1. The only reason to buy such an equipment is to avoid "run-out
compensation". But normal computer wheel aligners do not need to
do "run-out compensation" if you use quick clamps.
2. A huge disadvantage of the 3D visualiner is that you cannot use a "normal"
four or two post lift. The distance between the posts has to be at least
3 meters.
3. It is very unconvenient to roll a car back and forth by pushing the
front of the car. I do not believe it is acceptabel for a mechanic to
make 10 alignments a day in such a way. In the end he will complain about
a perminent back damage.
4. A workshop loses mobility by chosing the 3D Visualiner. The cabinet
is mounted to the floor and cannot be moved. The flexibility of moving
the cabinet to another lift is not possible. With the OPTO-PLUS cabinets
you have the freedom to choose where to make a 4-wheel alignment.
5. You have to adjust the car in the same height. It is not possible to
adjust the car after the measurement unless you work in the same height.
Otherwise you have to bring up the camera arm in the same height as the
lift synchronized with the lift, which is very costly.
6. If the wheel runs over a dent in the lift then the accuracy of the
measurement would be useless.
7. You are not allowed to interupt the cameras during a measurement. If
you interrupt the beam, you have to start all over again.
8. Blinking lights all day makes you crazy!!!
9. The visualiner takes up a lot of space. Workshops today do not have
a lot of space.
10. Is it in a distributors interest not to make service on a wheel aligner?
The 3D visualiner demands less service, because the measuring heads are
simple service-free. As a distributor you have an interest in servicing
your customers equipment and thereby earn money and maintain contact to
your customer.
11. The paradox about the 3D visualizer, is that it cannot visualize 3D
of the car as the new Hunter P411 does. The Hunter P411 has sensors in
the measuring heads to measure the distance between two wheels. In this
way the computer is able to visualize the chassis in relation to the steering
geometry in 3D. That is the way forward!!
12. The system respond slowly to interruption of the beams. Response time
is app. 3-4 seconds. If the beam is interrupted during measurement then
the outcome is useless.
13. Installation costs are addiotional DEM 2.000/ DKK 8.000.
14. No lifts have the appropriate construction for the extended slip-plates
for the rear. The only possibility might be a new lift for the price of
more than DEM 10.000 / DKK 40.000.
15. A minor difference in level between the slip plates and the lift makes
the total measurement unreliable. Snap-On has used a 2 figure million
amount on development and still have not got it right.