Nova is new star of Wilcomatic wash range
Among the Otto Christ range of HGV and LCV wash systems distributed by Wilcomatic in the UK is its latest rollover gantry wash system, the Nova.
Featured at this year’s CV Show at the NEC Birmingham, the Nova not only has a lower list price than the outgoing Magnum and Taurus ranges but has more advanced features, says Wilcomatic, whilst maintaining the reliability and functionality of the German manufacturer.
The Nova rollover gantry system is an HGV wash solution with three or two brushes available in three product variants, the Stripe, the Blade, and the Stripe with LED displays.
Dependent on the specification, the machine dimensions range from 4.82m to 5.15m high and 4.6m to 4.88m wide. The passage width (vehicle width) is 3.4m and the wash height is up to 5m. The housing features new panelling with optional integrated LED lighting and illuminated driver command.
“The Nova is the fastest of its kind,” said Wilcomatic.
“Large fleets require fast, effective quality washing technology. The big challenge is performing a complete wash on the front, side, roof, and rear surfaces of the vehicle to minimise operating costs within a short wash time. To achieve this, the Nova can be operated in a semi-stationary operation (2.5-minute wash programme) and/or in the overrun wash operation.
“The innovative roller concept of the Nova provides the perfect combination of quality and quantity for vehicle washing and is therefore especially recommended for cleaning in shift operations at transport companies, as a powerful commercial vehicle wash unit, or for larger courier companies to wash their fleets.
“Wash brushes supplied as standard are polyethylene brushes which are the tried and tested standard. In addition, you can choose Powerbrush+ and Sensofil+ which provide low abrasion on the vehicle paint. They are available in a variety of colours from black grey to flame red, and feature increased brush diameter and optimal emersion depth for better wash performance.”
Meanwhile, oscillating rotor nozzles are said to ensure that the dirtiest chassis zones are covered. The nozzles are available in various heights and additional nozzle units, each with three nozzles, can be added in and activated for the middle and upper areas of the vehicle.
Jetstream is a high-pressure wash option that can be added to the portal frame for vehicles with challenging geometries such as silo trucks and special vehicles. The Jetstream high pressure device is also designed to pre-clean very heavily soiled vehicles such as tipper trucks.
“Four electro-mechanically oscillating high pressure nozzle units per wash system side, equipped with contra rotating high pressure blast nozzles, spray the vehicle powerfully whilst the wash portal moves,” said Wilcomatic.
“The front and rear wash is performed by the integrated swivel device for the high-pressure nozzle units.
“The manual pre-cleaning effort required by the pre-wash staff is significantly reduced with the Jetstream.”
Underbody Wash System, the stationary nozzle cane (under floor), cleans the vehicle’s undersides while the vehicle is entering the wash hall without losing time, says Wilcomatic. It offers two variants that can be combined with corresponding rotary pumps.
A Discontinuous Lateral Brush feature is said to ensure the best wash result without leaving wash shadows. It enables continuous and more effective cleaning under the mirrors, is available in different wash heights and can therefore be individually adapted to any fleet as required. The additional pair of lateral brushes ensures optimum cleaning without losing flexibility, says the firm.
An Active Foam Device ensures comprehensive application of the wash chemicals via active foam nozzles. The chemicals achieve longer adhesion for effective dirt removal. An optional polishing application is also available with separate dosing equipment.
Further features include an Aeropro High Performance Dryer. The airflow is initially directed towards the front of the vehicle, slanted from above. By pivoting the blower units or air outlets, the air current can be directed towards lateral vehicle sections or roof and rear sections.
Wilcomatic also emphasised the importance of water recycling.
“Pure drinking water is often too precious for washing vehicles, which is why it makes sense to use a circulation system to recycle the washing water used,” said the company.
“In addition to ecological aspects, legal regulations and economic factors, such as the cost for drinking water and sewage, also play a part in this decision. Fontis water preparation units have been developed especially for use with vehicle washing plants. In their compact form, they combine all the technology including the washing water storage tank, a quartz-gravel filter and a booster pump. The Fontis can be equipped with an optional chemical pre-treatment stage (flocculation).”
