Pulling and Measuring Your Way to Success
While the basic procedures for body and
frame pulling and straightening haven't changed in many years, the
equipment available to technicians has been continuously refined to
increase accuracy and to improve productivity. Measuring equipment, in
particular, has achieved a level of sophistication that allows even novice
users to diagnose damage and monitor repairs with a degree of ease not
found on previous systems.If you are considering adding to your
pulling and equipment lineup, you should first consider a few basic
necessities. According to I-CAR recommendations, pulling equipment must be
capable of the following:making multiple pulls;working with a 3-D measuring system;monitoring the pulling pressure;making pulls in any direction, at any
angle;applying the forces necessary to return
the damaged area to proper dimensions.Anchoring equipment must also be able to
work in conjunction with a 3-D measuring system while holding the vehicle
solidly in place at a minimum of four locations to distribute the forces
of multiple pulls.While almost every collision repair
facility is likely to already have at least one pulling and measuring
system, there are newer systems that offer improved productivity and
damage analysis capabilities. Once you elect to make that equipment
investment, you should weigh a number of factors to determine which system
best meets your shop's needs. You can start by considering the following
points about the types of systems available to you.In-Floor Pulling SystemsAn in-floor system provides a repair
facility with anchoring points flush with the floor, making the workspace
versatile. When the pulling system is not in use, the same space can be
used for estimating, measuring, assembly, etc. A steel-framed system can
be installed flush with the floor-a permanent installation-or 3 in. above
the floor, which allows the system to be relocated if necessary.A floor system is more advantageous than a
rack system because of its ability to set up multiple pulling jobs,
depending on the size of the floor system that is installed. Two or more
vehicles can be set up for pulls at the same time, instead of facing a
"wait-in-line" delay for the next jobs. The disadvantage of the
floor system is primarily work height. On a rack, the vehicle can be
raised to a more convenient working position. But with the addition of a
lift, this can be accomplished on a floor system.In addition to steel-framed rail systems,
many shops use anchor pots to provide additional anchoring and pulling
capabilities in many repair bays.RacksToday's pulling racks are designed to
provide pulling and pushing capabilities. While other tasks-such as
disassembly, assembly and suspension work-can be performed on a pulling
rack, the primary purpose of these pieces of equipment is to provide a
place where vehicle damage can be diagnosed and where pulling tasks may be
performed with a high degree of accuracy.Bench Pulling SystemsA bench system is similar to a rack in
terms of drive-on or winch-on capabilities, but it generally comes with
fewer features than a rack system. The working height, though elevated,
may not be as high as a rack. But some bench systems feature hydraulic
tilting at the entry end and may be lowered flat to the floor, which
offers easy vehicle loading and multiple work heights. Other bench designs
feature a non-adjustable working height, featuring add-on ramps to
facilitate vehicle loading.Bench systems may also utilize a Dozer
pulling attachment featuring an articulated arm that pivots about 180
degrees. Depending on the bench model, you may be able to lift the vehicle
by its wheels or by the frame, with the wheels suspended. This allows the
bench to serve as a multi-purpose tool to perform mechanical work, body
repairs or pulling tasks.Measuring SystemsTo measure a vehicle's structure or upper
body, a skilled technician needs an accurate, efficient 3-D measuring
system.Several types of measuring systems are
currently available, including the following:universal mechanical (some are equipped
with laser sighting);fixture type (this works essentially as
a "go/no-go" gauge, aligning with a point on the fixture);computerized (some use sonar, some use
laser).Those who want to enhance or review their
pulling and measuring skills should check for training availability from
their equipment manufacturers.I-CAR also offers training on measuring,
and more information is available online at www.i-car.com.I-CAR recommends that measuring equipment
be capable of:measuring underbody, underhood and
upper body control and reference points;monitoring pulling progress;locating points in 3-D;measuring with an accuracy of
Sponsored
Sponsored