Professional_Tool_And_Equipment_News_0619 - 49

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

MAHLE

ArcticPRO ACX2150
The reviewers attest to the machine's
ability to save time by allowing
technicians to multitask.
by Tyler Fussner, Assistant Editor

The MAHLE ArcticPRO ACX2150, No. 460 80445 00, is an
R134a refrigerant handling system. The ACX2150 features an
ergonomic design with a hinged service door to simplify unit
service, a 7" capacitive touch LCD display, and an intuitive
user interface. Its data and reporting metrics have the ability
to log and monitor services which allows analytics for proactive service reminders, refrigerant use optimization, warranty
reporting, and more. The unit also includes automatic updates,
remote support for technicians, oil system management, network printing to print services provided for the customer, UV
dye injection for leak detection, and a two-year warranty.
Circle 166 on card, or enter at "e-inquiry"
on VehicleServicePros.com

THE REVIEW:

eturn on investment can be measured in minutes; time saved in
the shop equates to lower costs.
When integrating new equipment into
the shop, the time-to-be-saved is always
a priority consideration. Matt Chappell
of Mad Matt's Diesel Performance
in Aledo, Texas, and lead technician,
Darrell Pile, attest to the ACX2150's
ability to save time.
"I don't have to babysit the machine
... I can set the automatic features to
recover, vacuum, and recharge," Pile
says. The freedom granted through the
ACX2150's automatic functions allows
Pile to work on multiple aspects of the
vehicle simultaneously.
"The unit arrived to the shop on a pallet and was well packaged," Chappell says.
"It had everything but the refrigerant to
get started." The ACX2150 was also packaged with an owner's manual, including
set-up and operating instructions. Editor's
note: The manual is also located on the
homescreen as a small button that looks
like an open book. Pile states that after figuring out where the buttons were located
on the machine, it was "really simple"
to operate.
"Overall - real good," he says. "Really
easy to pick up right off the bat." Chappell
says it took him a bit of time, initially, to
refill the internal vessel. The manufac-

turer notes there's a shortcut button on
the homescreen that takes users directly
to this function. The icon looks like a
small internal vessel.
Along with the machine's automatic
functions, Pile says a favorite feature of
his is the post-operation print-out screen.
This summary details critical data, such as
how long the procedure took, how much
refrigerant was pulled or charged through
the vehicle, and whether oil was pulled or
injected. Since the ACX2150 has Wi-Fi
capabilities, this data can be sent directly
to a shop's printer, or it can be emailed to
technicians or even customers.
Chappell enjoys the machine's ability to update its software and systems
using Wi-Fi. "We will leave the machine
on overnight and it is ready to go the
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JUNE 2019

next morning; we're not waiting hours
for the update, having to stop what we
are doing," he says.
Mad Matt's Diesel Performance's previous A/C service unit was eight years
old; both Chappell and Pile claimed
there is a major difference in technology
between their previous machine and the
ACX2150. "[The] MAHLE machine is a
lot nicer," Chappell says.
Pile states that there were two features he wishes the machine could
perform. The first being the ability to
check the vehicle's pressure levels while
the engine is running. The other being a
vehicle-assist on charging, utilizing the
vehicle's compressor to pull refrigerant
into the vehicle in instances when the
machine cannot force refrigerant into the
vehicle itself. Editor's note: The reviewer
was using a beta version of the ACX2150
and may not have had access to all features. Check with user manual or the
manufacturer to confirm these and other
product options and features.
Overall, both Chappell and Pile give
the MAHLE ArcticPRO ACX2150 a solid
rating. With the machine's advanced
technology, ability to free up technicians to perform other services, and
the multi-functionality of the Wi-Fi
capabilities, they are glad to have it in
their shop.
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