Totalkare: which brake tester is right for your workshop?
Workshop equipment specialist Totalkare has offered its take on some of the factors to consider when assessing which brake testing system is most appropriate for a given operation.
With a wide variety of configurations available – including the choice between fixed or mobile installations, standard or load simulation variants, and standalone or pit-integrated models – the options can be overwhelming, says the company.
“So we’ve laid out some of the most common setups for brake testing systems – and the types of workshops who need them most,” said Totalkare.
1. In-ground brake testers
The firm says In-ground brake testers are suitable for workshops that mostly use inspection pits, larger premises with plenty of space, and those undertaking a high volume of tests.
“An in-ground brake tester is a fixed installation – one that involves some groundworks, and some changes to the flooring of your shop,” said Totalkare.
“That makes it a good fit for larger workshops, where floor space isn’t an issue, and there’s less need for flexibility. For smaller workshops (where space is precious), a mobile brake tester could be a better fit.
“Because of the groundworks needed to install an in-ground brake tester, you’re usually looking at a higher initial investment. But it’s also a long-lasting investment, giving you a strong and durable piece of kit that can easily last for many years.
“In lots of cases, they’re installed over an existing vehicle pit, giving your teams a single location to carry out multiple services without the need to move your vehicles.
“But some models can also come as standalone installation without a pit – and the best suppliers can offer both types of installation for their in-ground brake testers.”
2. Mobile brake testers
Mobile brake testers can be deployed in workshops requiring flexibility, smaller premises with limited space, and those with an outdoor area, says Totalkare.
“This is by far the most flexible brake testing system, giving you more options for storage, floor space, and additional workstations,” the firm continued.
“There’s no fixed installation, and no groundworks required. That means you can pack up your brake tester and change locations as the demands of your workshop schedule change.
“With additional brake tester in storage, you can be ready to set up new testing stations during busy times – or even make use of an outdoor space to create extra testing areas to give your throughput a boost.
“But despite its mobile flexibility, it’s just as useful as a fixed installation:
“With a maximum axle load of 20,000kg (depending on the model), our Mobile Brake Testers can be used with the same heavy-duty vehicles as our in-ground testers – so you don’t have to compromise to give your workshop more flexibility.”
3. In-ground with load simulation
Also available are in-ground models with load simulation. These offer the most realistic brake performance data, says Totalkare, and are suitable for workshops with diverse fleets.
“Modern DVSA guidance now requires that goods vehicles need to be ‘appropriately laden’ for their annual MOTs,” said the company.
“So if you’re looking for the most accurate in-house test results, you’ll need a brake testing system that includes load simulation.
“By applying a downward force to the vehicle while testing, you can simulate the same real-world forces that your vehicles will face when they’re in use on the road.
“Our own load simulation brake tester uses a skate and chain attached to the vehicle to apply a downward force, with raised roller beds on hydraulic cylinders to accurately measure the performance of your laden brakes.
“That means more accurate brake performance data, and safer vehicles – as well as the certainty that your vehicles will show the same performance later in their official MOTs.”
Still not sure what’s right for you?
Though the above covers the basics, in practice there are many variables to consider.
“If you’re setting up shop (or ready for an upgrade), we’re ready to give you the expert advice you need,” said Totalkare.
“Our teams have installed brake testing systems for workshops and fleet operators of every type and size – from simple mobile brake testers to advanced in-ground testers with integrated load simulation.
“But we’re not just suppliers: we’re here to advise.
“Our expert installers can help you to choose the system that’s the best fit for your business and the vehicles you service. So if you’re not sure what you need, we’re ready to help – start a chat with one of our brake-testing specialists to see exactly what we can do.”
