Pictured: Steve Pye
Lichfield based Bullwell Trailer Solutions Ltd, specialist in
mobile maintenance and repairs, has introduced new diagnostic
technology to its team of mobile engineers.
Representing an investment of £20,000, the new technology
will allow the fast-tracking of road-side diagnosis and repair,
including the latest Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic
Braking System (EBS).
The technology works by being able to communicate with the
vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in both the trailer and
tractor unit of a HGV. Any problems are then transmitted digitally
to the computer used by Bullwell's engineers.
Bullwell reports that problems commonly associated with HGVS are
related to the EBS and ABS braking systems within the vehicle.
Repairing a brake valve requires a specialist technician and
tailored programming equipment for the specific braking system, but
by using this latest technology and the company's own
highly-trained staff, Bullwell is able to provide immediate EBS and
ABS repairs; eliminating the need for an air brake specialist to
attend the vehicle.
Additionally, the diagnostic technology can pinpoint where the
exact problem lies. In a recent case the brakes of a trailer were
continually over-heating, yet there were no problems with the EBS -
instead the new technology highlighted that the sensors in the
vehicle weren't working correctly, forcing the brakes to work twice
as hard and cause the over-heating. Using the computerised system,
the diagnosis time-scale was more than halved.
Steve Pye, company engineer at Bullwell Trailer Solutions says:
"Trailers are far more complicated than people think, with many
electronics involved and sophisticated systems which communicate to
all areas of a HGV through the ECU. It is often the case that a
warning light can come on but the driver of the vehicle is unable
to determine the exact problem. With this latest technology however
our engineers are able to pinpoint exactly what needs doing and can
fix the problem there and then.
"Investing £20,000 in this latest technology is a very
exciting time for the team at Bullwell, ensuring that through
continuous improvement we keep up to date with all the latest
technology, staying ahead of the competition and delivering the
highest quality service to our customers. Our mobile engineers can
now respond to all the technical problems that may arise within
trailers and tractor units, ensuring that we continually meet all
of our customers' needs.
"At Bullwell we pride ourselves on providing a nationwide repair
and maintenance service, with more than 100 different customers
across the UK. Our engineers are strategically positioned to enable
us to reach all our customers within the hour and this latest
technology will yet again improve the speed with which we repair
both trailers and tractor units."
Independently owned Bullwell Trailer Solutions Ltd, which
employs a total of 75 people, has experienced a sustained period of
growth and expansion in both operations and service capability,
increasing turnover by 20 per cent from £5.6 million in 2010
to a projected £7 million by its November 2011 year
end.