Boston has launched their new AGS688 exhaust gas analyser aimed at the non-MoT market. Based on the AGS200 MoT approved model, the internal measurement system is the same, providing high accuracy and fast operation, but with the benefit of being completely self contained.
Ideal for the after-market repair workshop, for checking, adjusting and pre-testing vehicles prior to the MoT test. It comes as standard with a high quality integrated thermal printer, large backlit LCD displays and the added flexibility of being able to connect and control Boston’s OPA100 smokemeter at any time.
With a list of impressive technical features, the AGS688 is claimed to be the highest specification model aimed at the pre-testing market, and is priced well below any MoT approved equipment available.
Further Information: 0800 085 0620 or 0845 217 1881 (Scotland)
Boston Garage Equipment was selected to equip a unique car and motorcycle workshop, recently opened at Bushey Herts. The £300,000 facility provides for children that have dropped out of school, and focuses on vehicle repair and maintenance in a broad curriculum.
Funded by Hertfordshire County Council, the new workshop continues a project originally started as a charity in 1994 by John Page, a former head teacher. At the opening event, Mr Page said “This is the perfect thing for hard-to-teach children. You can stimulate them and deliver most aspects of the national curriculum in an unorthodox way. You’re turning kids around, keeping kids out of offending and persuading them not to go over that edge. It is such an enormously valuable facility for local people.”
Crime reduction officer for Watford, Kim Boot, also visited the opening and praised the work that was being done. He said: “Anything with youth engagement and anything as positive as this is extremely worthwhile.” Many of the school’s former pupils have moved on to successful careers with companies including Suzuki and Honda.
Mick Rowan, Project Manager, said: “In the first term we had a 95 per cent attendance rate, which for children who haven’t been at school for a couple of years is phenomenal, just unheard of. I’m over the moon with that.”
Boston’s Managing Director Ray Calcutt commented: “We are pleased to have been involved in this worthwhile project, and now supply a growing number of colleges and universities seeking user-friendly latest technology. This is an important indicator of the garage industry’s technical progress.”
As MoT station operators for 35 years, and entering the equipment industry some 20 years ago, Boston boasts a comprehensive network of approved agents throughout the UK, with Boston (Scotland) based in Glasgow.
Technology driven, and now strong leaders in the Mot market, Boston continues their growth this year with four new scissor lifts and impressive diagnostics packages added to their formidable range.
Ingenious future proofing, leading technology, customer service and competitive pricing, all combine to support Boston’s success. All their equipment exceeds VOSA requirements – sometimes considerably. Never working at the margins, they claim this provides for better operation, longer life and happier customers!
Boston offers advanced technology, quality build, beautifully designed and colour co-ordinated equipment – plus amazing versatility. And then there is the website, probably the best in the business..
Boston Garage Equipment have launched Boston (Scotland) based in Glasgow to provide dedicated sales, service and support for the Scotland garage industry.
Managing Director Ray Calcutt commented “our sales in Scotland have steadily increased over 18 years with a substantial upturn on the introduction of one-man testing. To meet the market demands to our high standards, we see the need for a local Boston base with product stock and service response.
Boston’s reputation in Scotland extends over many years with significant sales to the mainland and also to the islands. In fact sales into the Orkneys and Shetland began back in 1991 when MoT exhaust tests were first introduced.
Boston Scotland can be contacted on: 0845 217 1881
A further consignment of Boston emissions packages were recently commissioned in East Africa. Boston Garage Equipment engineers assembled, seventeen computerised gas analysers and smokemeters in Nairobi for the Kenya Police, to help control transport pollution in the city. Training was also provided for local technicians as the country’s regulations are introduced. Africa is a major export region for Boston, which is claimed to be due to the total reliability and user-friendliness of Boston’s garage equipment products.
Boston Garage Equipment have been selected to supply seventeen complete emissions packages to the Kenya Police. The units will reinforce Kenya's crackdown on defective motor vehicles and the frequency of vehicles detected without valid Kenya Vehicle Inspection Reports. A Vehicle Inspection Unit operates throughout Kenya with emission limits being a key part of their inspections, and with proposals to further reduce HC and particulate levels. Training will be provided at Boston's UK headquarters in Essex.
Mechanex Coventry was the first opportunity for equipment suppliers to gauge response from the MoT sector to the new regulations for one-man testing. The Boston Garage Equipment stand was a prime target with a continuous stream of MoT enquiries centring on the new Boston PD-302 play detector. Recently launched, this pneumatic model meets the basic MoT requirements and provides a lower priced option to their hydraulic PD-301.
Diagnostics was another Boston success at the Coventry exhibition, with particular interest from all sectors of the automotive industry in the wireless tablet PC and stand-alone station options with instant update capability via Internet. Many visitors showed keen interest in Boston's capability which is unique in Europe, to control emissions equipment and ATL braketesters from their diagnostics PCs. The policy of no further cost obligation or lock-outs was an added plus.
Also attracting attention was the recently launched ST-6000. Produced in Italy by leading diagnostics manufacturers Brain-Bee, with over ten thousand units in use throughout Europe and Ireland. The ST-6000 is now available in the UK exclusively from Boston. A low-cost dedicated hard-wired comprehensive scantool with a proven pedigree.
Suzuki have launched their first combined car and motorcycle sales/service operation at one of their largest UK dealerships. The opening of the new and prominent Tunbridge Wells PK Motors premises was attended by Mr Tekanori Suzuki, MD of Suzuki Cars UK.
To meet Suzuki's high standards for efficient and reliable vehicle workshops, Boston Garage Equipment was chosen to supply five vehicle lifts, brake test equipment for cars and motorcycles, and computerised emissions. During the equipment review process, the dealership principal Keith Stoner inspected Boston's demonstration premises and had no hesitation in selecting the cutting edge technology and colour coordinated packages for which Boston are renowned.
Boston Garage Equipment have secured the sole UK distributor rights for the ST-6000 multimake scantool produced in Italy by leading diagnostics manufacturers Brain Bee. Exploiting windows PC automotive technology, the ST-6000 offers wide ranging features that have proved popular and successful throughout Europe with over ten thousand units in use. Introduced by Boston as a lower priced alternative to their wireless tablet products, the ST-6000 is a dedicated hard-wired comprehensive scantool with a proven pedigree supporting all main communication protocols. Priced at £2495, which includes European connectors, high capacity flash card memory and PC interface software.
Leading MoT supplier Boston Garage Equipment have welcomed the new VOSA regulations for one-man MoT testing which greatly reduces the cost to MoT stations.
Anticipating strong demand for lower cost play detectors, Boston is introducing their impressive pneumatic model PD-302 which was VOSA approved last year for Class 4 and 7 lift and pit installations.
The PD-302 will provide a choice from Boston who have previously sold only their hydraulic model PD-301 which is claimed to offer more features than any play detector in Europe. The new pneumatic model performs the basic MoT needs but as expected from Boston, the design is unique and innovative. Powered by patented fluidic muscles which can develop ten times the initial force of conventional cylinders of the same diameter, the advantages are considerable. Instead of typically over 30 parts on an air cylinder, Boston's unit has no pistons, no rods, no packing or seals, no gaskets or rings, no needles or magnets. No friction, no wear, no maintenance and just one moving part. This design concept is exclusively available from Boston.
Managing Director Ray Calcutt explained "our hydraulic unit is excellent value with 200bar power and numerous functions, but we now have to address an expected surge in demand for a lower priced basic model. As with all pneumatic play detectors, there is less force than hydraulics, however both models perform really well so there is now a choice from Boston. Both models are VOSA approved and can be retrofitted to all Boston 4-Post lifts".
The launch of Boston Diagnostics enjoyed tremendous success at the 2006 Mechanex Sandown Park exhibition. There was particular interest from all sectors of the automotive industry in the wireless tablet PC and stand-alone station options with instant update capability via Internet. These most popular formats are often outside the budget of many workshops, but the Boston packages are very competitively priced.
Many visitors showed keen interest in Boston's capability which is unique in Europe, to control emissions equipment and ATL braketesters from their diagnostics PCs.
The policy of no further cost obligation or lock-outs was an added plus. Among those expressing serious interests were at least two national automotive groups.
The long-awaited Boston UK launch follows the success of these packages in mainland Europe over the past three years with France, Germany and Italy all reporting record sales.
The forthcoming Mechanex Tradeshow in November welcomes the UK launch of Boston diagnostics offering comprehensive packages that are well established and successful in Europe. Although very competitively priced, Boston's product is windows PC based, with instant update capability via their website. For the technician on the move there is a robust tablet with Bluetooth covering a wide range of vehicles and systems including CAN , and providing fast, reliable, on-board vehicle interrogation.
Workshops already using Boston emissions, recent braketesters or air-con will enjoy substantial savings due to diagnostics compatibility with their existing control platform.
The basic package includes all European connections and 12 month updates, and there is no lockout or further cost obligation. Boston's optional Asiabag is available covering all main Asian vehicles.
Boston garage Equipment has launched yet another 'first'. Their new EOBD-300 adaptor connects to the EOBD socket on the vehicle to measure the RPM and engine temperature direct from the ECU.
The EOBD-300 is connected to Boston's RMP and TEMPERATURE connectors at the base and is powered by the EOBD plug. The internal software automatically selects the same protocol as installed in the vehicle (J1850) and displays the correct RPM and TEMPERATURE on the LED display.
The EOBD-300 is the first tool of its kind in the UK market. It has the ability to determine the RPM from three different locations, the magnetic vibration sensor, the charge cycle at the battery and now also from the EOBD socket, there are no inaccuracies - the EOBD-300 is correct every time.
The entire system is wireless and enables RF transmission direct to either Boston's smoke meter or Gas Analyser.
New VOSA regulations introducing play-detectors and computerised braketesters to the MoT test, have created heavy demand for the new equipment as MoT stations look forward to the benefits of one-man testing. For more than 40 years, two persons were required to conduct an MoT test – but new technology has provided the opportunity for this change, which is regarded as the most significant advance ever for testing stations.
Typical of the effect of the new regulations, Boston Garage Equipment's production line in Essex is now working seven days to meet a surge in orders for their hydraulic PD-301 play-detector that is claimed to offer the most extensive range of features available in Europe. Additionally to meet demand, Boston have installed a customer test bay at their headquarters where the PD-301 is available for anyone to use if they are considering one-man tests.
Managing Director Ray Calcutt commented, "With huge savings available to MoT stations, it is little surprise that so many are upgrading as soon as possible. Our agency network across the country has never been busier, but we are committed to offering prompt deliveries and this is being achieved"
Boston Garage Equipment's kit advertising was prominent on Sky Sports worldwide transmission of the FA Trophy Final at Upton Park. Another first for the garage equipment industry with Boston sponsoring Grays, the trophy winners with a 2-0 victory over Woking.
Due to numerous enquiries, Boston Garage Equipment's Managing Director Ray Calcutt has explained the reasons for Boston not exhibiting at this years ATS.
"The introduction of one-man testing has generated an enormous added work volume in all departments at Boston, in particular Management and Customer Service. We are simply unable to have six senior staff at the NEC for practically a week when our priorities at this exceptionally busy time must always be our customers. Pressure of work therefore prevents us being there, although in normal circumstances we would exhibit as we acknowledge the value of the ATS. We expect to return next year, to which we look forward.
Meanwhile we have opened our customer test bay in Essex, available 6 days a week for seeing and using our ATL equipment entirely without obligation. This provides every opportunity to evaluate our play-detector, computerised braketesters and emissions control platform in operation, maintaining the level of customer service for which Boston is recognised".
Designed specifically for the introduction of play-detectors to MoT testing. The hydraulic Boston PD-301 is VOSA approved for Class IV, Class VII lift and pit installations, and is claimed to offer the most extensive range of features in Europe. It incorporates software controlled self-centring, auto-repeat/manual selection, pedestal/remote operation and exceeds VOSA force requirements. The moving plate operation is stainless steel and the hand unit is rubberised with membrane controls and bright white LED torch beam. There is optional wireless RF remote control available.
This new play-detector is already in heavy demand as MoT stations look forward to the benefits of one-man testing.
Boston Garage Equipment have launched their AC7000 fully automatic air conditioning station, timed for the expected heavy seasonal demand. With 80% of new vehicles now sold with A/C and many having A/C in the service schedules, a huge and expanding market has developed. The AC7000 is the only UK unit that offers an Autodata integrated on-screen database, under licence from Autodata.
A further unique feature is Boston's diagnostics option for cars and commercials which interfaces with the AC7000, separately available for Asian and European vehicles.
Air Conditiong and diagnostics data is displayed on a vivid LCD screen, with membrane alphanumeric keyboard and graphic printer. Sized for cars, commercials and HGV, the AC7000 has a very comprehensive specification.
Boston Garage Equipment have received full ATL approval, following tests by the GEA at their new headquarters in Essex, becoming only the third distributor to obtain full approval of ATL test bays. The final testing of equipment was attended by Richard Dixon from VOSA and Dave Garrett, Chief Executive of the GEA. The approval covers Class 4 and Class 7 bays with hydraulic play-detector.
Ray Calcutt, Boston's Managing Director commented on the full bay VOSA approval: "We are delighted to have our own brand range of MoT equipment approved for ATL one-man test bays, which follows just two weeks after the Institute of Transport Management's award for Innovation in Garage Equipment to Boston for 2005.
Clearly we are at the forefront of the garage equipment market and look forward to maintaining our position in the MoT testing industry".
Boston has operated MoT stations for over 34 years and has been in the UK equipment market for 16 years, previously as Analize (UK) Ltd. Boston have expanded rapidly in recent years to meet the increasing demand for high specification computerised equipment.
Technology driven Boston Garage Equipment is again setting the standard for computerised MoT equipment. All Boston computer platforms have now been upgraded to 19" flat-screen monitors, which include braketesters for ATL one-man testing, and all smoke and gas emission equipment. Additionally Boston now offers digital TV and radio reception on all computers and this facility is a free option upon request prior to delivery. These new upgrades compliment Boston's Bluetooth connectivity. Also new at Boston is their 5-year 'peace of mind' plan covering all VOSA calibrations, servicing and extended warranty on emissions packages and complete ATL test bays.
The institute of Transport Management has awarded their 2005 Innovation in Garage Equipment award to Boston Garage Equipment.
In their announcement of 19th October the Institute states: "Since its inception in 1977 the Institute has been disseminating information to its membership in the UK regarding developments in policies and services pertaining to all aspects of the transportation industry. This year, the executive committee, following requests from our membership, undertook to research the automotive aftermarket market in order to ascertain which organisations were providing the most comprehensive and innovative service to the industry.
Following on from this research programme, it is with great delight that we can announce Boston Garage Equipment as winner of this years 'Innovation in Garage Equipment award'. At the beginning of the programme we identified a number of areas on which to judge each companys performance: Range of services, growth and achievement, global reach, IT innovation and customer relations.
The Boston Garage Equipment name has been synonymous with cutting-edge technology for quite a while now and has helped shape the course of the automotive industry." Mr Patrick Sheedy the Institute's PR Director added, "We were keen to invest this accreditation in a company which exhibited characteristics which will set them apart from their competitors".
Boston joins a prestigious list of previous ITM Award winners, which includes Jaguar Cars, Beissbarth, Bridgestone Tyres and ExxonMobil. The ITM Award ceremony is traditionally held at London's Café Royal, and attracts the leading lights from all sectors of the transport industry.
Boston's managing director Ray Calcutt responded to the award "We are indeed proud that our technology driven approach to product design is being recognised by ITM as the substantial advance which it represents, particularly in the field of vehicle testing."
The UK MoT test is at last coming into line with Europe, as one-man testing becomes a reality. From October, equipment for automated test lanes (ATL) should be on the market, enabling MoT stations to apply for one-man test status. The GEA are presently checking and approving equipment on behalf of VOSA. It is expected that most new test bays will go ATL as the relatively small extra cost saves the need for an assistant, but this remains optional at present.
Additionally many existing bays will upgrade, particularly those handling 20 or more tests per week. "If a testing station can save using an assistant for just two hours a day and employ that person on servicing and repairs charged at say £40/hr, then there's £400 extra each week right there" says UK Sales Manager Mr John Powell. "Plus of course extra profit on parts.
It really is an exceptional opportunity for MoT stations although the cost of upgrading will depend on existing equipment to some extent. For example, some lifts may need changing, but premises using pits obviously will save here, and some RBT's cannot be upgraded".
VOSA have published the final equipment specification and manufacturers are putting final touches to their designs and engineering. The approval process is under way and the list of acceptable equipment should be available on schedule.
Please visit our vehicle diagnostics here
With our accounting year ended on 30th April, we see the real evidence of Boston's refreshing new approach to the Garage Equipment sales.
With a wapping 300% increase in turnover, there is no doubt this is the result of our emphasis on new technology products – the way Boston has always perceived as the way forward for modern progressive workshops.
With the addition of extra staff and the introduction of the commercial and diagnostics sections, Boston remains confident to substantially increase turnover further this year with also the possible addition of international distribution
Today, Boston has announced a FREE upgrade to every D400 and D700 braketester currently in use in the UK. The new software incorporates three new changes
1. It enables a more secure access to the calibration procedure to ensure and maintain the quality of service the customer receives from our trained engineers.
2. It also includes new PC compatibility to our emission equipment and our braketesters can link them together so that all results can be sent wirelessly using Bluetooth to the PC for printing and saving.
3. The PC is also able to control the braketester if the operator wishes using the keyboard, but the most important change is the ability to introduce the new 'One Man Test' ATL software onto the OC so that the braketester responds to the required auto-prompts!
In the update software is also included the new Boston Side-Slip Meter program. This enables the new BSS2000 to be quickly installed and provides the operator with simple toe-in and toe-out information. A relatively inexpensive addition to any of our braketester customers with big earning potential, especially for those that trade in wheel alignment and tyre replacement.
It's not everyday that you get something for nothing, but we're hoping to encourage our existing customers to buy into the new ATL when available at little cost in comparison to other makes and models around (which are without our features & benefits!).
Boston has just finalised another new item for our exciting product range. The new BSS2000 is our Side-Slip meter to measure toe-in and toe-out.
It connects simply and efficiently to either the D400 or D700 Roller Braketesters with results shown immediately and automatically on the display console. Furthermore, if the customer is using Bluetooth connectivity to our emissions PC, then results are also shown on the screen and can be saved/printed at any time.
This is a particularly handy addition for tyre shops and wheel alignment specialists an initial indication of alignment problems. The new BSS2000 will be available from May 15th.
Boston has now commissioned its new diagnostics programme with the intent to launch the first of our diagnostics packages before November this year.
"There is a lot of testing, evaluating and software customisation that we are working on which is very time consuming and we have been holding back until now so that everything is absolutely correct" – says UK Sales Manager Mr John Powell.
Indeed, we are aiming at three different market versions all running the same basic platform and vehicle database but in different formats.
Boston will launch the PC version first with special deals available to its existing customer database with emissions equipment. After that, there will be smaller handheld version for the smaller non-MoT customer who is looking for a robust cost effective tool with excellent coverage and technical support.
The flagship model will be the wireless Bluetooth version running on a high spec rugged tablet PC enabling complete flexibility and mobility for all working conditions.
April has been a busy month for Boston with so many enquiries concerning commercial equipment. As our distributor network increases, so do the enquiries for different products and packages alike.
So Boston this month set plans to develop a commercial selection to provide vehicle lifts, brake testing, emission testing and diagnostics to its customers and distributors. The first of our commercial line products will be the BDL7500 - a 7.5 Tonne Hydraulic commercial column lift sold in sets of two, four or six.
With the ability to add wheel reducers, operate from any post and attach long 10m platforms, we expect this to be a big seller for Boston in the commercial market. The BDL7500 will be available form the 1st June with our new D500 and D550 commercial braketesters to follow later on in the year.
The brake tester will fit into the existing family of display consoles as the R100, D400 and D700 and of course will have wireless Bluetooth capability. Commercial diagnostics is planned for early 2006.
For further information on our new commercial equipment range please call and speak to our Mr Ross Tabor.
Boston further increased its distributor network over the last few months with new agents in Norfolk, Essex, Surrey, Hampshire and Gloucester.
New potential agents regularly approach us seeking to sell flexible, modular range with most customers perceiving Boston as the first point of contact for ATL one man testing.
All our agents attend training at our HQ in Rainham to learn about our products, even agents that provide just a sales arm also undergo our training sessions.
If you are interested in promoting the Boston range of equipment then please get in touch with our Mr John Powell, either at the office or on 07785 261535.
All eyes were on Boston at this years busy ATS show, with Europes only braketesters offering Bluetooth control from an emissions computer platform on display.
There was considerable interest with demonstrations including a typical auto-prompt ATL programme running continuously throughout the three day show. An impressive Boston stand played host to hundreds of MoT and workshop specialists showing particular interest in the full Automated Test Lane on show, which employs the most advanced MoT bay technology.
The timing of this display was especially relevant, in anticipation of the One Man MoT test which will soon be possible using the PC braketester and play detector incorporated in the ATL.
Also attracting attention was Boston's new Air-Con recharge station and commercial mobile column lift, together with a new suspension tester and sideslip meter to be released later in the year.
Following calls from our distributor network for a commercial column lift in the range, Boston is launching a commercial equipment selection. The first of our commercial line products will be the BDL7500 – a 7.5 Tonne Hydraulic commercial column lift sold in sets of two, four or six.
With the ability to add wheel reducers, operate from any post and attach long 10m platforms, we hope this is a big seller for Boston in the commercial market. The BDL7500 will be available from 1st June while product testing and marketing are prepared.
Boston will be showing the column lifts at the ATS in Birmingham in the next few weeks. For further information on this item, please see the equipment page for details.