Three Aebi Schmidt Compact Jet Sweepers (CJS) at Manchester Airport have been refurbished, extending their working life by up to a decade.
Manchester Airport, the third largest in the UK and the largest outside London, operates a winter maintenance or snow fleet of up to 25 different units, including nine Aebi Schmidt CJS, a snow cutter/blower and two Airport Sprayers (ASP).
The CJS units are up to 12 years old and, to extend their working lives, the decision was taken to embark on a three-year rolling programme to refurbish three sweepers a year for the next three years.
Although we may use them only ten times a year, it is important that we maintain them in top condition
“We have been delighted with the first-class results from the refurbishment of the first three sweepers, which have left the machines looking like new, both inside and out,” said Kevin Hainey, head of motor transport at Manchester Airport.
“With expensive equipment like the CJS it is important, from both an operational and safety point of view, to ensure they are regularly serviced and, when not in the winter season, stored under cover and away from the impact of any wildlife.
“For this reason, although we may use them only ten times a year, it is important that we maintain them in top condition.
“They are key in ensuring that our two runways stay clear in the coldest months of the year and an important part of our winter plan. So, we decided to call in Aebi Schmidt and see what was possible in terms of refurbishment within the budget we had set,” he said.
Working with three business partners, Kirk Coachworks, Mercedes-Benz Intercounty Truck and Van and Mend-A-Hose Hydraulics, Aebi Schmidt carried out a thorough and complete refurbishment programme over a three-month period, finishing in time for the start of the winter maintenance season.
The refurbishment programme focused on all the key operational aspects of the equipment and included replacement of all hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil and filters, overhaul of brush motor bearings, and replacement of brush inserts and spaces.
It also included replacement of all cutting edges and hydraulic hoses on the integral MS56 snow plough and a full service of the plough systems.
The refurbishment programme focused on all the key operational aspects of the equipment
The CJS chassis underwent a complete and through inspection and service of engine, transmission, front and rear axles, brakes and auxiliary engine at M-B Intercounty.
The refurbishment also included a total repainting exercise with particular emphasis on areas of flaking and minor damage, with the removal of corrosion from any affected areas, plus the stripping back of existing wax and its replacement with a new coating of Dinatrol wax to preserve the condition of the machine.
“A thorough refurbishment of this nature allows Manchester Airport to get the maximum return on its investment, and we have been delighted to continue our working relationship with them in this way,” said Katherine Daunt, manager after sales services at Aebi Schmidt UK.
“By undertaking a complete refurbishment of the first three CJS, we have been able to extend the longevity of the machines in as sustainable manner as possible, and added up to another ten years of fully operational life.
“Refurbishment has become an important part of our business and one we have been happy to provide to a growing number of our customers as a means of extending the operational lives of their equipment,” she said.
Images: Manchester Airport/ Aebi Schmidt
