LEVEL UP+

THE SUPER-POWERFUL, SUPER-INTELLIGENT, SUPER-AT-EVERYTHING DIAGNOSTIC TOOL.

When you need to manage your diagnostics workflow from start to finish, you need the most advanced information-driven scan and scope handtool in the industry, with the storage, processing and communications capabilities to get you through every built specifically for the automotive industry from a company you’re absolutely sure you can trust.

designed and step

A compressor that integrates with the van's engine saves weight and space. It also eliminates the need for a second engine with the associated noise and exhaust emissions. You can choose between a rotary screw-type compressor, tted under-bonnet and mounted to the engine, with the potential to house the receiver tank under the chassis. Alternatively, a more traditional 12v screw compressor is powered by a commercial alternator, driven via the FEAD drive. This ‘smart’ system ensures that engine revs drop only when more air is required, maximising fuel e ciency.

Keeping rolling

With so few cars being equipped with jacks and spare wheels, plus owners being either unable, or disinterested to do so, it is unsurprising that tyre de ations tend to feature in the top three reasons for roadside call-outs.

Hofmann Megaplan reports that it pioneered the mobile tyre tting concept, by producing the rst 12v tyre changer in the UK during the mid-1990s. When kitting-out vans for mobile tyre tting, the company reports that minimising the space needed for equipment is a priority, while maximising the range of tyres that a mobile technician can change. This explains why its mobile tting and balancing products are designed speci cally for the mobile professional. Its range of compressed air solutions, for instance, includes a space-saving petrol-powered unit and ingenious under-bonnet clutched compressor options, which bolt to the engine directly.

Hofmann Megaplan highlights that its 12v tyre changers provide the equivalent torque as a single-phase unit – an impressive feat. Additionally, its balancers use a dual 12v/240v supply. Naturally, the tyre tting equipment must be designed and built to survive being operated within a van environment. Therefore, all of the hardware must tolerate movement, vibration, temperature and humidity to be reliable and achieve a decent life expectancy.

The company has a dedicated tting centre to provide a wide variety of layouts and compressed air solutions. Accessories include LED lighting, plus supply and suitable storage options for ancillary items, from trolley jacks to hand cleaning equipment. Hofmann Megaplan emphasises that it is a specialist and the custom installations o ered can be as simple, or as complex as they need to be. After all, technicians need their van to be their shop, o ce and workshop, which must be functional, professional and, above all, pro table.

The ‘Pico’ is Hofmann Megaplan's space-saving wheel balancer option for the mobile tyre tting professional. The Pico can be xed to the side of a tyre changer, or on a workbench, enabling speedy and accurate balancing, while saving valuable space.

One such professional to bene t from Castrol's Mobile Mechanic scheme is Daniel Curtin from Summers Shop, of St Ives, Cornwall. He shares his experiences with AT and tells us that: "The Race Group recognises mobile mechanics as professional motor technicians, who face the daily challenges of working from a van."

Topdon's Phoenix Mobile ADAS features a collapsible design for convenience, easy storage, and portability. With foldable arms and folding base legs, this tool can t in the boot of most vehicles.

Topdon reckons that its Mobile ADAS equipment can be set up and the calibration task started within half-and-hour.

Seeing where you are going

Like tyre tting, performing ADAS calibration on the move is virtually impossible, without equipment that is designed to save space. Topdon Diagnostics reckons that its Phoenix Mobile ADAS range provides the answer. Visit www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bICmi7lkOuE or scan the QR code to view a Lane Departure Warning Calibration.

It comprises a foldable calibration frame that its makers state con dently o ers unmatched portability and convenience, making mobile technicians' businesses even more productive and pro table. Considering that ADAS calibration is becoming increasingly important to complete a safe and competent repair, especially with windscreen and suspension-related repairs, this development is worth considering.

Topdon o ers three packages, Basic, Deluxe or MAX, dependent on needs. Yet, the system has additional versatility, where single marque specialists (for instance) can purchase speci c calibration boards individually, should they so desire. Additionally, Topdon highlights its ability to allow mobile technicians the opportunity to brush up on their skills, with access to UK-based IMI-accredited trainers.

More than lube support on the go

Part of Certas Energy, the Race Group emphasises its tailored support packages that meet the extra challenges for technicians on the road. Even so, it does not matter whether technicians are based in one place, or not: selecting the correct lubricants for the appropriate vehicle remains just as important. Therefore, The Race Group supports mobile technicians with the same technical support as those with xed premises.

Yet, extra services are o ered. Through the Castrol Mobile Mechanic scheme, mobile technicians bene t from a product pro le, high-quality branded clothing, plus a pop-up gazebo that not only shelters the work area from the worst of the weather but also provides brand presence and a professional-looking work area.

Bearing Up

While Pichler Tools tends to focus more on supplying workshops, it highlights several compact o erings that have proven popular with mobile technicians. Speci cally, its wheel bearing removal kits permit Generation 1, 2 and 3 type wheel bearings to be pressed in and out on the vehicle within 15-20 minutes.

The core part of the system is the 22-tonne hydraulic cylinder (www.pichler-tools.uk/products/article/home/9025126022-ton-hydraulic-cylinder-complete-with-accessories/). Yet, when an airline is unavailable, the kit can be powered by an hydraulic foot pump (www.pichler-tools.uk/products/ article/home/80255560-hydraulic-foot-pump-to-beused-with-all-cylinders-spring-compressor/). Pichler tools says that the pump is both compact and portable, coming with a 2.2-metre length hose and drip-free quick release coupling for easy assembly.

Yet, the foot pump can power other tools within Pichler's range, such as equipment for pressing driveshaft from hubs, or ball joint extractors that apply 4.5 tonnes of pressure to ball stud, or aluminium wheel bearing carrier units.

The ultimate in precision engineering and strength - our Premier range is designed to last a lifetime and withstand the toughest work environments.