Raising the standard
As trucks get more sophisticated and operators spend more time worrying about compliance, workshop equipment is getting smarter and slicker. Steve Banner reports
Ramps versus pits: up or down?
“Subjective” seems to be the best term to describe the decision whether to plough cash into installing a vehicle inspection pit, or buy or lease some column lifts. Peter Shakespeare opens the debate
Maintenance makeover
Changes to meet emissions legislation, as well as operator and driver demands, have seen LCV workshops add a wealth of new mechanical and diagnostic equipment. Keith Read looks at the scale of this transformation
Expensive business?
With the array of equipment required to maintain modern commercial vehicles, does it still make sense to run in-fleet workshops? Steve Banner finds out
Best of bus
Bus and coach maintenance technicians from across the UK and Ireland competed in the seventh annual IRTE Skills Challenge, tracing faults, fixing problems and answering questions. Will Dalrymple was there
Fully equipped
Tools and technologies for workshops believe aren't standing still. John Challen reviews progress around ramps, pits and testing lanes through the eyes of BT Fleet and Bullwell Trailer Solutions
The show must go on
Despite industry-wide austerity measures, the CV Show continues to go from strength to strength. John Challen points out some of the scheduled highlights of the 2012 event, taking place on 24, 25 and 26 April at the NEC, Birmingham
The tiger’s tail
MOT first time pass rates for vans in the 3.0—3.5 gvw range are getting worse, not better. Steve Banner examines the issues and potential consequences of further failures
Tools of the trade
Workshop equipment is not all the same – and neither are the firms that sell and service it. Brian Tinham reviews some of the more useful offerings seen at last month's CV Show
Under or over?
In recent years, workshops have increasingly favoured lifts over pits. But the fact is there remain pros and cons, and the safety arguments can cut both ways, says Brian Tinham