MAHA UK and Premier Pits roll out ATF lane for Manchetts
Commercial vehicle servicing provider Manchetts Group has installed a new authorised testing facility (ATF) lane at its Sleaford, Lincolnshire depot, delivered in partnership with MAHA UK and Premier Pits.
The installation includes MAHA’s MBT 7250 brake testerwith hydraulic rising roller bed and axle load simulation functionality – as well as the LMS 20.0 axle play detectors.
Manchetts is a family-run business and a Cambridgeshire top 100 company, specialising in HGV and LCV vehicle service, repair and roadside recovery. Beginning as a single site, the company matured and stretched its presence across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Lincolnshire with the acquisition of new HGV workshops – including MAN Sleaford, its latest strategic acquisition.
This was a significant milestone and boost to Manchetts’ business plan of expanding along the A1 corridor – complementing the purchase of its award-winning Peterborough site in 2020.
According to Manchetts’ business development manager, Lindsay Powell, the installation of a new ATF lane was a vital investment.
“As a business, we are always looking to create the perfect partnership with our customers,” said Lindsay.
“The ATF lane and rising brake rollers were essential at our Sleaford depot to make sure that we have a one-stop-shop for our customers, new and existing.”
Branch manager Aaron Woods said that the need for an ATF lane became clear as the demand for brake testing and vehicle inspections increased.
“We’ve undergone a lot of changes since opening in February 2024,” he explained.
“We needed to cater for both our regular MAN customers and growing multi-brand inspection requirements. This included meeting new DVSA standards on meaningful brake testing.”
MAN Sleaford was no stranger to MAHA UK; prior to Manchetts assuming control of the site, there was a 17-year-old MAHA brake tester installed. According to Aaron, the IW7 had “never let us down” and was “bulletproof”.
He added: “The backup from MAHA UK has always been brilliant too.”
This was echoed by Lindsay: “MAHA’s equipment is proven, high quality and stands the test of time, so we didn’t hesitate in proceeding with MAHA with this latest project.”
The project had to be undertaken without disrupting Manchetts’ day-to-day environment, a challenge that required “careful coordination, clear zoning and experienced contractors”, according to MAHA UK’s workshop equipment specialist, Louis Tunmore.
That is where Premier Pits came in, with 35 years’ experience in designing, manufacturing and installing prefabricated vehicle pits to partners globally.
The installation team and workshop staff worked harmoniously, enabling the smooth installation of a DVSA-spec ATF pit, one that was deeper than normal and with strict entry and exit specifications.
Premier Pits marketing manager, Matt Dilley, explained how this particular part of the process unfolded: “We know that local conditions, especially in Lincolnshire where unstable ground can cause cave-ins, can be problematic, but our team managed the dig and installation without delays.
“Communication with MAHA UK and Manchetts was key – once the pit is in, it’s in for good. Precision matters.”
At the heart of the lane is the MBT 7250 brake tester with the hydraulic rising roller bed option. Unlike traditional systems that use a trailer or loading weights, this technology simulates axle load by lifting it.
Louis explained: “This generation lifts the axle rather than pulling it down. There’s a restraint system in place to keep the vehicle stable during the test, ensuring the added weight is pushed into the axle rather than lifting the whole truck.”
According to Aaron, this method was “quicker and safer than loading the trailer with weights and much easier to operate”.
He added: “Our technicians, both seasoned and newly qualified, have adapted quickly and collaboratively to the new equipment.”
Safety and regulatory compliance were critical from day one. The DVSA was involved in the planning phase, offering input to avoid issues that could delay final approval. CCTV coverage, pit safety interlocks and minimum spacing regulations were all part of the design and walk-through inspections.
“The DVSA has hard-and-fast rules for ATF lanes,” Louis explained. “It is vital that their operatives are safe. That means no trip hazards, no unnecessary obstructions and no delays. With Premier Pits and MAHA both working closely with DVSA and the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the lane met the requirements.”
The facility includes not just the rising roller brake tester, but everything needed for a full ATF lane: namely a headlight alignment tester, radius plates to support Class 7 vehicles, and MAHA UK’s LMS 20.0 axle play tester.
The LMS 20.0 is said to reliably detect defects and wear on steering parts, wheel bearings, shock absorbers, and suspension via the lateral and longitudinal movement of the test plates in opposite directions. Key features cited by MAHA UK include powerful and even movement due to its hydraulic drive, and a low-noise oil-submerged hydraulic unit, which minimises workshop disturbance. A robust and low-maintenance design with optimum service life is said to provide long-term reliability, while a wireless radio inspection LED light is included for performing and controlling the test plate movements.
All the equipment was installed within the existing workshop building, meaning no structural extensions.
“The finished pit is bright, safe and functional,” said Matt. “It’s a textbook installation!”
