James Day takes a look at vehicle wash specialists WNV Systems to find out how operators can easily make a return on their investment, while keeping their fleet looking immaculate

Surrey-based WNV Systems, in conjunction with its sister company FDI-European, is supporting bus operators with their under chassis cleaning requirements, with systems which it says represent proven health and safety gains and return on investment, typically recycling 90% of water used.

Consequently, the business has seen increased demand from the coach and bus industry, reinforced by the current economic climate, cost savings targets and health and safety legislation.

WNV Systems is a specialist company that designs, manufactures, supplies and installs heavy vehicle wash facilities, primarily for the bus, coach, HGV,local authorities and rail industries.

The company was formed in 1994, initially as a maintenance provider for general vehicle cleaning equipment. The company now provides washes, under chassis washes, water reclaim systems, rain water harvesting systems, pressure washes and all associated chemicals, parts and service or repair. Other specialist services it provides include water testing for Legionella programmes in line with HSE guidelines.

Money saving system

In 2004 WNV Systems designed and patented its unique Automatic Under Chassis Wash, which the company says typically takes 20 minutes to clean a double-decker bus to MOT standards at a cost of below £2.00 per wash, giving a full width clean from its nine rotating jets.

Pressure is kept below levels which might invalidate guarantees on vehicles with exterior mounted management systems.

Alex Elbrow of WNV Systems explained: “The wash achieves this quality of clean and time efficiency even with extremely dirty vehicles, including those that regularly drive over landfill sites or on gritted winter roads.

“The machine is robust and energy efficient, built using low energy consumption waterproof pumps, without seals, to deliver maximum life span and reliability.

“The wash has gone through much development over the years and now is by far the leading automatic system available with great cleaning and proven reliability.”

Under chassis cleaning has generally been done by hand, which Alex said represents huge health and safety implications as well as costs.

However, there are few health and safety concerns with the WNV machine, as no one needs to be under the vehicle during the cleaning operation.

It has been installed at several major bus operators including at Go-Ahead Group, National Express and Stagecoach, as well as a number of independent bus and coach operators.


Reaching a new milestone

WNV Systems recently installed its 60th automatic under chassis wash for the coach and bus industry − Epsom Coaches Group being the latest company to install the system. Steve Whiteway, Managing Director of Epsom Coaches Group, explained: “We have always aimed to clean vehicles to the highest standards, not only in terms of visual presentation, but also to facilitate maintenance.

“The auto chassis wash is simplicity itself to operate and does a very thorough job. Most importantly it has proven to be durable and reliable, something we have not experienced with other manufacturers in the past.

“The labour saving and economical operation of the system coupled with the benefits of clean vehicles for our engineers has fully justified our investment in WNV’s equipment − we are delighted with the results.”

Another customer to benefit from WNV Systems’ product recently was the local authority in Stockport. The authority awarded the work to WMV after it submitted a very competitive proposal.

Julie Bowker, of Stockport County Local Authority, said: “The ability to supply automatic chassis washing, vehicle body cleaning, an approved water reclamation system, rainwater harvesting, all civil work and full length/height screens and total project management, gave WNV Systems the technical and pricing advantage over their competitors in our recent tender, showing second to none knowledge of our industry and its problems.” Geoff Elbrow, Managing Director of WNV Systems, added: “We understand the challenges facing the coach  and bus market and we have the flexibility in our designs and range of machines to provide commercial vehicle washing systems that not only meet, but exceed, cost saving, labour efficiency and environmental targets.”

Recycling water

The automated under chassis wash is normally installed in tandem with a water reclamation system specifically designed by WNV Systems to process the effluent produced in the cleaning operation. By doing this, it recycles 90% of water used to wash a vehicle.

This water reclamation system is fully approved by DEFRA (the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and meets all water authority standards. The cost of the system can be offset against tax (using the governments Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme) and reduces fresh water consumption and therefore running costs.

WVN estimates that the reclamation system can pay for itself in two-three years, depending on usage. The automatic under chassis wash installations are eminently suitable for integration into rainwater harvesting systems, and a number are already in operation, providing significant savings in water costs.

If supplied with a reclaim and rainwater harvesting system the wash can clean without any fresh water input being required at all.

All-encompassing service

Each member of WVN’s team of service engineers located throughout the UK possess over 10 years’ experience concentrated in the commercial vehicle cleaning industry.The company not only manufactures, but also installs and services all types of wash equipment. It can also provide any civil work required and often installs on existing wash pads, or erects new screens and buildings.