Codi’s brake tester investment advice
Workshop equipment provider Codi International Ltd has offered guidance for operators considering purchasing roller brake testing equipment.
“A roller brake tester is an investment, but the returns are good,” said the company.
“Testing costs are greatly reduced with no travel time to other test facilities, no external fees, no retest costs etc. An operator with a fleet of 20 vehicles tested four times a year would see a complete return on investment in under five years.
“There are earnings from testing other operators’ vehicles and the recent removal of testing exemptions for several vehicle types has increased this opportunity for this type of work. A properly maintained machine will last many years.”
As well as demonstrating that a vehicles’ brakes are fit for use, roller brake testers are a valuable tool in diagnosing braking faults, adds Codi; they will show otherwise hard-to-spot defects including imbalance, bind, marginal performance, and time lag.
“One of the most important things with a brake tester is suitability and ease of use,” the firm continued.
“The requirement for record-keeping means that most modern brake testers are computer controlled and carry out the test using the DVSA database. The user interface should be easy to use and allow the test to be carried out simply and efficiently.
“It is also important for the tester to be able to see the display screen, and careful thought should be given to this. There are several ways to ensure visibility including multiple displays, a single large display, wireless in cab displays…”
A good supplier should be able to advise on the right machine for the required application, Codi adds.
“Certain vehicles like buses and trailers can present problems, as well as positioning, test direction etc. Support is also vital with brake testers; modern equipment is complex and capable of carrying out very accurate brake diagnosis, however they also require calibration, software updates, on-going training and maintenance.
“The support organisation will require the manufacturer’s backing; most manufacturers will only make software access available through their appointed agents.”
Codi International Ltd offer a range of roller brake testers for trucks and buses from long established German manufacturer AHS Prüftechnik GmbH and Saxon Prüftechnik GmbH.
“Models are available from simple manual test machines to fully approved ATF test lane specification,” said the firm.
“There are also special models for cranes, heavy plant, military vehicles etc, and mobile versions are available for situations where a permanent installation is not required.
“All the brake testers feature a robustly engineered roller bed with powerful motors and exceptionally durable epoxy roller coating. All machines can be upgraded during or after installation with a range of accessories including axle weigher, roller locking, in cab tablet, all can be connected to a PC running the DVSA database allowing the DVSA test to be carried out.”
