Paul McGowan Grab Hire Improves Fleet Safety and Uptime with In-House Brake Testing

Paul McGowan Grab Hire, one of the Midlands’ largest privately owned specialist grab, flatbed and tipper operators, has invested in a Totalkare in-ground brake tester to improve safety, compliance and vehicle uptime.

Operating heavy vehicles in construction and logistics environments places constant pressure on braking systems, while regulatory requirements demand consistent and accurate testing.

By bringing brake testing in-house, Paul McGowan Grab Hire can carry out inspections as part of routine maintenance, reducing delays and maintaining tighter control over vehicle availability.

Paul Parry, Area Sales Manager at Totalkare, said: “For operators running demanding fleets, on-site brake testing delivers real operational value. Our in-ground brake tester provides accurate, repeatable results while supporting compliance and helping fleets keep vehicles on the road.”

The system enables faster testing of grab, tipper and flatbed vehicles, supporting proactive maintenance and early fault detection. This reduces the risk of unexpected failures and helps ensure vehicles always meet roadworthiness standards. Paul McGowan added: “Downtime is a major challenge for us. Having brake testing equipment on site means we can test vehicles when it suits our operation, keep them compliant and avoid unnecessary delays. It is a practical investment that supports both safety and efficiency.”

The installation reinforces a long-term partnership with Totalkare and reflects a focused approach to maintaining a safe, reliable and productive heavy-vehicle fleet.