WHEN leasing a van, it’s worth considering the optional extras that the lease hire company offers – including on-vehicle power. Paul Smith, commercial manager at Winton, explains the benefits of powering up the van for a multitude of tasks.

When a business owner takes out a van lease agreement, it’s worth reviewing the optional extras on offer – including on-vehicle power systems as they can often benefit the business’ operations.

With an on-vehicle power system, commercial vehicles are professionally converted so that the power of the engine is used to drive auxiliary equipment, providing compressed air, electricity, hydraulic power or high-pressure water jetting.

On-vehicle power solutions can be used for a multitude of tasks, including the operation of road drills, breakers, hand tools, site lighting and electro fusion equipment. Usually available through the leasing company, choosing a vehicle with this extra facility will provide them with the mobile power they need.

In addition, vehicle utilisation is significantly improved with these systems. The technician will essentially be driving a mobile work station; they will have everything they need to carry out a variety of work on the road such as tyre repair and fitting within their vehicle, especially if racking, workbenches and lighting are installed too.

Importantly, these systems also remove the need to use separate generators and/or compressors, which are usually towed, carried in the back of a vehicle or delivered to site. However, not everyone has the correct licence for towing, and it can be hazardous, as can carrying items in the back of a vehicle if they are not properly secured.

Meanwhile, arranging delivery of a generator or compressor results in additional administration work. Equipment doesn’t always turn up on time, or might not even turn up at all. What’s more, if a separate compressor is used, a fuel or power source will need to be available on site.

If you do choose a vehicle with on-vehicle power, make sure that the lease hire has used a specialist such as Winton for the conversion. We supply and fit such systems to most commercial vehicles, and deliver compressed air from 35-160cfm at pressures of 90 to 180 psi with optional electric power delivering up to 10kVA at110/240v.

The system should also be installed and certified in line with manufacturer guidelines and, where applicable, to EUWVTA UK National Small Series Type Approval (NSSTA). Type Approval means the vehicle installation conforms to current legislation and meets legal requirements.

Considering the many benefits that a modern on-vehicle power system offers over conventional approaches and technologies, now may be the time to leave the old behind and implement a new solution for your fleet.

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