The End of 4-gas Analysers?
Although it is now being actively speculated that before long there will be no need for ‘tailpipe-testing’ of exhaust gas emissions, in practical terms that only provides part of the picture…
It is speculated that future vehicles’ emissions will be so ‘clean’, that the cost of equipment to detect the small residues of pollution emitted would be prohibitive and ‘On-Board-Diagnostic’ (OBD) equipment would be the only cost effective way of checking emissions. So, ‘approved’ scan tools would be needed to interrogate the OBD – or alternatively a failure would apply if the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminates.
Nevertheless, older vehicles would still need checking with 4-gas machines for years to come, until there are so few in use that their accumulative polluting effect is negligable, and Testing Stations will still need ‘MOT Approved’ 4-gas analysers until that time arrives.
Choosing a 4-gas analyser for MOT use
The first step is to make sure that it is ‘MOT Compliant’. Whilst this is currently carried out by the Garage Equipment Association on VOSA’s behalf, the approved list is to be at: www.transportoffice.gov.uk – but you will require the formal ‘model number’ of the machine you’re interested in to check it out.
Once you’re happy the equipment does comply, then it is a matter of personal choice. Do you want a ‘stand-alone’ machine, or would you prefer ‘combination’ equipment that also has a diesel smokemeter included.
Also compare the costs of those annual data-updates – and you may be surprised what you find, the ‘big’ companies don’t always offer the best deals…
Then there’s the latest technology, is it to be part of an ATL, or OPT lane? Does it have blue-tooth, can it communicate with other equipment? then finally, and vitally important, what kind of ‘deal’ can you get, and what quality of service will your chosen supplier provide?
Autocal Ltd
Autocal manufacture here in the UK a complete range of MOT Emission Testing Equipment. Their range includes a Combination Gas & Diesel Smoke Meter, packed with the latest features, supported throughout the UK with, they claim, the best Service backup available. Their Standalone Smoke Meter is claimed to provide a low cost solution enabling MOT Stations to meet VOSA 2008 requirements. There is a 5 Year Fully Comprehensive Support Package. on all Equipment. Autocal can also supply MOT Equipment from Jacking Beams through to current ATLs.
Prices: Combination Unit £4695 Smoke Meter £2495 Part Exchange available.
Contact: Tony Dimavicius
Tel: 0116-2862444 Fax: 0116-2863444
E-mail: sales@autocal.co.uk
Web: www.autocal.co.uk
Distribution: Direct and supported by Distributors.
MOT Workshop Magazine
Boston Garage Equipment
Claimed by Boston to be the ultimate package for MOT emissions Testing, their analyser/smoke meter combination is considered by them to be state of the art, with a comprehensive specification, and unique features. Fully computerised with optical mouse, high speed laser printer, Dell ‘quiet-touch’ keyboard and integrated customer database, it comes with 19” flat screen. Boston’s ATL brake tester can be operated from the computer, and the new diagnostics packages also interconnect, with Bluetooth options available on all products. Aftermarket magazine stated “Both the gas and smoke tests are straight forward… it performed faultlessly and quickly”.
Prices: Gas Analyser: £3,795 Smokemeter: £3295 Gas/Smoke Package: £4,995
Contact: Mr John Powell / Mr Ross Tabor or Sales Desk
Tel: 01708 525 585 / 0800 085 0620.
Scotland: 0845 217 1881
E-mail: sales@boston-ge.com
Web: www.boston-ge.com
Distribution: Agency network throughout UK, Scotland, Boston (Scotland)
MOT Workshop Magazine
Crypton
The Crypton claim the CCP600 Series of combined and stand alone Gas and Smoke are one of the top of the range analysers in terms of quality and performance. All products are VOSA approved for MOT Testing. The Crypton Gas and Smoke Combi comes complete with oil temperature probe, inductive RPM Measurement (gas only), A4 printer, black keyboard and mouse and a 17″ Flat screen monitor as standard and can be supplied with cabled or Bluetooth Smokehead and a choice of battery pick-up, ultrasonic or vibration tachometers. All Crypton emissions can be purchased with Extended Care over a 3 or 5 year plan that includes Manufacturers Parts and Labour Warranty, Calibration Contract, and Software Updates (including annual MOT Updates).
Price: Standalone/Gas & Smoke/combined: £3832 – £6283
Contact: Brian Rance
Tel: 01278 436226
Fax: 01278 450457
E-mail: sales@cryptontechnology.com
Web: www.cryptontechnology.com
Distribution: Authorised Sales Outlets
MOT Workshop Magazine
Dunlop Garage Equipment Ltd
Dunlop Garage Equipment Ltd, suppliers of workshop equipment. Vehicle lifts including ATL, Tyre Shop Equipment, Wheel Alignment and Emission Anaylers. The Dunlop Gas 7 Smoke Analyser, UK Manufactured. Rugged trolley. Robust PC with 17″ flat screen. Gas Analyser approved to OIML R99 class 0. Diesel Smoke Meter meets VOSA 2008 specifications. Upgradeable to full Dunlop Techcentre, DDEFULL. Dunlop Diagnostic workstation includes Emissions, Scantool, cable kit and docking station.
Contact: James Furk
Price: On application
Tel: O1604 828558
Fax: 01606 633159
E-mail: sales@gemco.co.uk
Web: www.gemco.co.uk
Distribution: Direct and through Distributors
MOT Workshop Magazine
Gemco
Gemco Distributor for Stenhoj, BM and Omitec. The OmiEmissioncentre provides vehicle technicians with a complete emissions testing solution. The fully integrated PC based equipment offers Smoke & Gas testing for both vehicle and workshops and MOT Testing Stations. Feautures purpose designed, robust trolley stores all eqpt. All software is factory installed and tested. Omigas is a compact, future-proof petrol emissions tester. Omismoke is a next generation diesel emissions tester meeting category A & B requirements. Built in-smart battery.
Contact: James Furk
Price: On application
Tel: O1604 828558
E-mail: sales@gemco.co.uk
Web: www.gemco.co.uk
Distribution: Direct and through Distributors
MOT Workshop Magazine
Premier Diagnostics Ltd
The ‘New Elite’ Combi from Premier Diagnostics VOSA approved for class 4,7, HGV,PSV,SVA and RPC is their flag ship emission product for MOT stations. It comes with 17″ TFT Monitor, Laser Printer, Radio cable less DS2 Smoke head able to operate at -15 Degrees C and 100 from base – so outside testing is easy to carry out. Premier Diagnostics Emission products come with 2 years Warranty and 2 years calibration. They also offer 5 years Total care Package from £41.50 per week which includes 5 year warranty, 5 year calibration and 5 year VOSA software updates and at the end of the 5 years lease you own it. Call for more information and on site demonstration contact.
Contact: Clive Brown
Prices: From £4,850
Tel: 01295 271985
E-mail: sales@premierdiagnostics.ltd.uk
Web: www.premierdiagnostics.ltd.uk
Distribution: Direct or through distributors
MOT Workshop Magazine
Snap-on Diagnostics
The Sun DGA 2500 Combi – a VOSA approved MoT gas and smoke diagnostic emissions analyser – is claimed to bring today’s garage the latest state-of-the-art in measurement, accuracy and reliability, and to have the most advanced graphical user-interface designed to guide the user through every step as well as providing clear information via the high resolution 19″ flat screen monitor. The modular design also allows the user to expand and upgrade the DGA 2500 to a complete diagnostic and information system. Snap-on believes that it is a generation ahead of the competition and has just introduced an attractive Best Price Guarantee campaign to encourage garages to invest in a DGA 2500 now rather than waiting for January 2009.
Price: DGA 2500 Combined gas and smokemeter £5,120
Tel: 01553 692422E-mail: techsales.uk@snapon.com
Website: www.sun-diagnostics.com
Distribution: Direct Sales
MOT Workshop Magazine
Tecalemit
The TG DIGas 5400 is fully approved for all classes of UK MOT Testing and us currently used by statutory Testing authorities throughout Europe. The compact unit comes complete with a standard clamp for engine speed measurement and can easily be housed on shelving or a workstation adjacent to the Test lane.
Options include a robust castor wheel mounted cabinet and DISpeed 490 magnetic speed measurement tool. One of he main features of the TG DICom 5480 combined emissions tester and comes with a three year warranty. All Tecalemit products are fully supported by a team of the company’s own in-house, factory trained engineers, based throughout the UK. For further information on Tecalemit emission Test equipment, check the website.
Prices: Price on application
Tel: 01752 219 111
E-mail: sales@tecalemit.co.uk
Web: www.tecalemit.co.uk
Distribution: Agents and Distributors
MOT Workshop Magazine
The Trade Group
Trade Group’s new product is claimed to be “a rugged, MOT gas and smoke meter combination with a PC control system with arguably the best graphical user interface available and probably the fastest test routine on the market, the new Trademaster T800! Superb graphics, with large, easy to read results, controlled through a keyboard and remote control that literally ‘puts you in the driver’s seat’, with Bluetooth communication for both the smoke meter and engine speed/oil measurements illustrate how fast and easy to use the Trademaster T800 is. All mounted on a robust and attractive workshop trolley, this will not only add value to your MOT testing, but will look good as well!” Full installation service and staff training provided.
Contact: Trade Group Distributors Nationwide
Price: On application
Tel: 0845 644 4054
E-mail: enquiries@thetradegroup.uk.com
Web: www.thetradegroup.uk.com
Distribution: Trade Group Distributors
MOT Workshop Magazine
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