VLT outlines benefits of updated brake tester spec
Roller brake tester (RBT) specialist VL Test Systems (VLT) reports that it has recently been working with the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on updates to the agency’s equipment specification for brake testers.
The changes, which have been led by industry, include: on-screen instructions for transmission brake; centralising vehicles on the roller set; rear axle(s) hydraulic brake fall-off test for PSVs; live warnings of when bind and ovality thresholds are breached; advisories for efficiency, bind, ovality and imbalance on the RBT test printout; overview of the system(s) tested so that amendments can be made if the brake code is incorrect, for example park brake positions; time lag test removed; tyre protection to stop tyres being damaged during testing; easier-to-understand printouts; more comprehensive calibration; and a warning on the printout if the equipment is out of calibration.
“These changes help and support the industry by providing an increased understanding of the RBT printout for industry diagnosis which results in fewer fails at annual test and when used for inspections, can lead to better road safety,” said VLT.
“This clear and more informative RBT printout also makes conversations with a vehicle’s owner easier when explaining why a vehicle requires additional work. There will be fewer errors in the brake test as the equipment will conduct more of the human calculations and there will also be a reduction in test time (on some vehicles) due to the ability to amend the systems before test commences.
“Previously, the test would need to be restarted in semi-automatic mode on some machines, thus increasing test time.”
VLT says it is currently offering a discount for any customers who wish to upgrade their RBT system to the Gen 6 version if the order is placed before 10 December 2024.
The company has been operating in the UK since 1989 and has been a major supplier to the commercial vehicle sector including the Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) marketplace since the approach was adopted by DVSA (formerly VOSA) and introduced in 2010.
VLT says the knowledge and expertise of its technical sales managers and installation engineers enables it to provide RBT or ATF solutions for all test classes, and they meet all DVSA requirements for ATF testing lanes.
“VLT’s RBTs can test the braking systems of wheeled vehicles with an axle load of up to 16,000 kg (VLT 16733 models) or 20,000 kg (VLT 20733 models),” said the company.
“Testing can be carried out in both forward and reverse directions, for service, secondary, transmission and applied parking with opposite rotation (vehicles with fixed four-wheel drive).”
This capability is supplemented by a professional grade 10” tablet allowing single-operator use. It is said to provide the flexibility to test any class of vehicle in many workshop configurations with just one operator, ultimately reducing operating costs.
“VLT’s made-to-order RBTs are built from 8mm thick premium grade steel on rollers covered with VLT grit which mimics an asphalt road surface,” the firm added.
“All new RBTs come with, as standard: axle weighing system, 4×4 testing, roller locking device (for driving on and off the rollers easily to avoid tyre damage), RF remote control unit, relay box, control box, as well as providing full access to the full DVSA database.
“There is a five-year warranty on motors and gearboxes for all new RBTs.”
VLT says the quality of its build and materials enables it to provide one of the lowest total costs of ownership (TCO) in the industry.
As well as RBTs, VLT also supplies complete DVSA Authorised Test Lane facilities, lift roller brake testers, headlamp beam testers, wheel play detectors, smoke analysis equipment, tyre inspection systems and pit jacks.
The company can offer comprehensive service packages via its own national network of 15+ service engineers, who can service and calibrate equipment as well as provide speedy response times in the unlikely event that there are issues with equipment.
The service engineers carry spare parts if required, while VLT’s warehouse stocks replacement parts at its centrally located head office in Buckingham, ensuring parts are readily available when required and reducing equipment downtime.
Current customers include Arriva, Scania, Volvo and Stagecoach as well as the Ministry of Defence, for whom VLT services and installs brake testers both in the UK and overseas. The company also works with a number of independent garages and hauliers.
