April 2007 Premier Magazine is published by Knorr-Bremse for the UK Commercial Vehicle Industry

Inside: M i d l a n d C o m m e r c i a l S e r v i c e s

N e i l T i c k n e r S p a r k s T r a n s p o r t

N E O S y s t e m D i a g n o s t i c s D e v o n F l e e t

Ask The Experts Truck Racing Hints & Tips

Service Centres

c o n t e n t s

Welcome to Knorr-Bremse

Premier Magazine is published by Knorr-Bremse Systemsfor Commercial Vehicles Limited.All articles have been approved by donor companiesand/or organisations before going to press and thereforeunderstood to be correct at the time of going to press.Responsibility for any misinformation contained withinapproved articles supplied by donor companies and/ororganisations cannot be accepted by Knorr-Bremse ortheir agents. Any opinions expressed in any suchinformation are not necessarily accepted or endorsed bythe company.

Should you have any news or viewsabout our magazine please contact:

Tim FordSales and Marketing ManagerMobile: 07977 988851Rebecca StoneSales and Marketing Communications ExecutiveTel: 0117 9846 207

Knorr-BremseSystems for Commercial Vehicles LtdCentury HouseFolly Brook RoadEmerald Park EastEmersons GreenBristol BS16 7FE

Tel: 0117 9846 100Fax: 0117 9846 101

Email: premier@knorr-bremse.comwww.knorr-bremse.co.uk

Knorr-BremseService Centre:

Meet James & Fiona Brown

Simon Craddock

magazine

Commercial vehicle braking systemshave advanced tremendously overthe last 10 years, ABS and EBS arenow prevalent in the Europeanvehicle parc and advances such asRSP and ESP are readily available.Whilst these systems have a majorpart to play in improving vehiclestability and hence road safety, theywill still have to be maintained andfor some people this has been amajor fear factor. Throughout thisissue of Premier you will findexamples of how Knorr-Bremse andits partners ensure that moderncommercial vehicle braking systemscan easily be diagnosed andrepaired to keep your vehicles onthe road.

Simon CraddockManaging DirectorMobile: 07977 988843

Knorr-Bremse Distributor:A conversation with

Neil Tickner

Sparks Transport

NEO is here

Truck Racing:2007 season begins

Product informationfrom the

Knorr-Bremse team

Knorr-BremseService Centres

22/23

20

18/19

12/15

08/11

06/07

04/05

Technical advicefrom the

Knorr-Bremse team

21

Hints&Tips

25 years with Devon Fleet 16/17

04

We wanted to offer ourcustomers a one-stop-shop“ ”

“We’d do anything that needed doing, in thecustomer’s yard or at the roadside, no matter what theweather was like, day or night,” James recalls. “We’dgo anywhere too; Wales, London, Kent, you name it.”“They travelled huge distances, and in those days itwasn’t just about changing parts,” says James’s wifeFiona, a director of the company. “Items often had tobe fabricated.”Today the business has well-equipped workshops inboth Barwell and Rugby. The former occupies 9,000sqft while the latter covers 6,000sq ft, and opened lastNovember. While Midland is still on call round-the-clock, gone are the days when James and hiscolleagues disappeared off to the far side of thecountry to deal with an emergency. “If a customer’svehicle is a long way away and has a problem thenwe contact the nearest Knorr-Bremse Service Centreand ask them to assist,” says James. “We have to offera 60 minute response time, and there’s no way wecould get to Wales in 60 minutes.”Finding a need to keep abreast of the latest ABS andEBS fault-finding and repair technology, especially sofar as trailers were concerned, Midland became aKnorr-Bremse Service Centre in September 2003.“It seemed to be a niche in the market that wasempty in our part of the country,” says James.“We wanted to offer our customers a one-stop-shop,”says Fiona. “We were concerned that if we couldn’thandle ABS and EBS work they would take theirbusiness elsewhere.”Both James and Fiona are glad they forged links withKnorr-Bremse. The quality of technical advice andsupport it provides is good, they say, as are itstechnician training courses. Nor was the investmentthat had to be made in items such as software andcaliper kits excessive. “In any event we always ploughthe profits back into the company to buy thetechnology we need,” says Fiona. That has involved,for example, acquiring wheel sensor testers. “They’re used to check the sensor’s integrity so thatyou can be sure the laptop is getting the right signal,”says James. “Items like that aren’t vital but you valuethem once you’ve got them.”They also mean that jobs can be completed morequickly - essential given that so many operators haveto meet tight delivery times. Nor has Midlandexperienced any problems with supplies of Knorr-Bremse parts. “When our vans go out to customersthey contain every part they are likely to need andthey carry an EBS diagnostic kit too,” says James.As well as resolving ABS and EBS faults Barwell andRugby service and repair vehicles and fix minoraccident damage. The workshops prepare trucks fortheir MoT test and have their own brake-testingfacilities. “What’s more, we carry out Class 4 and Class7 MoT tests at Barwell,” says Fiona.Hauliers expect their vehicles to be serviced

Barwell, Leicestershire basedKnorr-Bremse agent MidlandCommercial Services has come along way over the past 14 years. Founded by current managingdirector James Brown, his fatherAnthony, and their colleagueMichael Collins, it started as, quiteliterally, three men in a van.All experienced technicians, thetrio provided a mobile all-makestruck and trailer repair andmaintenance service.

Knorr-BremseService Centre

MeetJames&FionaBrownThe next generationat MidlandCommercialServices Limited

Steve Banner takes up the story 05

out-of-hours, so Rugby stays open from 4am tomidnight. Barwell is in what has become a residentialarea, so it opens at 7.30am and usually closes no laterthan 7.00pm.“That’s despite the fact that the building was therebefore the houses, but that’s another story,” Fionaremarks. “We open on Saturdays, and on Sundays tooif needs be,” she continues. “It all depends on whatcustomers want.”Those customers include some of the best-knownnames in haulage and distribution. “They know that we’re willing to be flexible and putourselves out,” she says. “They also know that they cancontact the senior management of this businessimmediately, and get decisions made. “You can walkinto my office at any time, rant and rave and I’ll sortthe problem out immediately for you. In fact you canget hold of either James or me at any time, round theclock. That isn’t the case with a big main dealergroup.”Finding technicians who can work to the company’shigh standards is a struggle, she admits. It’s not justtechnical competence that it’s looking for, she adds.“I want people who can work as part of a team, butwho can work on their own too,” she says. “I also wantpeople who are multi-skilled – who can fit as well asfabricate – and who can deal with customers face-to-face. They have to have interpersonal skills.”Midland employs ten technicians – six at Rugby andfour at Barwell – plus two trainees. Nor has Jamesforgotten how to get his hands dirty. He’s regularly tobe found working on a vehicle. Getting suitabletrainees can be as hard as recruiting qualifiedtechnicians. “You get one decent one for every five orsix you try,” remarks James.“We had a bit of luck last year though,” says Fiona.“There was a young lad who didn’t want to be atschool, so the school said he could come and work forus one day a week,” she says. “I told him that if he gothis head down and did well at school then I’d see ifthe school would let him come to us two days aweek. I also told him that if he did well in maths andEnglish he’d get first refusal of an apprenticeship withus. Happily he did do well – and he ended up joiningus.”Anthony and Michael are still very much involved inthe business, and Julian Dowler – now playing aleading role at the Rugby operation – is a director too.Looking to the future, Fiona and James would like tomove out of their existing site in Barwell to a largerand more modern unit in the same area. “I don’t want us to get so big that we don’t personallyknow all the people who are working for us though,”says Fiona. “We care about them. We don’t want themto end up being anonymous payroll numbers.”

The first quarter of 2007 was apersonal milestone for Neil Tickner.It not only marked his 10th year asmanaging director of ParsonsParts, a 90-year old commercialvehicle component distributor,but also his acquisition ofthe entire business from thefamily of the company’sfounder, Albert J. Parsons.

06

NEIL TICKNERa conversation withby Chris Pitchford

07

“Our customers are entitled to expect a very highstandard of service from us, and we expect the samefrom our suppliers” said Neil Tickner. ”We stick toquality components that we know work, fromsuppliers that will move heaven and earth to ensurewe can maintain good parts availability for our clients.We like to get to know our suppliers so that we cantalk with them and work in partnership on anequitable basis. Companies that try to squeeze all oftheir supplier’s margin end up without any supportwhen it’s most needed.““We know Knorr-Bremse have been trying to raisestandards in the industry and we’ve worked withthem for many years” Neil added. “We stock all Knorr-Bremse products and find them very good to workwith. Recognising the value of better training, theyprovided equipment and helped us put our owntraining facility together. They’ve been verysupportive.”Commenting on the future for Parsons, Neil said: “Themarket is huge and we’re extremely well positioned –both independently and as a member of Braketech -to realise the opportunity. Some of our systems andservices are really cutting edge and we can alreadydemonstrate solid success in reducing costs for theblue chips. We’ll continue to invest in the business,and our people, and will make one or twoacquisitions in the coming year too!”

BraketechParsons Parts is a founder member of one of theindustry’s most significant new initiatives –Braketech, a nationwide partnership of eightindependent commercial vehicle componentdistributors. Under the Braketech umbrella, Parsonsand the other participating companies can leverageeach other’s skills and resources to meet therequirements of blue chip companies operating on anationwide basis. Braketech also provides theparticipants with centralised purchasing, stock-sharing and a range of IT solutions.In January 2007 Braketech Limited were appointed asnational parts supplier to Morrisons Supermarkets Plc.“The brief was to reduce cost and improve efficiency”said Neil Tickner. “We were able to demonstrate thatour unique combination of business, stock,management and IT solutions could meet and exceedtheir expectations. These capabilities, plus theexpertise and sheer hard work of our people is givingus a greater edge in the market. We may trade as aparts company but services now account for the bulkof our revenues.” Neil added.All Braketech companies bring particular expertiseand in Parsons’ case its diagnostics and training skillsare very highly regarded. It provides on-site and off-site diagnostics and runs OEM approved trainingcourses – practical and theoretical – for hundreds ofdelegates across a wide range of products.Braketech are also the only parts distributors licensedto make brake shoes to the IRTEC standard; allworkshop staff have IRTEC accreditation.

Based in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, Parsons Partsoperates from a large, listed Victorian building whichonce housed the Anglo Bavarian Brewery. Under NeilTickner’s leadership the business has grown from asmall air brake parts specialist to a leading C.V.component distributor offering an extensive rangetogether with a set of innovative support services.Neil came to Parsons via a motor vehicle orientatedcareer that embraced engineering, procurement andgeneral management. His first job after leaving schoolinvolved rebuilding engines and this was followed bya change of role – and rapid promotion to GeneralManager – with a Bristol motor retailer. In thiscapacity Neil was instrumental in opening West1, theUK’s first car parts supermarket, in 1985.Following a period with a specialist coachbuilder thatmodified luxury cars for customers such as the Sultanof Brunei, Neil joined the motor group Hartwellswhere he became a regional director and stayed withthe company for 8 years before being headhunted byParsons. “At the time Parsons was well respected and had

some very experienced staff, but as it only offeredair brake parts in a market rapidly moving

towards ‘one stop’ suppliers it was losing money” explained Neil Tickner. “As soon aswe expanded the range the business turned a profit and we’ve made moneyevery year since. In fact we’re confidentthat 2007 will be an all-time record year

for Parsons.”

08

Sparks still flying after three generations

09

Jon Sparks’ career withSparks Transport,Glastonbury, began at theage of 11, when he spentholiday weekendspainting truck wheelsuntil they looked like new.The experience wasn’t lostupon him - as the 36-yearold managing director of afamily business thatcontinues to grow, year onyear, Jon’s still adamantthat Sparks Transportvehicles should alwayslook their best. TodaySparks is one of thelargest privately ownedtransport companies inthe South West ofEngland.

Paul Freeman visits theGlastonbury site

ree generations

10

Founded in 1935 by Jon’s grandfather, Cyril Sparks,Sparks Transport began life with a single vehiclewhich made daily deliveries between Bristol and theGlastonbury area throughout the war years. Followingdenationalisation of the haulage industry in 1954,Sparks Transport purchased four vehicles from BritishRoad Services and, as the railways shrunk in the1960s, it expanded further to serve the local footwear,cider and sheepskin industries of the time.In the late 1970s the business opened a Europeanservice focusing predominantly on Italy, where itsubsequently established warehouses in Como, Veronaand Florence. The Italian link was prompted by therelationship with a local shoe company which hadsuppliers and wholesale customers in the region. At that time the business was headed by Cyril’s sonsDavid and Adrian, who subsequently handed over thereins to their respective sons Jon and Tristan - whonow direct all of the operations aspects of SparksTransport. “We’d always wanted to work in thebusiness, and spent as much time as we could here asyoungsters” said Jon. “After school I studied businessstudies at college and then joined the company whenI was 18.”

Well locatedWith a track record of over 70 years’ success, SparksTransport is well known and respected throughout theindustry. Its early decision to locate on a 7 acre sitejust outside Glastonbury was fortuitous - the area iswell served by A roads and the M5 motorway isunder 30 minutes away. This has given the businessan excellent location from which to develop acomprehensive service - including full and part loads

- running throughout the UK and mainland Europe. In fact continental European transport now accountsfor some 30% of the whole. In recent years thecompany has invested further in Italy and EasternEurope and can offer daily departures in bothdirections. In addition it recently introduced containermovements from Southampton docks to all parts ofthe UK, together with a refrigerated service operatingthroughout Germany.

WarehousingToday the operation has some 100,000 sq feet of fullyracked Customs Bonded warehousing on site inGlastonbury and a further 70,000 sq feet in Italy. It’sable to provide both long and short-term storage,whatever the customers volume. Stock control is fullycomputerised and all facilities are alarmed. The Italianoperations also allow Sparks Transport to consolidatesmaller consignments throughout the working week.Warehousing services include:AmbientBondedDedicated/share userCompositeRackedMAFF controlled “We’re continuing to develop a portfolio of addedvalue services tuned to customers’ requirements” JonSparks added. “With the expertise of staff trained bothinternally and often within our customers’ ownenvironment, we can also offer services such aspicking & packing, labelling and re-packing. In fact a number of our customers come to us exclusively because of our warehousing expertise.” In-cabtracking, linked directly back to head office in

Glastonbury, enables staff to have a 24 hour a dayview of each individual vehicle, together with anyprevious routing/delays. The system can keep track ofgoods available, en route, and delivered and trackingformats are adapted to meet the needs of individualcustomers.The management team is convinced that performancemanagement is key to business success. With accessto detailed information covering customer-specificdata and the performance of individual drivers andvehicles, the company can accurately measureperformance on a daily basis. “As more customers require just-in-time distribution,the need to provide high levels of service grows”commented Jon Sparks. “Reassessing ourperformance regularly is key to ensuring that ourequipment and staff are meeting the requirements ofour customers.”

VehiclesSparks operates 65 articulated vehicles, each with agross capacity between 40 and 44 tonnes. All vehiclesare in the company’s familiar green livery and a fullyautomated wash facility ensures that drivers can keeptheir vehicles looking their best. All vehicles areequipped with cab phones and alarm locks. The tractor units are mostly Scania and the companyruns 130 13.6m trailers, ranging from standardTautliners, Skeletal, Euroliners and Refrigerated units.“We aim to keep a fleet of newer vehicles, whichmeans improved reliability and higher levels of serviceto our customers” Jon added. “This is importantbecause we’ve a hard-won reputation for thereliability of our service and our ability to stay ontime, whatever the circumstances.”

11

we aim to keep a fleet of newer vehicles“ ”

A passion for motor sport

Like his father, David Sparks before him,Jon’s passion for motor vehicles alsoextended to motor sport, in the form ofrally championships. Jon started racing arally prepared Vauxhall Astra in 1998, thentook a break for several years after his co-driver was unable to continue.In 2003 he decided to take up the sportagain and bought a Peugeot 206 (directfrom Peugeot Sport at Coventry) whichprovided some valuable experience beforeJon, in his own words “wrote it off, thenrolled it writing it off again…”Not deterred, he then moved to a powerfulfour-wheel drive Mitsubishi Evo 7. It wasbought from a company in Chesterfield thathad built it for stage rallying but had neveractually used it. “I love racing but when I goout on a stage I can’t afford to forget that Iwon’t have driven the car once in theprevious five or six weeks” said Jon. “At theend of the day, work always comes first!”

For the last six years Sparks has onlypurchased Schmitz trailers, which are all ondisc brakes backed by the Knorr-BremseTrailer Electronic Braking System (TEBS). Afully comprehensive workshop on site inGlastonbury ensures vehicles are maintainedat the highest standards at all times.Workshop technicians receive training directfrom the manufacturers in many cases; whenthe company decided to invest in its ownKnorr-Bremse diagnostics system last year, itsent its engineer to Knorr-Bremse forcomprehensive training.One company that’s played a big part inSparks Transport’s maintenance operationover the years is Parsons Parts, a fast growingcommercial vehicle component distributorthat has operated from the neighbouringtown of Shepton Mallet for 90 years. “Parsonshas been our major parts supplier for as longas I can remember, and probably for manyyears before that!” Jon commented.Walking around a yard which is as clean andtidy as his vehicle fleet, Jon Sparks had thelast word. “We never forget that while we’veassembled a team of highly skilled,committed and extremely enthusiasticpeople, Sparks Transport’s continued successalso requires that we never stop learning howbest to meet the logistical requirements ofour customers.”

12

This ismaking sense of complexelectronic braking data“ ”

13

Measurement and failure localisation processes, forexample, require levels of expertise that are typicallyonly offered by specialists, yet these are often themost appropriate and valuable processes ifunnecessary removal and replacement of componentsis to be avoided. Servicing at such a high level calls fora range of expertise, training and equipment that maybe wholly uneconomic for some vehicle workshops,so there is a growing need for intelligent tools capableof diagnosing and measuring a diverse range ofelectronic vehicle systems.

NEO diagnosticsTo address this requirement, Knorr-Bremse hasdeveloped NEO, a modular diagnostics solution whichencapsulates the company’s industry leadingknowledge and experience of diagnostics andmeasuring systems. Commenting on the newsolution, Knorr-Bremse UK Sales and MarketingManager, Tim Ford, said: “NEO is an innovative,multi-vendor solution that offers automated testingand measurement routines that enable any modernworkshop to provide high integrity professionaldiagnostics services for virtually all types ofcommercial electronic braking systems.”NEO is available in four versions that provide a rangeof functionality designed to meet the specificrequirements of different sizes and type of workshop.Depending upon the version selected, NEO can bedirectly linked to the ECU and the vehicle peripherals,and offers automatic or semi-automatic recognition ofthe braking system, irrespective of manufacturer orconfiguration. NEO can communicate with thevehicle’s electronic systems, carry out measurements,produce diagnoses, provide clear repair instructionsand ultimately check that the repair has been carriedout correctly.

Steve Banner talks to Jeff Counsell

NEO System Diagnostics

For more than a decade, electronic braking systems havebeen standard equipment in light, medium and heavycommercial vehicles. However, when it comes toproblem detection, systems repair and overhaul, thesheer number of different braking systems and theincreasing complexity of the latest generation of brakescan pose significant problems, both in terms of theexpertise required, and the economic implications ofmisinterpreting the symptoms of any problem.

14

NEO is user friendly ”“Inexpensive to purchase, the NEO diagnostic solutionrepresents a future-proof investment as it can beupdated/upgraded at any time. Users of earlierKnorr-Bremse diagnostics systems will also be able touse all of their existing peripherals with the NEOsolution. Available to use 24/7, NEO is user friendlyand provides accessible, detailed advice on systemsand services – in some cases using computeranimation. Knorr-Bremse NEO training coursesprovide practical training on the system’s broad rangeof functions either in-house or at a Knorr-Bremsetraining facility.

A powerful range of functionsNEO l blue, the top of the range Knorr-Bremsediagnostics solution, offers a powerful range offunctions. An important feature of the system is itsability to connect either via the vehicles diagnosticinterface or directly to the ECU of the braking system.This ability to access the system independently of thecentral vehicle controller underlines the professionalfunctionality of NEO l blue and the system’s scalabilityenables it to meet servicing requirements of widelyvarying complexity.NEO l blue provides automatic, manufacturer-independent recognition of virtually all brakingsystems and their configurations, plus recognition ofexisting pinnings. For rapid and accurate answers tobraking problems, NEO l blue enables automaticdiagnosis, measurement and failure localization.Comprehensive system and service information isprovided, together with instructions for road trainmatching and safety testing.

15

”The package comes in two robust hard cases, one ofwhich includes a Communication and Measuring Unit(CMU) as well as a number of vehicle-specificadapters for connection to the diagnostics interface.A further case contains the mains adapter andswitchbox, while the NEO l blue software is suppliedon DVD.

A new platform for the workshopWhile NEO diagnostics run on any MS Windows® PC(meeting the specified configuration), an innovativeand durable new platform option has been introducedwhich was designed specifically to meet the demandsof the workshop environment. “NEO l top is one of themost advanced industrial laptops on the market”TimFord explained. “It has a high resolution touch screenand a fast graphics processor to enable rapidgeneration of graphics-based diagnostics and serviceinformation.”The NEO l top unit’s CPU runs two Windows®operating systems independently. One is reserved forNEO and the other is available for any other softwareapplication. This makes it possible to integratediagnostics software for other electronic systems incommercial systems, thereby increasing the system’sflexibility and operating economy even further. The use of a partitioned hard drive enables completeseparation of the operating systems and applicationsso that there is no risk of interference betweendifferent programs. The hardware also includes anumber of communication modules and variousvehicle-specific adapters.

OptionsIn addition to NEO l blue, users have three further NEOdiagnostics module options:

NEO l green – This is the ideal module forcommunication with system electronics in trucks,trailers and buses. Communication is via UDIF and thevehicles diagnostic interface (cable). Other featuresinclude reading and deletion of error messages,activation of peripheral components, simple erroridentification instructions and system and repair data.

NEO l orange – Providing similar functionality to NEOl green module but with semi-automatedmeasurement functions. Communication with thesystem electronics is via CMU and the vehiclesdiagnostic interface (cable or wireless link betweenCMU and laptop). Other features include instructions for manualmeasurement for error localisation, comprehensivediagnosis and complete system and repairinformation.

NEO l trailer – Designed for communication withtrailer electronics, this module doesn’t offer themeasurement function. Communication with thesystem electronics is via UDIF and the trailersdiagnostic interface (cable). Other features includereading and deletion of error messages, activation ofperipheral components and assistance with errorlocation.

Truck and trailer operators across South West England can thankone particular parts network for keeping them on the road

for the past quarter century. Exeter-based Devon Fleet isthe lead location of a network that also includes Somerset Fleetin Chard, Cornwall Fleet in Saltash and Hereford Fleet located in

Leominster. Headed up by Bob Gamlin, the operation provides acomplete range of replacement parts to more than 300 fleet

customers. Devon Fleet was founded in 1982 but it was not untilsix years later that Bob, seeking a fresh business opportunity

after a print engineering career spanning South Africa andBristol, became involved. In a move destined for

CV folklore he spotted the companyadvertised for sale in Dalton’s Weekly,and together with a friend bought it

and reshaped its future. Today histwo sons also work for the

business together with acompany-wide staff of 24.

16

I’d like to work a little lessthese days, but in realityit never stops!”“

Silver Service at Knorr-BremseDistributor, Devon Fleet

Exeter is home to one of the South West’s most successfulCV parts distribution networks, who this year

are celebrating 25 years in business.Michelle Whitefoot talks to Devon Fleet

owner and managing director BobGamlin about life in the parts lane.

As if quality, availability and rapid turnaround weren’tenough, customers have a powerful reason to dobusiness with Devon Fleet’s Hereford branch. Theoperation is run by a world record-holding, HighlandGames winning super-heavyweight strongman whothinks nothing of bench pressing famous footballersbefore breakfast.At 6’ 7” tall and tipping 24 stone, Laine Snook isperhaps the company’s most unusual asset.Squeezing his sporting passions into weekends,evenings and holiday time 38 year-old Laine trains athis home gym six days a week, for two hours a day, tohone his physique into world beating form. In thepast 12 months, despite set-backs and injury, Lainehas twice broken the world record for rolling thunder(a one-handed deadlift of heavy weights, held by aspinning handle) and has ten Highland Gameschampionships booked into his diary.It all started, he says, with early promise as a boy.“By age 12 I was 6’2” and 15 stone, so weightliftingand throwing came naturally,” Laine explains. “Then Idiscovered shot-putting, and with Geoff Capes as mytrainer I reached international level. But I had toabandon that after an operation on my spine, which iswhy in recent years I’ve concentrated on other sportssuch as bench pressing and rolling thunder.”

17

“When I bought the company business was difficultand after the first six months I almost gave up,” revealsBob. “But once we got into it, we made the best of it.You’ve got to make things work!”That pragmatic approach has remained a hallmark ofBob’s business style and lies at the heart of the DevonFleet philosophy. “We’re here to ensure that ourcustomers’ vehicles stay on the road making money.No-one wants their truck in for repair longer thanabsolutely necessary.”Where many parts firms boast of a next-day deliveryservice, Devon Fleet goes one better. “We don’t haveset turn-round times,” Bob confirms. “We get ordersto clients same day or even straight away. I’ll never leta customer down, even if I have to deliver a partmyself. That’s the kind of service that speaks volumesto the customer.”Bob ensures this approach is echoed across all fourFleet depots, each of which is managed locally underhis guiding hand. The Fleet network also pursuesrigorous standards when it comes to the products itoffers, says Bob: “One of our standpoints is that weonly stock original quality parts from reputable brandslike Knorr Bremse, preferably with UK basedwarehousing. The reliability that generates helps usretain customers, and it’s also our main route to newones – all of our new business comes viarecommendation.”Devon Fleet serves both small and large customers,but Bob believes much of the company’s success isdown to its links with larger fleets. Indeed, one majorcustomer is Gregory Distribution, whose 450 vehiclesare one of the most familiar haulage names on theSouth West’s roads. Block Exemption, he says, has alsobenefited sales by opening up more customer choice.To maintain exemplary parts availability Devon Fleetmaintains a relatively broad and deep stockholdingworth around £0.5m; enough for around nine weeks’orders. “We provide a complete range of replacementparts for almost every truck and trailer on UK roads,from a replacement bulb to a complete enginerebuild,” he explains. “We keep a library of every orderplaced for each customer vehicle. We also use ourown delivery fleet and ensure knowledgeable staff areavailable for enquiries. We’ll even supply and installracking at a customer’s premises. It all adds up tocomplete customer peace of mind.”Bob concludes: “When we started it was my aim tooffer a more professional and personal service to thehaulage industry in Devon. We’ve achieved that andwe’re continually investing to bring in new services,such as our two trained staff who provide EBSdiagnostics services both in-house and at clients’premises. I’d like to work a little less these days, but inreality it never stops!”

Laine’s achievements in the field are impressive. He isthe British and European bench press super-heavyweight champion many times over; and wonthe World Bench Press Championships in 1997 &1999. In 2000 and 2001 he was a finalist in Britain’sStrongest Man, and he is a multiple Highland Gameschampion. And he has also broken several worldindividual and team bench press records – includingthe one-minute record in 1999 for lifting all 17st 4lbof footballer Ian Wright plus bench. Perhaps inevitablysuch relentless training has taken its physical toll. In2002 Laine experienced a brain aneurism that put ahold on competing, soon followed by a mild heartattack and further back problems. But after a three-year break and pioneering ligament treatment Laine isback on full form, travelling the world to compete atinternational level. All of which he somehow balanceswith managing the thriving Hereford Fleet operationfull time. Laine says: “My father owned a largetransport company so the industry is in my blood. Ioriginally worked for Bob Gamlin in the early 90s, andthen after leaving for a spell I rejoined four years agoas manager here. I may be busy, but I love everyminute.”

A force to be reckoned withRivals of Hereford Fleet be warned – the companyhas a surprising secret weapon on its side.

“Since we took on Knorr-Bremse parts take-up has been excellent.We enjoy a very good working relationship.”

DoubleDiaphragmSpringBrakesfor Trailers

Knorr-Bremse answers your questionsand offers some technical advice.

Spurious parts update

Your questions answered

Tim FordSales & Marketing ManagerMobile: 07977 988851tim.ford@knorr-bremse.com

18

First of all let’s get the terminology correct! Whatexactly is a Double Diaphragm Spring Brake (DDSB)?Well most people call them “Anchorloks”, but not allDDSBs are Anchorloks. The name Anchorlok is actuallythe brand name of one particular design of DDSB, andbecause the Anchorlok design has been the mostwidely used in the UK for many years the brand nameAnchorlok has become a generic term. Look nofurther than Hoover to draw a direct comparison ofhow a brand name can become a generic term.

That’s the terminology sorted.

There are many designs of DDSB sold into Europe byreputable OE suppliers and among themKnorr-Bremse is the distributor of the Anchorlokbrand product, but in recent months we have seenvarious ‘spurious DDSBs’ appearing in the UK. In somecases these units bear striking visual resemblance tothe genuine Anchorlok unit, but that is where theresemblance ends. It is disappointing that some UKcompanies are prepared to import DDSBs, that insome cases have no part number or manufacturer’sidentification, and which are clearly designed to looklike a genuine Anchorlok unit. Operators andworkshops would most likely not give these parts asecond glance, and even some of our distributors(who alerted us) had to take a long hard look to besure they weren’t genuine Anchorloks. Judge foryourself if you would have spotted the spurious unit:Fig 1 shows a picture of a genuine Anchorlok; Fig 2shows a spurious DDSB, quite an effective visual copy.The manufacturer of the spurious unit has evencopied all the words that are cast or stamped into thegenuine Anchorlok as shown in Fig 3. Well, they havetried to copy the words but have actually failed tospell them all correctly as can be seen in Figs 4 and 5.

We have managed to establish that themanufacturing source of some of these units is inChina. Now that in itself does not necessarily meanpoor product quality, but for any technical, quality or,worse still, liability issues can the manufacturer beheld to account or be easily communicated with?Especially when neither the Chinese manufacturer’sname nor part number are identified on the unit. Toassess the quality of these units we tested samplesagainst our specification for a DDSB. It was duringthese tests that the problems appeared.

from Tim Ford

Fig 1 Fig 2

Fig 3

Fig 4 Fig 5

Fig 6 Fig 7

19

Firstly, we tested the ‘spurious product’ for the serviceand parking brake output force; in the ‘as-new’condition the units gave adequate performance andno cause for concern. The next test was designed toprove the durability of the product. This entailedcycling the unit to replicate applying and releasing theparking brake a number of times and then repeatingthe process for the service brake. Both tests were to becarried out at room temperature and in a cleanenvironment. Unfortunately during the parking brakedurability test a major failure occurred when the main(power) spring fractured - see Fig 6. The spring hadbroken in two places and punctured the diaphragm.On inspection we found the design of the powerspring to be extremely poor, when compressed thecoils touch each other (‘coil clash’) causing damage tothe surface, which creates a localised increase in stress(a ‘stress raiser’). This failure happened after only onethird of the test cycles required by our specificationhad been performed. The surface treatment on thepower spring was very poor and it was removed bythe coil clash (see Fig 7) and, in reality, on a vehicleon the road, corrosion would have weakened thepower spring further and reduced the life even more.

On another sample of ‘spurious product’ that wetested our engineer immediately detected an audibleair leak. On inspection air was leaking out of the mainbody casting around the base of the ports. This wasobviously due to porosity in the casting and this leakwill generally worsen with time, bleeding air from thebrake system. Why wasn’t the air leak detected by themanufacturer at the production stage? Perhaps wecan assume that the Chinese manufacturer does notdo end-of-line testing, or maybe allows such productto pass to save their time and money? Every productthat is produced by Knorr-Bremse is 100% tested atthe end of the assembly line.

Nobody, whether supplier, distributor, workshop orfleet should accept any safety critical product that“looks right”, especially if it’s cheap. Ask yourself “whatare the quality, performance and durabilitycharacteristics of the product?”The copy products wehave tested here are cheap and certainly look right,but they will not last as long as the genuine productand could well impair the safety of the vehicle.

At Knorr-Bremse we have to ensure that our products are able to withstand the extremesituations that commercial vehicles can endure; extremes of temperature, vibration, andcorrosion for example.Every Knorr-Bremse product design goes through hundreds of hours of testing and developmentto ensure the highest possible quality, performance and life, so that when you receive a productbearing the name of Knorr-Bremse you can be completely confident that your business will besupported by the very best products and back up.

Pembrey Circuit

Dates for your diary:9th & 10th June - Pembrey7th & 8th July - Nurburgring21st & 22nd July - Thruxton20th & 21st October - Pembrey3rd & 4th November - Brands Hatch

More information:www.atkins-racing.netwww.birds.co.ukwww.truckracing.dewww.btra.co.uk

The weekend of April 14th & 15th heralded thebeginning of the 2007 British Truck Racing Season,and flying the colours for Knorr-Bremse UK interest isChris Levett. The team, owned by Truck Racing veteranDave Atkins, and backed by Bird’s Groupage, is veryoptimistic about doing well in this year’sChampionship, but Dave is more guarded about theEuropean title. As well as driver Chris - still learninghis race craft, Team Atkins is also only one of threeteams chosen by MAN to trial a new engine, in effect,using the race circuits of Europe as a test bed.The European season started a week earlier - 7th &8th of April in Barcelona. Here Chris had his baptismof fire, when, in the third race of the weekend, amajor pile up involving several trucks brought theteam’s weekend to a close and severe doubts as towether the truck could be repaired in time to get it toWales. But these mechanics don’t sleep when there’sa race truck to repair ... and a ‘phone call to Dave onThursday 12th confirmed - “they’ve just arrived inFelixstow”.The Pembrey circuit has played host to the first roundof the British Championship for a number of years,most of the teams using it as a proving ground to ironout the wrinkles for the season ahead.

Although Pembrey is not the best place for spectatorfacilities and comfort, grassy banks are OK when it’snot raining. But when it does rain - it comes in sideways!This weekend however - clear skies and sunshine!Situated on the edge of Carmarthen Bay, the circuitbacks onto the beautifully manicured woodlands ofPembrey Country Park, which in turn gives way tograssy sand dunes, and on the evening of Saturday14th, a near deserted beach and a calm sea.A tranquil contrast to the thunder of highlycompetitive truck racing just a short distance away.The team had already had some success duringSaturday. Three pole positions for each of the threeChampionship races over the weekend, the first ofwhich earning Chris the winners laurel and somesilverware!Although last year’s champion - Ross Garrett - istaking a year off, the weekend’s racing was dominatedby a tussle between Chris Levett and the legendaryStuart Oliver - in much the same way that the 2006season ended - with Chris in second place, Stuart inthird. At the close of the event, honours went to Chrisfor taking two firsts and one second.This battle is sure to continue.

They’re off!

20

21

ActuatorsSince the launch the Air Disc Brake in 1996Knorr-Bremse has supplied over 6.6 million BrakeChambers and ‘Piston’ Spring Brakes for OriginalEquipment fitment. Over 261 Brake Chamber and 319Spring Brake part number variants have beensupplied OE to Daimler–Chrysler, Iveco, MAN, Scania,Leyland, DAF and to most of the trailer disc brake axlemanufacturers including BPW, SAF, D-C and SMB. Thishigh volume of OE business is now generatingAftermarket demand.

The initial design of Spring Brake supplied for Air DiscBrake applications was a variant of the existing NG3,(New Generation 3) for S-cam applications. The rearparking brake portion of the NG3 remained much the

Hints&TipsA c t u a t o r s f o r A i r D i s c B r a k e

same, but the front end, which interfaced with theCaliper, was totally re-designed to correctly actuatethe operating lever of the Caliper and to provide awater tight seal between the 2 units. Over time theNG3 has been developed into NG3+ and now itscurrent NG5 design. Amongst other changes the NG5 Spring Brake hasdesign improvements in the fixing method of thefront body, intermediate flange and rear body. One of the benefits of this new crimping design is that itgives a uniform clamping force over the entirecircumference of the service diaphragm, which leadsto an increased life. Also for the piston, which controlsthe power spring for the parking brake, there is now aguidance ring which helps control the forces beinggenerated. This greater control of the power spring

and piston facilitates a much higher number ofparking brake applications to be achieved and again extends the life of the unit.

The design of the ADB Brake Chamber has also beenoptimised and shares the same front endmodifications as its NG5 Spring Brake counterpart.Due to the crimped design of clamp ring on theOptimised Brake Chamber (and NG5), it is no longerpossible to change the service diaphragm. However,as the service diaphragm is now able to exceed1million cycles, and research shows that the practiceof replacing diaphragms is no longer prevalent inmany markets, the fully crimped clamp ring shouldnot give any cause for concern.

Due to the many mounting variants of the Actuatorson the Caliper it is often not possible to use one Aftermarket Actuator to replace many OE variants (as is the common approach for S-cam applications).Instead for the aftermarket we offer the exact sameunit as being currently supplied OE. For actuatorsfitted to Daimler-Chrysler vehicles we have been ableto provide a single unit solution for more than oneapplication. This is due to D-C’s change in specificationfrom Voss 230 to 232 port adaptors. For theseapplications in the aftermarket we supply a Voss 232unit as standard and identify against the OE partnumber if a Voss 230 Adaptor Kit is required to alterthe unit. By doing this we can replace over the entirevehicle manufacturers range 580 OE fitted Actuatorswith 347 part numbers.To help identify the correct Actuator, Knorr-Bremsehave created a comprehensive catalogue, whichshows the aftermarket actuator part number fromeither the OE part number, type number or from thevehicle manufacture’s own part number.

Please note that Knorr-Bremse also have a range ofDouble Diaphragm Spring Brakes to suit populartrailer disc brake applications.

Further information on the correct Actuator for use onAir Disc Brake applications can be obtained from theKnorr-Bremse Technical Department on:0117 9846 222.

22

Knorr-Bremse UK & Republic of Ireland Service CentresAt your service!United KingdomService CentresAberdeenshireH.F. MoirDerek MoirBirchwood Works, Kinellar, Aberdeen. AB21 0SH01224 790 411

AntrimRent-A-MercNorman McBride87 Dargan Road, Harbour Industrial Estate, Belfast, BT3 9JU028 9077 9755

ArmaghToal Truck ServicesJohn Toal21-23 Rathtrillick Road, Middletown, Co. Armagh, BT60 4HT02837 569 701

AyrshireGrant Welsh CommercialsGrant WelshUnit 12B, Olympic Business Park, Drybridge Rd, Dundonald,Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. KA2 9BE01563 851 015

BerkshireJohn Graham CommercialsJohn Graham115 Blackamoor Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 8RW01628 777 509

BerwickshireBilly CoweBilly CoweTower Farm, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire, TD13 5YU01368 830 242

BuckinghamshireRing RoadStuart ChalmersGawcott Road, Buckingham, MK18 1DR01280 814 741

CambridgeshireR.J. Flack & Son LtdReg Flack19 Longhill Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0BL01354 657 235

CardiffTanners ElectricsPhil TannersWhittle Road, Leckworth Industrial Estate, Cardiff, CF11 8AT02920 225 580

CheshireAM BellSam GreavesHawkshead Quarry, Leek Old Road, Sutton, Maclesfield, Cheshire,SK11 0JB01260 253 232

CheshireBibbys CommercialsColin MurraySherbrook House, Winwick House, Warrington, Cheshire,WA3 7EW01925 762 143

CheshireThe Hulme GroupLee DrummondWarren Road, Trafford Park, Manchester, Cheshire, M17 1QR01618 776 071

CheshireTruck Services SandbachDarran TarrantSpringvale Industrial Estate, Millbuch Way, Sandbach, Cheshire,CW11 3HT01270 768 370

ClevelandNorth East Truck & VanWalter WhealdonCowpen Bewley Road, Haverton Hill, Billingham Cleveland,TS23 4EX01642 370 555

CumbriaTitterington Truck & TrailerPeter TitteringtonUnit 7 Sandysike, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5SR01228 792 600

DerbyshireTranscare 28 LtdDarren ParkinUnit 1, Lydford Road, Meadow Lane Industrial Estate, Alfreton,Derbyshire, DE55 7RQ01773 832 697

DerbyshireTrucktekMark PollockThe Elms, Moorfarm Road East, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1HD01335 340 510

DorsetPLC CommercialAndy Burridge14 St Georges Avenue, Parkstone, Poole, BH12 4ND01202 722 288

DurhamBraketech Northern LtdDavid LeeHetton Lyons Industrial Estate, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne & Wear,DH5 0RH0191 526 3753

East SussexMick Gould Commercials LtdToby GoldsmithThe Royal Oak Garage, London Road, Flimwell, East Sussex,TN5 7PJ01580 879333

EssexBCSBarry Craven9 New Rd, Rainham, Essex, RM13 8DH01708 522 101

EssexCrusely Trailer Engineering LtdDave ElyBotany Way, Beacon Hill Industrial Estate, Purfleet, Essex,RM19 1SR01708 861 144

FifeSealand Trailers - RosythStephen AddisonCamperdown Rd, Port of Rosyth, KY11 2ZT01383 414 145

GlasgowMackenzies (Cambuslang) LtdGordon MackenzieSomerville Street, Cambuslang, Glasgow G72 7EB01416 419 504

GloucestershireCollett Transport ServicesAndy CollettBibstone Farmhouse, Cromhall, Wotton Under Edge,Gloucestershire, GL12 8AE01454 269 606

GloucestershireMark EdgeworthMark EdgeworthWoodside, 6 St Edwards Road, Stow on the Wold, Cheltenham,Gloucestershire, GL54 1AP07977 849 436

HampshireR & M CommercialsRussell BlackmanBell Road, Daneshill East Industrial Estate, Basingstoke,RG24 8FB01256 840 404

HampshireT. Faulkner ABS EBS SpecialistTrevor Faulkner1 Mandela Way, Fourpost Mill, Southampton, SO15 5RZ07977 132 833

HertfordshireFoulger’s CVS LtdPeter FoulgerMelda Farm, Bury Lane, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire,SG8 6DF01763 262 826

KentCoombe ValleyMartin Husk16a Primrose Road, Dover, Kent CT17 0JA01304 206 498

LancashireLynch TrucksSteven LynchBarnfield Way, Altham Business Park, Altham, Acrington,Lancashire, BB5 5YT01282 773 377

23

UK & Republic of Ireland Service CentresCorkTransport ServicesSean LoftusBallyvolane, Cork, Eire+353 214 507 377

DonegalD & M Motor ServicesDoug PeachAssoroe Road, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Eire+353 719 851 242

DublinAutomotive ServicesJohn MurrayUnit 58, Park West Industrial Estate, Lebroquay Avenue, Dublin 12,Eire+353 161 209 22

DublinCP CommercialsPeter Costello42B Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Dublin 13, Eire+353 183 213 16

DublinRing Road LimitedShay MurphyJ19 Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole Co. Dublin, Eire +353 140 136 43

DublinTransport ComponentsScott Fletcher JonesUnit 10, Parkmore Industrial Est. Long Mile Road, Dublin 12, Eire+353 145 040 90

KerryKerry Coach ServicesMichael BuckleyWoodlands Industrial Estate, Park Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Eire+353 643 1945

KilkennyKeogh CommercialsLiam KeoghGrowine, Waterford Road, Kilkenny, Eire+353 567 729 983

LimerickPaddy Dore CommercialsMargaret DoreDock Road, Limerick, Eire+353 612 284 22

OffalyTullamore Test & Repair CentreKieran McManusCloncollig Industrial Estate, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Eire+353 506 520 57

RoscommonKelly TrucksJimmy KellyDrummond, Strokestown, Co Roscommon, Eire+353 719 637 070

LeicestershireMidland Commercial Services LtdJames BrownHazel Way, Barwell, Leicestershire, LE9 8GR01455 840 994

LincolnshireM.V. GreatrixMerv. GreatrixMain Road, Stickney, Nr Boston, Lincolnshire, PE22 8AE01205 480 459

MerseysideFM EngineeringKen FlowerBurtonhead Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 5EA01744 746 800

MiddlesexPhoenix Motors & Recovery LtdJohn O’NeilPhoenix House, Rivers Gardens, North Feltham Trading Estate,Feltham, TW14 0RD0208 890 8230

MidlothianGeorge StoutGeorge Stout4 Eskvale Court, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 8HT01968 673 247

MorayElgin Truck & VanSandy KennedyGrampian Road, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1XN01343 542 171

Newry & MourneO’Hare Truck & Trailer Services & RentalDan O’Hare41, Omeath Road, Newry, Northern Ireland, BT35 8QN028 3026 1272

North East LincolnshireClayden EngineeringDavid MoffittKiln Lane Industrial Estate, Stallingborough, Immingham,N.E. Lincs, DN41 8DU01469 571 203

PembrokeshireMansell Davies & SonDan StandingStation Yard, Llanfyrnach, Pembrokeshire, SA35 0BZ01239 831 631

SomersetBraketechDave MatthewsAnglo Trading Estate, Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet,Somerset, BA4 5BY07792 586 122

SomersetMartock Commercials LtdMalcolm TimbrellGreat Western Rd, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6HB01935 823 901

South Gloucestershire247 Trailer RepairsAndy MorganUnit B8, Backfield Farm Business Park, Iron Acton, Bristol,BS37 9XD07876 751 168

South GloucestershireHalls ElectricalTony HallUnit 16, Dean Court, Great Western Business Park, Yate, Bristol,BS37 5NJ01454 319 722

SuffolkSPR Trailer Services LtdSimon Rivers5 Walton Avenue, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 3HH01394 275 590

TyroneMcLoughlin CoachworksJohn McLoughlin270 Battlefield Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 7NP02837 548 418

West MidlandsTruck EngineeringCraig WilsonUnit 10, Holland Industrial Estate, Bentley Park South, Darlaston,WS10 8LN0121 526 6004

West SussexAlex FreemanAlex FreemanUnit M + N, Ditching Common Industrial Estate, Hassocks,West Sussex, BN6 8SG01444 253 312

West SussexA J FreemanPhil MatthewsUnit 1, Forgewood Industrial Estate, Gatwick Road, Crawley,West Sussex, RH10 9PG01293 544 006

West YorkshireH & P ListerPeter ListerEmbassy Garage, Battye Street, Off Leeds Road, Dewsbury,WF13 1PD01924 454 595

WorcestershireTPS AutomotivesJohn HeidtHoobrook Trading Estate, Worcester Road, Kidderminster,DY10 1HY01562 822 446

Republic of IrelandService CentresCorkJay CommercialsJohn McCarthyUnit 9, Ballycurreen Industrial Estate, Kinsale Road, Cork, Eire+353 214 312 95