Turbine keeps testing with MAHA UK
Suffolk Renault Trucks dealer Turbine Commercials has opted to invest in a brand new MBT 7250 Eurosystem brake tester from MAHA UK, after more than a decade of service from its previous equipment.
Turbine Commercials, a Renault Trucks dealer in Suffolk, has been a loyal MAHA UK customer for many years, having first employed the services of the workshop equipment manufacturer to fulfil its requirement for DVSA-certified and compliant technology.
The partnership 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 UK’s engineers are required, to either calibrate equipment or repair. Turbine Commercials’ Andy Burrows said MAHA UK’s speed of service over the years has “only cemented the relationship between the two”.
“Everyone at MAHA UK is always proactive; whether it’s the team behind the scenes handling enquiries, the engineers that are so knowledgeable and efficient, or the managing director, Neil Ebbs, who is always a calming and rationalising influence – I can’t speak highly enough of them because they can’t do enough for us,” said Andy.
“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 MAHA UK’s engineers diagnosed the problem and talked me through how to fix the issue quickly – this was all done before the DVSA tester arrived!”
More recently, a “grumbling issue” was identified with the nearside brake roller on a brake tester which was well over 10 years old. Wary of a congested MOT schedule, Andy invited MAHA UK’s workshop equipment specialist, Louis Tunmore, in to assess the situation.
“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.
“Louis injected confidence in me with his knowledge and enthusiasm – I signed the contract on the same day – and then he joined us on the day of installation a couple of weeks later. Both he and his colleague, Matt, worked well as a team – I even mucked in!”
MAHA UK’s equipment is calibrated at the point of installation, and the company offers various warranty packages to customers. It highlights its aftersales support offering, with installation and maintenance provided by its experienced, factory-trained engineers.
MAHA UK and Turbine Commercials’ journey continues and shows no sign of slowing, with Andy hinting that another ATF lane “may come to fruition in the near future”.
The MBT 7250 Eurosystem is used extensively at DVSA and ATF stations to provide fast and accurate measurement of brake system performance. A large roller sensor, with a diameter of 100mm and axle load of 18t, is said to guarantee 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, says MAHA UK, thanks to its robust and long-lasting design.
A benefit of using a MBT 7250, the company adds, 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, to simulate real-life scenarios where brakes could fail, such as on a hill.
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, the firm explains; and as a result, this gives the motor gearbox assembly a longer lifespan.
