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Monthly Archives: October 2010

1-winchEver been annoyed by the way synthetic winch rope bunches at one end of the drum when you’re pulling to one side? If so, the Goodwinch Sliding Hawse is the answer to your prayers. It’s basically two fairleads, which fit over the payout for your winch: the bottom one is static, but the top one shifts from side-to-side, meaning you can control the way the rope pulls back into place.

The Sliding Hawse can be locked in a variety of positions, and is very easy to use. It’s made out of aluminium, which means it will be durable. Better still, by ensuring an even distribution of rope on the winch drum, it maintains an even pulling power, regardless of the direction in which your recovery takes you.

www.goodwinch.co.uk

 

2-rightAvailable from all good motoring outlets, this is a complete timing belt kit for the current Mitsubishi

L200 range, made by Blueprint. For those who like to know these things, the part number is

ADC47335C, and the kit consists of seven essential components.

Suitable for all L200s that are fited with the 2.5-litre Di-D engine, the timing belt kit includes the balance shaft belt and the balance shaft tensioner – giving the technician everything needed to effect a complete replacement. The kit comes with three-year unlimited mileage warranty.

 

3-lightCheck out Hella’s new range of LED lights, aimed specifically at the agricultural and construction industries. LEDs last significantly longer than Xenon or halogen bulbs, and these new lights are suitable for 12- and 24-volt electrics. That makes them suitable for use on caravans, buses, traction vehicles, trailers… and 4x4s, of course.

A precision lens ensures crystal clear delivery of light and the LEDs use 80 per cent less energy than conventional bulb-type lights. They are available with a range of coloured surrounds, including white, orange, grey and black. What’s more, they can be integrated into any vehicle design.

www.hella.com

 

4-shockThese new dampers have just been launched by Koni for the UK 4×4 market. The Heavy Track adjustable shock absorbers are suitable for on- and off-road use, and are made out of high quality materials so as to maximise their life cycle. They are suitable for use on Range Rovers and cost £86.95 in standard form, and £96.95 in +2in configuration.

For drivers with less sophisticated needs, the Raid dampers have apposite nomenclature: they are designed for people who compete in off-road rally raids. The retail price is £149.95 for a shock that is ready to fit a two-inch lifted Range Rover.

www.camberleyautofactors.com

 

5-StickRustbuster has launched a new Epoxy primer that is suitable for use on steel, aluminium or GRP. Unlike other primers available to DIY mechanics, Rustbuster Custom Epoxy 421 is non-porous, which means that it can be left unprotected without any further risk of rust setting in.

The epoxy is easy to paint, and it has high levels of adhesion – making it very easy to use. It costs £29.96 including VAT.

www.rust.co.uk

6-scanSnap-on Tools has just launched this MICROSCAN low-cost diagnostic tool for use in the workshop. The scan is being sold under Snap-on’s Blue Point brand and is designed to display a vehicle’s diagnostic codes on its screen immediately it is plugged in.

As well as identifying current faults, the tool identifies likely problems in the future, as well as routine codes for servicing and emissions monitoring. With a multi-function viewing format, the MICROSCAN is simple to use and cheap to buy. With the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, it might just be a must-have item for the well-equipped home workshop.

www.snapon.com

 

it1A blast across France to the vineyards of Northern Italy in our long-term test Mitsubishi Shogun 4Work Van proves a breeze for Toby Savage on his first leg of a long-distance drive and greenlaning trip

Power steering! Whatever next? My first impressions of the new Mitsubishi Shogun 4Work had got off to a good start. With my own disparate collection of 4x4s being firmly rooted in the Tax Exempt category, the luxuries of power steering, a great heater and car-like performance were much appreciated assets for an autumnal run down to Italy. A wet and windy drive to Kent, to collect the Shogun from editor Hils, meant it was 21.00hrs before we hopped onto the ferry for France, luggage and gear thrown in the cavernous back. The wire mesh ‘dog’ guard ensured nothing ventured further forward than the seat bulkhead and all was well, if a little rushed.