Engine Drive Belts
ABDS KitsGates Auxiliary Belt Drive System (ABDS) kit sales have more than tripled over the last year since the launch of the Gates Micro-V® Horizon multi-ribbed belt. Gates, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of belts and tensioners, has added 300 references to its kit range in the first quarter of 2013, making over 500 references available. ABDS kits offer motor factors significant opportunities to build revenue streams. Benefits include:
New ABDS training Following a successful series of technical workshops on timing belts, Gates has added an ABDS option. At a local event organised by factors, Gates’ Technical Training and Support Team have been discussing implications for installers of ABDS systems. The technical workshops flag up significant trends in ABDS development such as:
ABDS is key to technical workshops Gates’ new multi-ribbed Micro-V® Horizon belt for ABDS forms a key element of the technical workshop programme. It is a belt that is flexible and more durable than any other ABDS belt on the market - but it must be installed correctly. Installation issues and fault diagnostic techniques are an essential part of Gates’ technical workshop programme. The knowledge gained by installers can help factors and garages save money and time, as well as reducing unnecessary warranty claims. Factor case study A factor was keen to reduce ABDS issues, and increase product awareness at garage level. Gates held a two hour training session on site that focused on:
Based on the feedback from the session it was apparent that installers tend to rely on their experience, when servicing the ABDS. But the design of ABDS has become more complex to deal with more vehicle electronics. Nowadays alternators are required to output anywhere between 120 and 160 Amps compared to between 30 to 50 Amps on older systems. This increase in demand from components puts more strain on the performance of the belt. This suggests that there is a need for factors and garages to increase their knowledge of ABDS to stay with the times. The success of training The Gates training team offer onsite training, enabling Gates to maintain close relationships with factors and garages, also gaining feedback to further develop training programs. Garages that have had the training have seen sales increase; as technicians with greater confidence, an improved skill-set and greater willingness to take on more complex jobs invariably see an upturn in ABDS-related work. |
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