Brake testing in the spotlight with MAHA UK
Workshop equipment manufacturer MAHA UK has stressed the significance for road safety of achieving accurate and reliable brake tests for commercial vehicles.
“Every workshop faces unique challenges, and a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient,” said the company.
“Recognising this, MAHA UK offers tailored brake testing solutions that ensure compliance and address a range of needs – vital with the ‘meaningful brake test’ being enforced in April 2025.”
With over 50 years of experience in manufacturing roller brake testers and thousands of installations worldwide, MAHA highlights its ability to offer customer-tailored solutions.
“Understanding that no two workshops are alike, MAHA UK considers factors, such as budget, space, vehicle throughput, and regulatory standards when recommending equipment,” it said.
“A solution in MAHA UK’s range is the MBT 7250 commercial brake tester. This model is widely used in Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and authorised testing facility (ATF) stations. It is recognised for its precision in measuring brake system performance.
“Featuring a large roller sensor with a 100mm diameter and an axle load capacity of 20 tonnes, the MBT 7250 offers comprehensive coverage across each tyre’s dimensions. Beyond its core features, the MBT 7250 is designed for versatility; it can be equipped with additional floor units, allowing it to function as a base module for custom test lanes.
“The electronic, temperature-compensated strain gauge system ensures accurate measurements regardless of external conditions, thanks to its robust design.”
To tackle the variety of challenges faced by different workshops, MAHA UK also offers a MBT 7250 rising roller bed option. Complete with integrated hydraulic rams, these beds can lift the rollers by 250mm with a pull-down force of 10 tonnes.
An optional system, compatible with existing MAHA IW7 frames, will raise rollers by 180mm but with a pull-down force of five tonnes, says the firm, providing added flexibility.
In scenarios where simply elevating the roller bed and brake tester is insufficient, MAHA UK offers several options: fixed points can be installed in the inspection pit, or hydraulic rams – either fixed or movable – can be employed when split bed across a pit.
For additional flexibility, a rail system with a movable dolly may be utilised, especially when no pit is present.
MAHA UK managing director Neil Ebbs (pictured, right) said: “No single system is universally applicable. While many tried-and-tested options are available, no single system fits every scenario. However, if a high percentage of vehicles can be successfully tested, then our solution is a good choice.”
The company also highlighted DVSA’s increased emphasis on the importance of laden roller brake testing in achieving a ‘meaningful brake test’, with the agency’s expectations around this set to harden in April 2025.
“To prepare for this change, it is strongly advised that workshops conduct laden roller brake tests at every safety inspection,” said MAHA UK.
“MAHA UK continues to support its customers by observing regulatory standards and providing compliant equipment to match. By doing so, it is helping brake safety and performance.”
MAHA supplies MOT and ATF centres as well as maintenance and repair workshops across the UK. In addition to brake testers, its portfolio includes workshop lifts, headlight aligners and axle play detectors – to help technicians and testers inspect, test and repair all vehicle types including passenger vehicles, LCVs, HGVs, motorcycles, utility and special-purpose vehicles.
Another key part of MAHA UK’s business is its array of chassis dynamometers.
“MAHA has been a long-standing and trusted partner to vehicle performance centres, motorsport teams and racetracks worldwide, thanks to the dynamometers’ ability to conduct performance measurements accurately and consistently, as well as support customers with tuning and diagnostic capabilities,” said the firm.
