Hunter Highlights Vol. 129

One of the most significant changes computer technology brought to the alignment bay, when introduced by Hunter in the 1970s and 80s, was instant access to vehicle specification data by the technician doing the work. This revolution made basic wheel alignment faster, easier and more accurate. Successive generations of Hunter alignment systems added more and more vehicle information designed to help novice and experienced technicians alike work on unfamiliar vehicles, without leaving the bay.

Today Hunter dedicates a team of engineers to the continuous update and expansion of the vehicle information database that supports its award-winning WinAlign® alignment system software. This industry-leading database currently contains more than 33,000 records for vehicles sold worldwide.

It not only provides OE alignment specifications, but also suspension, symmetry angle, ride height, tools & kits and other specifications that support the many patented adjustment, productivity and merchandising features of WinAlign software.

Technicians can reference an undercar photo library of more than 4300 images and 1200 line-art adjustment illustrations to speed their work and explain service to customers. More than 65,000 inspection and information “hot spots” on digital photos speed workflow. More than 3100 unique tools and kits are archived, encompassing 35 product brands and 1150 images, allowing technicians to access the exact tools and after-market kits required to complete a job.

Hunter Regional Manager Amin Alasgarli, (left), and representatives of Hunter’s Russian distributor Euro-Siv-Import help the Madi-Fond metrologists evaluate Hunter inspection lane equipment.

Some Hunter products destined for sale in Russia recently completed the first step in their journey. A team of metrologists accompanied representatives from Euro-Siv-Import, the master
distributor of Hunter products in Russia, to the company’s home offices in St. Louis to complete the GOSSTANDART certification process - a requirement since 1994 for most mechanical equipment bound for sale in Russia.

Hunter exports wheel alignment systems, wheel balancers, tire changers and automated brake, sideslip and suspension testers to Russia and has actively pursued equipment sales there since markets opened in the 1980s. The visit by the official certification authority, Madi-Fond, was to relicense the products, as is periodically required.