Stagefreight keeps the show going with Totalkare Wheel Play Detectors

Nationwide music, theatre and exhibition transport specialists Stagefreight has expanded its in-house vehicle maintenance capabilities with the introduction of testing equipment from Totalkare.

The Yorkshire-based company specialises in event transportation and runs a number of trucks and trailers across the UK, with clients including the BBC, Sky, Northern Ballet, English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Ballet Rambert and legendary folk singer Joan Baez. It was named Event Transport Company of the Year by SME News earlier in 2020.

Stagefreight has added a mobile wheel play detector and headlamp tester from Totalkare to help ensure vehicle roadworthiness ahead of MOT testing.  Both will work alongside their existing BM brake tester and Totalkare mobile column lifts.

The wheel play detector from Totalkare features two strong steel plates which move horizontally in eight different directions as an effective way of checking the vehicle’s steering and suspension system without needing to jack up the axle.  It can help identify worn kingpin bushings, loose tie-road ends, broken welds, loose fasteners and other failed components.

Totalkare’s 2500 headlamp tester incorporates photodiode technology, enabling automatic positioning to achieve a precise alignment on the light beam.

Minimising the risk of MOT failure

“Minimising the risk of MOT failure through effective proactive maintenance is vital for the success of Stagefreight’s business, and Totalkare’s wheel play detector enables us to undertake key testing in-house,” said Chris Adgie, Director at Stagefreight, “With headlamp aim being one of the most prevalent reasons for failure at MOT test, the introduction of the headlamp tester is a proactive step towards mitigating this.

“As an existing user of Totalkare mobile column lifts, we’ve been impressed both with the quality of the lifts themselves and the level of aftersales support they provide, and this was a factor in selecting Totalkare for the provision of this testing equipment.”

Jack Longstaff, Area Sales Manager for Totalkare, commented: “Wheel play detectors and headlamp testers are excellent workshop additions to consider alongside a brake tester, as they increase the number of vital tests which can be conducted while the vehicle is in position, saving the operator time and money while also providing valuable peace of mind.  It’s a pleasure to increase our presence within Stagefreight’s workshop and we look forward to developing our relationship further.”