ATF Brake Testers
Brake testing is an essential part of commercial and passenger carrying vehicle business. It is required during mandatory regular safety inspections and records must be kept for 15 months, this is in addition to annual MOT test. Failure to do so can result in fines or loss of ‘O’ licence. Safety inspection frequency can be as little as every 4 weeks and must include a brake test.
AHS Varioflex Range
The current “AHS Varioflex” range of commercial vehicle brake testers range goes from a simple manual test machine up to full ATF test lane specification. All the brake testers feature a robustly engineered roller bed with powerful motors and exceptionally durable epoxy roller coating. There is a choice of analogue and VDU displays. All can carry out a “simple” manual test and can be supplied with a printer.
All machines can be upgraded during or after installation with a range of accessories including axle weigher, roller locking, in cab tablet, all can be connected to a PC running the DVSA database allowing the DVSA test to be replicated.
AHS are also able to manufacture roller beds to fit existing groundworks (subject to certain restrictions) making replacement of obsolete machines possible without downtime or expensive groundworks. Special versions are available for military vehicles, tractors and cranes.
Completing the range of brake testers is the AHS Varioflex Mobile. This AHS brake testing station can be transported anywhere with a van or truck and is ready for use in just a few minutes. The roller bed is simply moved into position on the workshop floor, ramps assembled either side and the analogue display plugged in. It’s a mobile solution that does not require foundations to be prepared.
The AHS Varioflex TEC 260 has an axle Load of 16t, test width of 760 – 2,900mm and a roller diameter of 200 / 260mm.
The AHS Varioflex Screen 260 has a fully digital screen display. The axle Load is 16t, test width of 800 – 2,900mm and a roller diameter of 190 / 260mm.
The AHS Varioflex Mobile 306/11 is a mobile commercial brake tester that has an axle Load of 16t, test width of 800 – 2,900mm and a roller diameter of 190 / 260mm.
AHS are a German manufacturer specialising in brake testers, dynamometers, test lanes and wheel play detectors. They made their first roller brake tester in 1956, they pioneered the use of “eddy – current” brakes on dynamometers and produced a PC controlled brake tester only a year after IBM launched the first PC in 1981. The company continues to develop its testing technology and maintains its core values. Manufacturing and development takes place on 2 sites and as much as possible is done in house resulting in exceptional quality control. AHS are currently building a new 30000m² factory near Bremen which should open 2017.