Spec ’ ing the Right Bus Wash System for Your School District
Research Goes a Long Way in Spec ’ ing
A detailed spec ’ ing process can ensure your longterm goals with a new bus wash system
By Philip Luurtsema
Spec ’ ing is one of the most important steps for any district looking to purchase a new wash system . A good spec process explores system feasibility in several different areas :
Research and Self-Research A quality spec often begins with quality conversations . Manufacturers have specialized knowledge and experience in their field . Whether it is on the internet or in person , much of the information readily available to a school district is likely to come from a specialized manufacturer . Seek out different wash manufacturers online , research available systems , and consider information that is readily available . Trade shows , as well as publications like this one , are great places to seek information on bus washing . Trade shows can allow you to talk with multiple experts in a short period of time . Finally , I encourage districts to reach out and speak to experts early before they settle on their spec ’ s . At InterClean , we regularly consult customers on washing large vehicles . It is an effective way to ensure that a wash will meet your district ’ s requirements and be suitable for their specific objectives . There are multiple variables to consider that will determine the optimal solution . We have experienced experts on bus washing and spec ’ ing bus washes speaking directly with districts for just this reason . The types of questions that an expert is likely to ask you about are pertinent to determining the optimal bus wash specifications .
Facility : You must ensure that your facility has enough space for certain equipment , and that it is outfitted for utilities ( water must come in , and water must go out ). Then you must consider the project ’ s budget – is there enough money to obtain the right system for your needs ?
Fleet : How many buses are in the fleet ? How many vehicles do you plan to clean per day ?
Environment : The environment of your district will affect the wash design suggested by a knowledgeable manufacturer . Are you in an area where mold and mildew buildup occur due to heat and humidity ? Do your buses travel over many unpaved roads ? In the winter , are your buses exposed to snow , ice , and corrosion from salt ( or other corrosives )? If they do , your wash may need to account for the environmental factors that affect your fleet . Washing requirements vary from state to state , but you must always ensure that lights , signs , and bus numbers remain visible . If your vehicles travel on snowy or unpaved roads , it can result in those areas being completely covered by the elements . You may want to have an in-depth discussion on chassis cleaning as well . With a well-cleaned chassis , corrosion is minimized , and maintenance techs can save a lot of time on routine performance and safety checks .
Service : Lastly , a very important element in your wash system spec ’ ing is the level of after-sale service that you desire . It is critical that you describe the support you feel is needed to keep your equipment operating effectively , whether that means training employees or providing system maintenance in the event of a breakdown . This step of the spec ’ ing process will add to your regional knowledge base as well as your understanding of the different wash systems . For our part , we utilize a strong network of local distributors . These distributors do not just help districts in spec ’ ing and purchasing – they are critical in providing after-sale maintenance and support .
When Spec ’ ing Goes Wrong An improperly written specification undermines the chances for a successful long-term result from your bus wash project . Equipment that fails to adequately clean your buses is one outcome . Another is that the project cost is greater than it needs to be due to unnecessary items in the spec . Yet another potential outcome is a solution that is not appropriate and causes major problems . We have seen examples of districts not properly researching water conditions at wash sites . If you do not ensure that water quality and capacity is adequate at your facility , it might result in septic discharge – and that can completely kill your project . Another serious risk is that you realize that you bought a system that does not wash enough buses . A gantry system , for example , provides 30 or 40 washes per day generally . If your district is looking to wash 100 buses per day , for example , then you will not have that capability with that solution . All these issues can be resolved by taking steps during the spec ’ ing process to give your project the greatest chance for success . When planned for early in the process , nearly any vehicle washing challenge can be addressed effectively with the right wash process design and technology .
20 | SCHOOL-BUSRIDE . COM | AUGUST 2021