. They will put the park brake on, with the objective of turning the rollers with the brakes in position, so they could simulate real-life scenarios where brakes could fail, like on a hill, for example.
Instead of one consistent speed, where extreme torque could stress and damage components if the applied brake test is conducted too aggressively, users can operate the MBT 7250 at a slower speed to start with. As a result, this gives the motor gearbox assembly a longer lifespan.
