Considering the traffic flow of modern carwash locations, the basic idea that more vehicles equal more profits is widely recognized. Simply put, moving cars, SUVs and trucks rapidly through an express tunnel is one foundation of carwash performance and success. Thus, ensuring the vehicle load, wash and exit processes are fast and safe is massively important to operators and customers alike.
Over the decades, technical improvements have been made to the conveyor systems utilized by busy tunnel washes. A more recent update to this type of equipment is the modern belt conveyor. This style of conveyance can move all types of vehicles through a car care facility, even if the size or features of a vehicle caused issues with previous conveyor designs. Learn more about how this upgraded technology can expand service capabilities and drive profitability for wash operations.
New transport technology
While belt conveyor technology cannot
be classified as new, its application in the “wet side” of carwashing presented plenty of new and somewhat unique mechanical considerations, according to Bob Schaefer with A.V.W. Equipment Co. Inc. Though this technology was commonplace in the industry, today’s direct interface with consumers and carwash operators has proven to be a brand-new and groundbreaking experience.
Now that this conveyor design is “over that hump” in the industry and the adoption of the concept is mainstream, continued development is the overall target, Schaefer explains. The first consideration is ensuring longer physical product life cycles. This will drive the total cost of installation, maintenance and operation per wash down to historic lows.
“It removes the last barrier to completely replacing the old vehicle transport technology,” Schaefer says. “If processing speeds up, damage decreases, the customer experience improves dramatically, maintenance goes down, productivity and profitability are both up, and the return on investment (ROI) is higher, the industry will convert completely. It has to.”
Read more: BOOSTING BUSINESS WITH BELT CONVEYERS