applications

In the bus washing application, there are several alternative washing systems to choose from: Portal, Drive-through and Manual detail washing. You can also choose to combine these if necessary.

Generally speaking, a drive-through wash is the fastest system that is normally best suited to bus depots and larger bus companies. With a washing time of only 90 seconds per bus, large volumes can be handled with ease.

In some cases, a Portal wash may be the better option. This applies in particular when buses with sloping fronts are to be washed, which requires the use of a roof brush. Portal washes can also be beneficial as the buses are not washed that often and therefore require deeper cleaning and possibly supplementing with some manual detail washing. A gantry wash can also be supplemented with a drive-through program if desired, which provides maximum flexibility.

There are also times when Manual detail washing is sufficient as the only washing equipment. This usually becomes relevant when only a small number of buses are to be washed and the washing time is not decisive.

The most common washing system for truck washing is based on a 3-brush Portal Machine. This is a very flexible system where fixed washing programs or independently selected functions can be used depending entirely on the type of vehicle and how much dirt has accumulated on the vehicle. A gantry machine can be installed as rail-running or traverse-running based on needs, preferences and needs.

When the volume of vehicles is large and the washing time is crucial, drive-through systems are an advantageous option. In these cases, the system is built on a combination of independent high-pressure washing, application of detergent and finally brush washing.

A 24m  truck can be washed in about 4 minutes in this system.

For smaller facilities where washing time is not high priority, Manual detail washing can be a good enough alternative. Manual detail washing  is usually also included in a wash bay with Portal machine as a complement, which enables detailed cleaning of spaces that are difficult to access with machine washing.

Rail-running vehicles also come in different variants and shapes. Everything from simpler diesel-powered railcars to aerodynamically designed high-speed trains. This variation in combination with other factors, such as for example the number of trains to be washed, the need for de-icing, graffiti and carcass cleanup, naturally also places demands on how the washing system should be designed.

The most common washing system for rail-running vehicles is drive-through washing. In these systems, the trains run slowly through the washing system and are guided to start and stop by light signals. The stops that need to be made are so that the front and stern can be washed.

Portal washes for rail-bound vehicles are also used on certain occasions. It is particularly advantageous to choose this type of system when you combine washing, de-icing, graffiti and carcass disposal in one and the same laundry hall

Compared to buses, trucks and rail vehicles, construction machinery and other special vehicles with irregular shapes are significantly more challenging to wash. Drive-through washing is therefore not a good option, but Portal washing is required here, often in combination with manual detail washing.

Since construction and special vehicles generally do not have smooth surfaces to wash, machines with high-pressure washing are normally used instead of brushes.

Just as in other applications, the choice of system is also affected by other factors such as the type and number of vehicles to be washed, space, new or existing wash bay and degree of soiling.

Regardless of how efficient machine washes are, in many cases there are nooks and crannies where brushes and machine-mounted high-pressure cannot reach 100%. Therefore, washing systems for heavy vehicles are usually supplemented with manual high-pressure washing.

Just like other equipment in Westmatic's washing system, the manual detail washing equipment is also adapted to needs, likes and needs. In addition to high pressure, there are various options to choose from like detergent application, tar dissolver and disinfection, etc.

Our systems for manual detail washing can be installed as part of a larger washing system, but also in smaller systems without automatic washing machines.