Put cheapo brakes on the skids
Page 32
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THANK YOU Tim Blakemore for your article in the March 19 issue bringing readers' attention to the problems of reconditioned air brake units.
I work as a van salesperson for Edmunds Walker and we had a very interesting and informative evening with a representative from Bendix regarding reconditioned/remanufactured air brake components.
As you mentioned in the article, reconditioned units on the market are "done-up" to be made serviceable. The amount of work can vary from a spring down to a couple of seals and a spray-job depending on what is needed, whereas the Bendix unitc. are remanufactured completely, always have a brand new spring fitted and, a point you omitted, any new modifications developed are incorporated.
The trouble is, despite a special sales campaign, with eye-catching detailed leaflets and very competitive prices, my fleet customers were not interested! As you pointed out, I was told that the reconditioned units they were using were satisfactory, they were 50 pence cheaper and could be delivered in ten minutes from round the corner.
While we all understand the need for economies, I feel haggling over 50 pence on braking parts for 32-tonne vehicles is rather short-sighted. The "responsible engineers" you mention are being overruled by cost-conscious operators more concerned with balance sheets than safety and once again I thank you for printing he article.
Incidentally, what about an article on brake linings next? Only yesterday I saw some linings delivered which had all the qualities of compressed cardboard and when I asked about them I was told, "Oh, but they're £2 cheaper than your Ferodo linings."
MAUREEN FLAXINGTON Camborne Cornwall