Stonelake of Halifax is a family-run business based in West Yorkshire, specialising in the service and repair of Land Rovers. It was founded by brothers Ben and Luke Oughton in 2015, following in the footsteps of their father and grandfather, who ran the local Land Rover main dealership.
The company recently purchased a Josam JH400 lightweight heat inductor to reduce use of oxyacetylene torches in the workshop. Induction heating uses electromagnetic induction to heat metal components in a much safer and more efficient way than using torches with naked flames..
Ben Oughton, service manager and director, who oversees the operations of the workshop, said: “The heat inductor has transformed how we perform certain repairs. We were previously using an oxyacetylene torch and finding that it wasn’t up to the task – for example, with a steering lock you can struggle on for hours. That’s much easier now with a heat inductor.
“However, the most important thing for us is that it minimises the risk of damage to the vehicle while you’re working on it. With a naked flame, there is always a risk that you will scorch or burn an area adjacent to the part you’re working on – that risk is now removed.”
“We are using the Josam for everything from suspension arms to steering locks and wiper arms,” he added. “It is probably saving us on average three to four hours per week, which is significant in a relatively small workshop like ours.”
Workshop safety was also a key factor in Stonelake’s decision-making. “Heat induction is much safer than having to use a naked flame and there are no concerns about gas pressure or running out of gas,” said Oughton. “It is much easier to use; all of our team can use it safely and effectively.”