Go-Ahead London has further improved its vehicle maintenance ability with the introduction of a Josam JH1000 portable induction heater to its New Cross accident and repair centre.
Supplied by Automotive Equipment Solutions (AES), which is the UK distributor of Josam commercial vehicle workshop products, the heat inductor is used for lighter straightening and the loosening of heavy vehicle parts, but without using a naked flame. That removes the possibility of safety issues or damage to other connected parts.
The JH1000 is designed for straightening lighter components and loosening heavier machine parts including bolts, nuts, bushes and bearings. Its control panel has what are described as “intuitive buttons and indicators” for the easy setting of five power output levels. It has a duty cycle of 40 minutes.
Go-Ahead London Repair Centre Manager David Frost says the equipment has rapidly become an essential workshop tool, improving safety while cutting costs and time expenditure.
“It’s much safer than using a naked flame to heat anything on the vehicle. For example, we recently straightened a front bearer by applying heat next to the electric wiring and air pipes without affecting them in any way.
“The bearer was pulled straight and the job was completed in minutes rather than hours. The latter would have been the case had we needed to remove the bearer or move the wiring and pipework.”
David adds that the Josam JH1000 has “quickly paid for itself,” and has proved to be easy to use and maintain. Training has been provided by AES, which is based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.