Safe Use of Sack Trucks

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The simple sack truck is a good addition to any workplace that involves the carrying or moving of boxes or items. This will help to reduce the risk of injury to your workforce from manual handling as well as improve productivity.

Manual Handling Injuries

More than a third of injuries reported every year are the result of manual handling, i.e. the supporting or transporting of loads by bodily force or by hand.

Hit By Moving Vehicle – 2%

Falls – 4%

Hit By Falling Objects – 13%

Other – 20%

Trips – 23%

Handling – 38%

Check List

Before using a sack truck or any other type of handling aid please check the following points: Is the equipment the correct type for the job?

  • Check to see if the wheels run freely.
  • Is the device well maintained? (The law requires that equipment is well maintained)
  • Is the wheel type suitable for the floor surface, ie Wheel diameter, Tyre type (solid or pneumatic).
  • Are the hand grips comfortable and in good order?
  • Are the handles between waist and shoulder height?
  • If the truck is fitted with brakes, do they work?
  • Is the recommended load capacity suitable for the load to be moved?
  • Is the load unstable or heavy? Use a load strap to secure the item.
  • Force Required

    The amount of bodily force that is required to move an object over a level flat surface using a well maintained sack truck or similar handling aid is approximately 2% of the load weight. Example: If the weight of a load is 400kg then the force required to move it will be 8kg. If the conditions are not perfect such as the device being in poor working order or the wheels not being in the correct position then the required force may be much larger. Remember that an operator must always try and push rather than pull the load providing that they have clear line of sight over it and can also control the stopping and steering of the truck.

    Moving Items On Slopes

    When trying to negotiate a ramp or slope with a load the employee should always try to enlist the help of another worker whenever necessary as the pulling or pushing force required can be very high. Example: If the same 400kg load used in the previous example was to be moved up a slope of 1 in 12 (5°), then the force required increases to around 30kg even in perfect conditions, i.e. smooth surface and good wheels. This is above the recommended guideline for men and well above the weight guideline for women.

    Soft or Uneven Surfaces

    When using a hand truck or similar handling aid on soft or uneven surfaces then the force required is much higher. On an uneven surface this force increase could be as high as 10% of the load weight, although using larger wheels may offset this to some extent. The force required for soft ground may be even worse than that of uneven ground.

    Stance and Speed of Pace

    Operators should always go no faster than walking speed and keep their feet well away from the load carried. This will make it easier to push and stop them becoming tired too quickly.

    Force Guidelines for Pushing and Pulling

    Force to stop or start a load. Men – 20kg Women – 15kg

    Constant force required to keep load in motion. Men – 10kg Women – 7kg

    General Precautions

    Operators should minimize and be aware of the following hazards

    • When moving loads on dock platforms, dock plates/bridges, inclines or uneven surfaces please ensure the running wheels of the truck are away from the edges.
    • Be aware of other tucks, obstacles and obstructions to prevent the possibility of collision.
    • Try to purchase or fit trucks with knuckle guards on the hand grips to reduce the risk of trapping the operator’s hands between the truck and other objects.
    • Keep the loads centre of gravity as low as possible.
    • When moving multiple objects or boxes. Place the lighter objects above the heavier objects.
    • Ensure that the load is balanced so that the weight is taken on the axel and not the handles.
    • Restrict the height of the load to allow for a clear view ahead of you.
    • Use trucks designed for the purpose at hand, i.e. curved back trucks for carrying drums or cylinders, high back straight back sack trucks for white goods etc.
    • Let the truck take the weight of the load as the operator should only push and balance the truck.

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    Source by Fred Doherty

    What Are the Different Types of Vacuum Trucks?

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    Vacuum trucks are an extremely useful and valuable commercial vehicle, taking on the task of helping everyone live comfortably in clean, waste-free surroundings. Certainly, at some point in time, people need the services of this truck, whether it is a county that wants to clean up a clogged drainage system or a restaurant that needs a grease-drain trap emptied.

    More consumers want to know about the services that are offered by vacuum tank trucks, both what they do and how they do it, in order to determine if they need these services. Hopefully, this article will illustrate and educate those who are interested in the services of this type of vehicle.

    Categories

    As with other commercial vehicles, the vacuum truck is a diverse type of industrial vehicle and broken up into different categories. Listed below are the major categories for your review and enlightenment.

    · Manufacturer – The leading domestic manufacturer of vacuum trucks currently being used are GMC and Ford, although there are certainly more types from other commercial manufacturers. When considering using one of these vehicles, it is important to look at the manufacturers. Just as with personal cars, a good name-brand means quality parts, good lifespan of equipment, available service, etc. There are actually quite a few manufacturers of these vehicles and you would want to review the service record of each manufacturer to determine which one would best suit your business needs.

    · Overall capacity – The two different areas that need to be considered for capacity are the axles’ carrying-weight capacity and the vehicle’s tank capacity. The tank capacity is an important thing to consider and will vary depending upon what services or job it is designed to handle.

    · Numbers of axles – Vacuum trucks have different numbers of axles that are dependent upon the size of the tank being carried as well as the specific material that will be contained in the tank. The answer to those questions will determine if an extra number of axles will be needed to provide more strength particularly when used for industrial purposes.

    Vacuum System Categories

    On the other hand, the vacuum system of the truck is one of the key parts of any of these vehicles since it is the system that is employed to accomplish certain jobs. The different components of the system consist of the following: pump, hose, tank and the operating panel.

    These vehicles can also be categorized according to function, as listed below.

    · Liquid and dry materials usage – This is a vacuum truck with a system that can be used on either routine cleaning or emergency clean-up of both wet and dry materials. These types of vehicles can handle solid, liquids, and even hazardous waste materials.

    · Liquid Only – Primarily designated as tankers, this is a vacuum truck that is specially designed for sucking liquids including hazardous and other chemical waste liquid and usually has capacity ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 gallons of liquid.

    · High velocity – This type of vacuum truck is designed for hard-to-reach areas and has a system that features the capability to handle a wide range of materials such as solid or liquid material, non-hazardous or hazardous material and texture from very fine powder to brick-sized chunks – it vacuums it all!

    The uniqueness of vacuum trucks is in its inherent nature. You rarely see them on the streets yet the value of services they offer is extremely wide. From sanitation companies to industrial and manufacturing companies, this valuable commercial vehicle with its different types and categories is ready to do the job of cleaning up waste material. Nothing else is even imaginable!

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    Source by Christopher M. Hunter

    How to Negotiate the Best Price for Used Heavy Trucks

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    As with any negotiation, negotiating the price on a used heavy truck takes knowledge, dedication and patience. You can’t expect that a dealer or private owner will meet your price just because you ask, so you need to come up with some compelling reasons for them to lower their price and then carry out your negotiation in a firm but respectful way.

    Set Your Price

    A negotiation is only successful when both parties walk away happy. Many people get this wrong and end up putting too much or too little money on the table. It’s not about you “beating up” the other party, and you should never leave a negotiation feeling like you’ve been beaten. The purpose of your back and forth is to come up with a price that is acceptable to both parties, so a deal can be made.

    To do this, thoroughly evaluate the truck, or fleet of used heavy trucks if you’re considering more than one, before you come up with a price. If at all possible, have a mechanic inspect each and every one of them, so you can really decide how much they are worth to you. Now, you should be thinking about a range. You should know the absolute highest amount you’ll pay in order to get the best deal, and you should also have a reasonable “low price” (something you think is fair, but an extremely good deal).

    Be Honest

    You should always start by offering the lowest price in your range, but let the other party know why you’re offering that price. Tell him or her that you started with fair market value, and then deducted for the dings, age, interior condition, etc. If you can’t even justify the price, how do you expect the buyer to make sense of it? Take some time and think it through before you make an offer that’s probably absurd. By starting at a number within reason, the other party will know you’re serious and you value his or her time.

    Don’t Worry About His Feelings

    As long as your offer is fair, don’t worry about hurting the other party’s feelings. He may act like he’s blown away or horribly offended by your low-ball offer, but that’s probably just an act. And if it isn’t an act, you’re probably not going to be able to negotiate with this person anyway. Don’t let someone raise the price with emotion. Let him explain why his used heavy trucks are worth more than you think.

    Don’t Worry About the Sticker Price

    You’re only getting a good deal on those used heavy trucks if you pay what you think they’re worth. Here’s a secret: what you think they’re worth shouldn’t have anything to do with the price listed on the window. Most people negotiate by imagining a number somewhere between the sticker price and their lowball price. That’s not necessarily the best way to go. What if that middle number is higher than you really wanted to pay? Negotiations aren’t about “meeting in the middle.” Again, they are about getting value. Meeting in the middle isn’t always going to be valuable to you.

    Negotiations for anything, used heavy trucks included, can be stressful and time consuming, but never think of them as battles. If you feel like you’re fighting the other person or entering a win-lose situation, you’re doing something wrong or negotiating with the wrong person. Since your wants are aligned (you want a truck and he wants to get rid of a truck), you should be working together to find a way to help both of you walk away smiling.

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    Source by Laurel R. Lindsay

    Jeep Grand Cherokee Noises – Whining, Humming, Roaring

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    Jeep Grand Cherokees are prone to having several common mechanical problems. The problem that we cover today is with noisy differentials (rear ends). While it is acceptable for Jeep differentials to make some noise, it’s not good to ignore noises that are more than moderate or if the noise is noticeably getting louder. Usually rear end whining noises from Jeeps are rated on a scale from 1-10, anything under a 5 is acceptable and would not merit a repair. If a roaring noise is heard this is another matter, roaring noises should be looked into right away. I’ve rebuilt hundreds of rear ends and out of those, approximately 80% of them have been in Jeeps. Also the Jeeps I’ve worked on were not driven off road or abused in any way that I could see. They were mainly driven as a regular family car would be, so this leads me to conclude that this is just a common problem due to design.

    Roaring noises, are one of the most common sounds a Jeep Grand Cherokee makes from the rear end. As I mentioned before, if roaring noises are heard this should be addressed as soon as possible. Typically around 45 MPH is when sounds will start coming from the rear end. If roaring is heard at all speeds or at parking lot speeds, the problem has progressed. Roaring noises are from worn and pitted bearings. Carrier bearings (which are the side bearings) are the most common bearings to fail. Next are the pinion bearings, especially if a pinion seal has been replaced at some point and the bearing preload was excessive. This means the pinion nut was tightened too much. Over-tightening the pinion nut can cause an excessive load on the pinion bearings and can wear the bearings in a short period of time. If the bearing replacement is postponed too long, metal can travel through the differential oil and damage other moving parts in the differential. This can cause accelerated wear of the ring and pinion gears. So if they are caught early enough, the bearings can be replaced without replacing the ring and pinion gears.

    Ring and Pinion gears that are worn excessively make a whining or humming noise, sometimes on acceleration and sometimes on deceleration. And they are more expensive to replace than just the bearings. The ring and pinion gears can make a whining noise without a roaring noise being present from the bearings. But when replacing the ring and pinion gears the other bearings, including two pinion bearings and carrier bearings are recommended to be replaced also. The axle bearings should be inspected but they are the farthest away from the differential gears and bearings, so they most likely will be OK especially on lower mileage vehicles.

    Used rear ends in my opinion should be avoided for Jeeps. The reason is because this is such a common problem, that the chances of getting a good one from a salvage yard is slim.

    Noises in the parking lot only could just be a limited slip clutch (posi-traction) noise. In this case try putting an additive designed for the clutches. Ask for limited slip friction modifier or posi additive. Driving the vehicle some will allow the modifier to soak into the clutches and hopefully prevent them from grabbing.

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    Source by Dennis Bandy

    Types of Truck Bed Covers – Their Advantages and Disadvantages

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    Truck Bed Covers have been a very important pickup truck accessory since around 1982. This is not a product that will come to an end anytime soon. There may be different types and models but they have rid the pickup truck problem of not having anywhere to store your gear and to keep it dry. Sure there are truck caps, but the problem some people have with truck caps is they are no good for carrying taller type cargo and you have to crawl into the cargo area to get at anything up front towards the cab, not to mention they contribute to fuel consumption due to poor wind resistance.

    The manufactures of these truck bed covers keep coming up with great designs that solve different problems amongst pickup truck owners. One of the latest designs is the Extang Encore which is a hard tri-fold cover. What is unique about this tonneau cover is that you are able to open it from the front near the cab as well as from the rear near the tailgate. It also comes completely off in seconds which can really come in handy.

    These days there are so many different manufacturers of pickup bed covers, but they do not all make the same type of tonneau covers. By the way, if you haven’t figured it out already, truck bed covers and tonneau covers are the exact same thing. The word tonneau basically refers to a cover used to conceal a compartment and protect it from the sun and weather.

    Many of the hard bed covers come equipped with locks which add even more security. Retractable type truck tonneau covers usually come with locks installed on them. These retractable covers are quite unique as they roll up into a canister situated behind the cab across the bed of the truck. They remind me of a roll top desk. There are even some electric models that open and close with a remote. So you are not stuck in a loss of power situation you can also open them manually if need be.

    Many of the soft truck bed covers as well as the hard folding covers require the tailgate to be opened in order to get at the latches to open the cover. If you add an aftermarket tailgate lock you upgrade the security factor by a great amount. Since they have been installed, they have been known to reduce theft by a great deal. You do not even have to have a lock on the cover. Just by having one installed keeps your cargo out of sight out of mind. Some of the hard covers have locks installed on them creating a very secure area to store your gear just like a trunk on a car.

    Some of the main advantages and disadvantages of different types of truck bed covers are as follows. The hard fiberglass have the advantage of being one of the best for keeping your cargo area dry and they look great painted to match your truck color. The main disadvantage of the fiberglass cover is they are expensive and the fact that it only lifts up from the rear and you cannot use your truck for tall cargo. The soft roll up covers can be obtained at a lower cost and you will be able to use your truck for any type of cargo. A disadvantage of the roll up cover is the fact they are not as secure as a hard cover and a little more time consuming to fully open and close. Retractable covers allow quick easy access to your cargo area and they do allow use of most of your truck bed but they are expensive. Soft folding covers are cheaper and provide quick easy access to your cargo area but they are not as secure as the hard type and most only fold as far as two sections not giving you complete access to your bed for taller type cargo. Hard folding covers provide pretty good security, if you add an aftermarket tailgate lock they are great for security and some fold all the way to the cab which allows most of your truck bed available for taller cargo.

    You can probably find many more advantages and probably disadvantages of these pickup truck bed covers but I listed some to get you thinking before you rush out and make a purchase. When you are going to buy one you should take into consideration how and what type of cargo you haul. I hope this article has helped you in your quest to purchase one of the many models of truck bed covers that are manufactured.

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    Source by Ken Bishop

    Dump Truck Design 101 – What Do I Need to Know to Buy a Dump Truck?

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    A dump truck can be defined as a vehicle used for the transportation of different types of loose materials such as sand, gravel, dirt, etc. This truck is typically equipped with a hydraulically operated dump bed with a hinged back. If you are locally searching or on the internet looking for dump trucks for sale, you might be surprised by the sheer number of types, configurations, and sizes that are available for purchase. So before heading out to buy one of these trucks, it is important to determine what design will best suit your work requirements.

    When choosing a commercial dump vehicle for your business, it is important to know that these trucks come in various designs depending on their particular application. You need to take into consideration if the design is suitable for your work requirements. They are categorized based on bed types and style of dumping as well as the number of axles, the terrain for which it is better suited, the design of the body frame, and most importantly its capacity.

    In this article, for those of you looking for dump trucks, let’s look at some of the different types of truck designs to determine which dump type is suitable for your business.

    Standard Truck

    The standard dump truck design is a truck frame mounted with an open box bed that can be raised via a hydraulic pump located between the cab and the dump body; the tailgate on the end is typically hinged. The standard truck is single bodied with one front axle and one or more rear axles, either powered or not powered. The short wheelbase of the standard truck makes the truck more maneuverable than other dump vehicle types with higher capacity. It is ideally suited for road driving with a good variable capacity.

    Transfer Truck

    A transfer dump truck is basically a standard dump truck that pulls a separate trailer which can also be loaded. When the main dump box is empty, the secondary trailer will roll onto the empty main dump box to dump its load, thereby maximizing payload capacity without sacrificing maneuverability.

    Super Truck

    To solve the payload restriction in some states, the super dump truck is equipped with a trailing axle. The trailing axle is retractable and is used only when the payload is over the maximum payload limit. The trailing axle is designed to carry the extra weight of the payload, distributing the weight to a much wider ground area in order to meet the load limit.

    Semi Trailer End Dump Truck

    The semi end dump is a tractor-trailer combination where the trailer has the hydraulic hoist. It is advantageous because of its large capacity as well as its ability to rapidly unload. The disadvantage is that it can be unstable when the dumping location is uneven as well as be difficult to back up.

    Semi Trailer Bottom Dump Truck

    The semi trailer bottom truck is similar to the semi trailer end truck in basic design. The trailer differs by having a clam shell type dump gate in the belly of the trailer. This gives this truck the ability to lay down material in a linear row. In addition, this version is maneuverable in reverse. The disadvantage is that it is limited as to the type of spreading activity that it can perform.

    Semi Trailer Side Dump Truck

    This truck is also a tractor-trailer design with the trailer equipped to allow the dump body to tilt onto its side and spill the material being carried to either the right or left side. It is much more immune to tipping over when dumping unlike the semi end dump which is very prone to tipping over. The side dump can tip over if the dumping is stopped prematurely.

    Articulated Dump Truck (ADT)

    Standard trucks and trailer trucks with their rigid frames joining the cab and the dump body into basically one unit are great for most paved road driving applications. On uneven and rough terrain conditions, the weight of the payload can cause undue strain and fatigue on the frame. Such work conditions are better handled by an articulated truck. An ADT has a hinge between the cab and the dump box yet, unlike the semi trailer designs, the cab is a permanent fixture and not a separate vehicle.

    As you can see, the design of the various types of commercial dump vehicles greatly affects the truck’s ability to function in different hauling and dumping situations. Being familiar with the different designs is imperative if looking to purchase a dump truck in an unstable economy. Study the different types, do your homework, and select the best truck for your business!

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    Source by Christopher M. Hunter

    Advantages of Having a Napier Sportz or Backroadz Pickup Truck Tent

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    The Napier Sportz and Backroadz series of vehicle tents are a very versatile and useful way to use your pickup truck, mini-van, wagon or SUV for shelter if you don’t have a camper trailer or RV. It allows you to camp off the ground, allowing you to stay dry and pest-free. More importantly, these tents also allow you to camp anywhere you can park your wheels. No more scouting around for the ideal camping location and having to prepare a tent site.

    With a normal tent, campers have to find a dry, smooth, level surface large enough to set up camp. This can take up a lot of time and often require extra tarps to keep moisture and insects out of the tent. These tents are lightweight and easy to put up, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a heavy load when you’re heading out for a camping trip. With Napier Sportz and Backroadz, campers can easily avoid these things, making your outings much easier. The pickup truck tents assembles right in the back of your open-bed pickup truck, creating a comfortable, restful sleeping area for two people with over 5.6 feet of headroom!

    If you have an SUV, mini-van or station wagon instead of a pickup truck, you can still go camping in style. The manufacturer of the Sportz truck tent, Napier, has introduced the Sportz and Backroadz SUV tent which has a sleeve attachment that wraps around the back of your open SUV. This unique system converts the cargo area of your vehicle into an additional sleeping space or a large storage area. These tents provide the convenience of being able to drive away and still leave your tent standing and your campsite in tact.

    The Napier Sportz and Backroadz tents has all the features you’d expect in a quality tent. Ripstop waterproof nylon fabric, shock-corded fiberglass poles and a patented waterproof sewn-in floor. This durable tent comes with a full rain fly to keep you dry even in the wettest weather. The Napier Sportz series has an additional awning that extends out past the tailgate, things like your stove, folding chairs and coolers can stay dry without having to crowd the sleeping area of your tent. All the Napier tents pack into an expandable lightweight carrying bag so you can take it anywhere you go. It’s all top quality. With models to fit almost every vehicle on the market, it’s no wonder that the Napier Sportz and Backroadz series is the number one selling vehicle tent in the world.

    When many people think about truck tents, one thing that comes to mind is that it must be more complicated to assemble than a standard tent. The designers at Napier have done a great job to make sure that all their tent series offers a logical and simple assembly process. The first time you set up your tent you should take at about an hour in order to become familiar with the set-up and avoid breaking something (a second set of hands might not hurt either). After putting together your Napier tent for the first time, you should be familiar enough to put this up in about 15 minutes the next time around.

    The Napier Sportz Truck Tent and Backroadz series are perfect for fishing, hunting, emergency shelter, off-road adventures and family camping. Join the thousands of people who have already discovered how Napier Truck Tents add convenience and flexibility to their outdoor adventures!

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    Source by Gregory Shepard

    The Top 5 Most Useful Truck Accessories

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    Truck accessories are abundant and finding the one that best fits the needs of your vehicle can be difficult. You can easily spend a ton of money on useless truck accessories and gadgets that do little or nothing to increase the usefulness and appearance of your truck.

    Here are the top five most useful truck accessory upgrades you can make to your new or used truck.

    1. Tonneau Covers – Tonneau covers not only enhance the way your truck looks, but it increases its performance by saving money on fuel. With many different types of covers available, including soft and hard, there are solutions to meet every need. Tonneau covers add protection from wind, rain, snow and heat in addition to preventing theft. With many different styles including folding, retracting, roll up and hinged, the choices are endless. Money is saved on gas by reducing your truck’s drag when traveling.
    2. Underseat Storage– Designed to fit snugly in your truck’s under seat and rear seat compartments, underseat storage opens a entire realm of travel possibilities. Installation is easy with no drilling or cutting (most models) and storage for items that are sensitive to the elements are now protected.
    3. Heavy Duty Floor Mats – Nothing can compare to an upgraded set of floor mats. Designed to catch dirt, water, mud, spilled food and drinks – heavy duty floor mats of superior grade ensure your truck retains its value by keeping the floor beneath it fresh and new.
    4. Nerf Bars – Nerf bars are the ideal add-on for trucks simply because the make entering and exiting the vehicle a breeze. Once you’ve added these truck accessories, you’ll wonder how you functioned without them. Many have increased traction areas to ensure your step up and down is a sure one in all types of weather.
    5. Bug Shields – Bug shields are built to deflect bugs and other small debris from your front end, making truck wash time a little less like scrub time. Many are stylish and come in different patterns and chrome.

    This list is brief and I could have definitely expanded it to twenty without blinking. The key to successfully upgrading your ride and comfort level is evaluating your needs and systematically upgrading as your budget allows.

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    Source by Kay Whydee

    Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes For Imported Vehicles

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    Due to the high cost of retail nationally, most people choose to import cars. If you are not careful, after buying a car the money could be negated very fast by high car insurance prices. Because the car coverage complaints are not really familiar with vehicles like Mitsubishi Pajero, Eunos roadster and Toyota estima, they are at times regarded as risk by insurers. Due to the fact that their repair cost could be very high, they might not be suitable for UK roads and could be hard to find. This sum up to a higher premium for the consumer and consider more risk for insurers.

    Grey imports are cars that are not approved by EU and are not up to the European standard. They have high cost on car policy and it is wise to have an auto insurance quote before buying the vehicle because of the high price. Vehicles that are bought outside the UK and built with right- hand drive are called parallel imports. They are known for less risk because they are up to the UK standard and their insurance cover is easy to find. Now to obtain cheap auto cover for both the grey and parallel imports, the following are steps to take.

    Conduct a market survey, make sure you have a through market overview. There are comparison website which will help you compare deals on the offers for specialist Imported car coverage. You can also search for offers on unique policy options that suit your vehicle.

    If there are many modifications on your car, the premiums will be high. Therefore, ensure you have limited modifications to your vehicle. To get a cheap car, go for a car with no additional charges with a right-hand drive in order to avoid high premiums.

    Where to Get the Right Car Insurance quotes For Imported Cars?

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    Source by Iyke Phelim

    Pointers While Buying a Used Toyota Estima

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    Commonly known as Previa in the UK, the Toyota Estima was launched in 1990. During its three generations it underwent serious face lifts to compete well with European MPVs like Renault Espace and VW Sharan. Though Estima was discontinued in Europe because of Ford and VW’s aggressive prices in 2006, the second and third generation are among the most desirable MPVs in UK. A used Toyota Previa or Estima would cost between 2000 and 12000 £, depending on its model, mileage and condition. Now before actually making the decision, it’s favorable that all the pros and cons of this grand MPV are studied, so here’s its brief overview

    Pros

    • Estima comes with all safety features that one expects from a full size family MPV; from air bags to collapsing pedals and crumple zone, even today it is among the safest vehicles in market.
    • It comes loaded with equipment, spacious and comfortable 7 reclining seats, all with head rests, separate air conditioning for front and rear, audio system, central locking and power windows options are just tip of the ice berg.
    • When it comes to reliability, you can always bet on Toyota and Estima is no exception. The best build quality and top of the line reliability has kept its resale value and desirability high.
    • Despite being big, it’s nimble to handle and behaves like a car instead, on all roads.
    • Controls are tilted towards driver and positioned in center of dash, making its drive more driver friendly.
    • Even after crossing 100,000 miles in your Estima you will find loads of people willing to buy it at a reasonable price, but you can definitely expect better return than Renault and Ford.

    Cons

    • Though Toyota offered 3.0 and 3.5 litre petrol engines in the second and third generation respectively, the 2.4 litre petrol engine was slated for European and UK markets making the Toyota Estima engine an under powered engine, when compared to its rivals.
    • Despite having a 2.4 litre petrol engine, it’s not an environment friendly MPV. With CO2 emissions touching 256g/km mark, Estima won’t save you any tax money.
    • Though its build quality is immaculate, some of its parts are on expensive side. Additionally, because of high demand of Estimas, Toyota dealers charge a premium even on used models.

    Its pros definitely out weigh its cons, with an underpowered Toyota Estima engine being the only real hiccup. However before buying used Estima do ask for complete service history and ownership record, just to be on safe side.

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    Source by Kenneth Ebolden