MAHA brakes new ground at RTC test site
Renault Truck Commercials (RTC) has recently launched a new authorised test facility (ATF) in Felixstowe, incorporating brake testing technology from MAHA UK.
The one-and-a-half-acre site opened in December 2021, and RTC called upon MAHA UK to support with the new installation, along with moving and upgrading the existing brake testing equipment from its previous site.
At an official launch in March, Justin Burrows, RTC head of aftersales east, offered MAHA UK sales manager, Nick Austin, the opportunity to see the freshly painted ATF lane in person. The ATF features MAHA UK’s DVSA specification MBT 7250 Eurosystem brake tester for HGV, PSV, along with classes 4 and 7, as well as an LMS 20.0 axle play tester.
The test-lane compatible MBT 7250 Eurosystem is designed to brake test trucks with axle loads of up to 18t. It is said to be ideal for diagnostics in situations where workshops, dealers and fleets are servicing, repairing or testing large quantities of vehicles in quick time.
Its large sensor roller, with a diameter of 100mm, guarantees measurable coverage across each of the tyre’s dimensions, says MAHA.
The brake tester’s electronic, temperature-compensated strain gauge system produces precise measurements results, irrespective of the conditions, adds the firm, thanks to its robust and long-lasting design.
A crucial benefit of using a MBT 7250, according to Nick Austin, 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,” he explained.
“They will put the park brake on, with the objective of turning the rollers with the brakes in position, so they could simulate a real-life scenario where brakes could fail while 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; consequently, this gives a longer lifespan of the motor gearbox assembly.
“Some MBT 7250s are still fitted with the original motor gearbox assembly when commissioned some 20 years ago!”
Meanwhile, the axle play tester LMS 20.0 identifies the defects and wear of steering parts, wheel bearings, shock absorbers and suspension by lateral and longitudinal movement of the test plates in opposite directions.
“MAHA UK was chosen to become a supplier because the local sales and service team offered a customer-focused approach when dealing with our previous brake roller testers,” said RTC’s Justin Burrows.
“The quality of the roller brake testers and aftersales support is what stood out most; in particular, if we have any issues with our test facilities, MAHA UK will find a solution and offer, where possible, same-day service for breakdowns.”
Justin added: “Nick [Austin] is a highly experienced workshop equipment sales manager. He has offered technical support and advice on many aspects of the RTC Felixstowe project to ensure compliance to the correct DVSA standards and value for money in terms of equipment.
“Nick worked closely with our contractors to ensure everything went smoothly and the completion dates were met.
“This new MOT facility provides RTC Felixstowe the opportunity to offer our customers on-site MOT testing, which will support business efficiencies, flexibility and reduce carbon usage travelling to other test facilities.”
On the possibility of working with MAHA in future, Justin said: “When investing in workshop MOT equipment, MAHA UK is a great partner to work with and we would contact Nick to discuss our requirements.”
He concluded: “In relation to the project in Felixstowe, MAHA UK’s sales and installation teams offered a great service, including moving and upgrading some of our original brake testing equipment to the new facility. I would like to thank the MAHA UK team for the great service it provides Renault Truck Commercials.”
