Pro-Align sets new alignment speed record

Wheel alignment specialist Pro-Align has set a new record by aligning twelve cars in thirty minutes. The record was set using the new range-topping Hunter HawkEye Elite TD system. “Speed and efficiency is of critical importance to workshops that utilise their alignment bays fully, so we set ourselves the challenge of measuring as many cars as possible in thirty minutes to demonstrate the true capabilities of our new Hunter Elite TD system,” explains Paul Beaurain, managing director, Pro-Align. “We were delighted with how many measurements we achieved and the evidence really backs up our claims about the impressive speed and potential of our new system.”

The challenge included the time taken to drive the vehicles on and off the ramp, raising the ramp to a working height and performing rolling compensation on each of the cars. When the challenge timer reach zero, Pro-Align says a thirteenth car was “seconds away from the alignment results (showing all 14 alignment angles measured) being printed.”

Pro-Align last carried out the same challenge 12 years ago, when Hunter was first launched in the UK. Then, they managed to measure six cars, which was also a record achievement according to the distributor, but well short of what is now possible. On both occasions, Beaurain conducted the alignments to ensure consistency and an independent adjudicator was present to oversee that the challenge was conducted to the guidelines set.

Pro-Align said its record could be attributed to the HawkEye TD Elite’s innovations; the system features a newly designed integrated wheel clamp and targets that are fixed to the face of the wheel using the new QuickGrip adaptors. The system also incorporates the new and unique QuickComp system which allows users to perform rolling compensation, to take account of any rim runout or mounting error, with one roll forward. Previous compensation requirements needed the technician to roll the vehicle back and forward, while Pro-Align also explains that some other manufacturers’ aligners require a full 360 degree wheel revolution to ensure a true reading.

Pro-Align also used its Hunter RX alignment lift, forming part of its award-winning Fully Integrated Alignment system which automated the locking and unlocking the slip plates and turn plates function.

“While we appreciate that workshops won’t normally handle cars at this rapid rate, it does demonstrate the throughput ability of the Hunter Elite TD system,” continues Beaurain. “It also proves that speculative alignment is achievable with little time cost to a workshop, but the business potential for subsequent additional adjustment work makes it revenue opportunity not to be overlooked. However, if no further work is needed then customers have the confidence and reassurance that their vehicle is leaving the workshop in the best possible condition and they have been offered the best standard of service and care.”

The 30 minute alignment challenge video is available at Pro-Align’s website.

Related news:

• Hunter Elite TD given US innovation award
• Pro-Align launches Hunter HawkEye Elite TD aligner into UK market