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 Dreaming of green |
06/01/2012
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| Beyond responding to mandatory staggered reductions in CO2 emissions over the coming months and years, there is plenty of potential for operators to clean up their fleets of both light and heavy duty vehicles. Keith Read assesses the options |
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Crash course |
06/01/2012
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| With the PAS 125 damage repair standard now covering vehicles up to 5 tonnes, Brian Tinham talks to Marc Watts, owner of the first accredited CV bodyshop, on what it means for the industry |
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Your shout |
06/01/2012
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| Has there been a better time for organisations in the transport industry to embrace innovation? |
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A refreshing change |
07/12/2011
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| A key part of a bodyshop technician's job is looking after vehicle structures, appearances and running gear – not only post-incidents but also for change of use and modernisation. Steve Banner talks to those in the firing line |
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Refuse vehicles get insurance safety upgrades |
07/12/2011
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| Cheshire East Council's new fleet of RCVs (refuse collection vehicles) has been fitted with 360° hard disk recording camera systems, reversing radar, LED strobes and front and rear-facing LED light-boards. |
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Light direction |
07/11/2011
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| Upcoming European regulations for lighting are forcing commercial vehicle manufacturers to look for better illumination solutions. John Challen finds out more about the latest products |
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Back to Basics |
06/10/2011
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| Diagnostics equipment has a critical part to play in fault-finding with today's trucks, vans, buses and coaches. However, we're not looking at a magic wand, says Brian Tinham |
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Part transplant |
06/10/2011
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| With claims and counter-claims about a perceived disparity between OE and aftermarket parts, what should fleet managers be choosing to keep costs down while also minimising downtime and maximising fleet residuals? John Challen investigates |
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A new era of engineering to tackle the tough times |
07/09/2011
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| As world markets teeter on the brink of forcing further bank meltdowns, yet more national bailouts and even potentially another global recession, transport professionals can only watch and wait, with their fingers crossed. Or can they? Indeed, should they? |
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Added value |
07/09/2011
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| With a range of fuel additives and lubricants available for the spread of vehicles on a transport engineer's fleet, it is sometimes difficult deciding which to use. Steve Banner finds clarification |
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Maintenance makeover |
07/09/2011
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| 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 |
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Loads better |
07/09/2011
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| An advanced load weight monitor for trailers is among developments aimed at improving efficiency at loading bay, while also helping to prevent accidents. John Challen reports |
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Managing expectations |
08/08/2011
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| Modern workshop management systems can transform not only efficiency but also the quality and productivity of technicians. John Challen looks at technologies and practices that make a difference |
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Main course |
07/06/2011
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| The growth of vehicle diagnostics has seen a new breed of technicians emerge that require the combined skills of electrician and mechanic. John Challen discovers how training courses are continually adapting to keep with the changes |
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Well equipped |
07/06/2011
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| Despite the industry still enduring tough times, investment in workshop equipment could prove a cost-effective measure for many operators. John Challen looks at the latest products on the market |
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Workshop audits |
07/06/2011
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| As IRTE and FTA come together to implement a scheme that will assess and accredit commercial vehicle workshops, Brian Tinham talks to the instigators |
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Comeback kids |
07/04/2011
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| Absent from last years Commercial Vehicle Operator's Show, the truck manufacturers are returning to Birmingham's NEC for the full-fat CV show 2011, with high hopes for the transport industry |
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Fault finding |
07/04/2011
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| While computers are essential to saving workshops and operators time and money on truck maintenance, they can be fallible. So how far can technicians trust diagnostics? Dan Gilkes finds out |
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Your shout |
08/02/2011
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| The heavy snowfall at the end of last year may be a distant memory, but for many, there are constant reminders every time they venture out onto a public highway. |
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Spendy buses |
08/10/2010
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| Bus and coach manufacturers and operators have not been immune to the economic downturn, so what can suppliers offer to help them keep costs as low as possible? John Challen finds out |
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DIY diagnostics |
10/09/2010
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| Torn between going to a main dealer for repair and maintenance work or keeping it in-house? Dan Gilkes looks into some of the pros and cons |
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Smoothly does it |
10/09/2010
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| With a bewildering array of lubricants on offer and an ever-increasing range of sophisticated engines, which is the right oil for your vehicle? Keith Read investigates the issues for running costs and engine efficiency |
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Under or over? |
10/08/2010
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| 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 |
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Driving efficiency |
08/06/2010
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| Workshop management systems can make or break dealerships' and independents' operations, in terms of efficiency and service. Brian Tinham looks at developments, and what's in it for operators |
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Wheel assembly maintenance key to operator suspension |
08/06/2010
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| The Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, who suspended Aberdeen-based haulage operator W&H Leslie's licence for 10 days in April following
a truck wheel detachment, has released useful details of the issues behind her decision. |
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