Straightset: brake testing built for the modern CV workshop
For commercial vehicle operators, brake testing is a fundamental part of keeping vehicles safe and roadworthy. But when equipment needs replacing or upgrading, says workshop specialist Straightset, the practicalities of fitting a new system into an existing facility can be just as important as the equipment itself.
The company works with commercial vehicle workshops to find brake testing solutions that meet their operational requirements, including installations where existing recesses can be utilised to reduce the need for building works.
Straightset supplies BM brake testing equipment for commercial vehicle applications, including the BM18200 Commercial Roller Brake Tester, which is designed for light and heavy commercial vehicles.
The BM18200 features hydraulic lifting roller beds that can simulate axle loads of up to 16 tonnes. The system raises the vehicle to simulate load during the brake test, allowing braking performance to be assessed under more representative conditions.
The roller beds can lift the vehicle up to 255mm above floor level and the system incorporates software-controlled safety features throughout the test process.
For operators looking to upgrade an existing brake testing bay, the BM18200 also offers a practical installation advantage, says Straightset. It can be retrofitted into most popular existing brake tester subframes without civil works, subject to the requirements of the individual site.
This gives operators the opportunity to improve their brake testing capability without automatically facing the cost and downtime associated with excavating a completely new recess.
While Straightset designs and installs complete new commercial workshops, not every operator needs or wants to start again. Existing workshops often need to replace ageing equipment or increase their testing capability without significant changes to the building itself.
Straightset can assess an existing brake tester recess and, where possible, specify BM equipment that can be installed within it with limited or no additional building works. This approach allows the installation to be planned around the workshop already in place, rather than assuming that new equipment requires a major rebuild.
Straightset has been supplying, installing and servicing garage equipment for almost 40 years, working with workshops across the UK from independent operators through to major dealer groups.
A key part of its commercial vehicle offering is working with established equipment manufacturers, including long-term brake testing partner BM Autoteknik.
Andrew Bates, managing director at Straightset, said: “BM has been an important partner for Straightset for many years and it’s a relationship we really value. Their brake testing equipment gives us the flexibility to offer solutions for different workshop requirements, particularly within the commercial vehicle sector.
“BM Autoteknik manufactures a full suite of testing equipment for both car and commercial vehicles – that is why we like them as a trusted partner. Brake testers (both fixed and mobile), suspension testers, and play detectors all come with unbeatable design and proven strength to make them the market leader across Europe.
“For us, it’s also important that we can support the equipment beyond the initial installation. Our customers know the product is backed by Straightset’s own engineers here in the UK, which is a big part of what we offer.”
Beyond brake testing, Straightset’s commercial vehicle offering includes individual equipment supply and replacement, alterations to existing workshops and complete new workshop design and installation.
The team can work with operators from the early stages of a new workshop project, advising on equipment requirements and workshop layout before managing supply and installation. The same experience can be applied to existing facilities, where Straightset can look at the space already available and advise on the most practical way to upgrade it.
A recent example is Straightset’s commercial workshop installation for Motus Group in Bellshill, Scotland. The new facility was designed to service heavy commercial vehicles and demonstrates the scale of workshop projects Straightset can deliver, from initial planning through to equipment installation.
Andrew added: “Every commercial workshop is different. Sometimes we’re involved in a completely new facility and sometimes it’s about making better use of the workshop that’s already there.
“That’s where our experience really comes in. We can look at what the customer needs to achieve and recommend the equipment and installation that will work best for that particular site.”
Straightset also provides ongoing servicing and aftercare through its national team of engineers, helping customers maintain equipment once it is operational.
“With commercial vehicle workshops under constant pressure to keep vehicles moving, equipment needs to be reliable, suitable for the job and properly supported,” said the firm.
“Whether that means designing a new facility or finding a smarter way to upgrade an existing brake testing bay, Straightset’s approach is to find the solution that works for the individual workshop.”
