Our Dismantling & Quality Process

We don't buy every damaged truck that appears at auction. We specialise in late-model Euro 5–Euro 6 HGVs from leading brands – Volvo FH/FM, Scania R/S, MAN TGX/TGS, DAF XF/XG and Mercedes-Benz Actros/Atego.

For each vehicle we look at:

• Origin and history – we focus on UK-sourced trucks with traceable backgrounds, ideally ex-fleet or with service records.
• Type of damage – we target trucks written off for cab or body damage where engines, driveline, electronics and chassis components are still in excellent condition.
• Mileage and usage – we prefer realistic mileages and avoid vehicles that clearly show neglect or heavy abuse.

Only when a truck passes this appraisal do we bring it into our yard in Stanford-le-Hope for dismantling.

When a donor truck arrives, our team performs a structured walk-around and cabin inspection, noting visible damage, missing components and signs of previous repairs. Where possible, the vehicle is started and basic functions are checked (air build-up, gear selection, dash warnings, lighting, wipers and other electrical systems).

Before any heavy dismantling begins, we depollute the vehicle in line with UK end-of-life vehicle guidance: all fluids (fuel, engine and gearbox oil, coolant, AdBlue, brake fluid, AC gas where applicable) and hazardous components are drained or removed into dedicated containers for safe storage and disposal.

This protects our team, the environment and the parts that will later be sold and fitted to other trucks.

Our goal is to list parts that a mechanic can fit with confidence. To get there, we combine visual inspection with functional testing wherever it makes sense:

• Mechanical assemblies – engines are run and checked for abnormal noise, smoke and leaks where possible; gearboxes are cycled through ranges; steering and suspension components are examined for play, damage and corrosion.
• Electronic modules & sensors – ECUs, EBS/ABS blocks, radar sensors, ECAS modules and other electronics are tested on the truck before removal when the system condition allows.
• Comfort & interior items – seats, climate panels, mirrors, wiper motors and switches are checked for correct operation, free movement and obvious defects.

All test results – both positive checks and any limitations – are written straight into our internal notes so the final listing reflects the real story of each part.

We dismantle each truck in stages, breaking it down into clean assemblies instead of simply stripping random parts:

1. Exterior & cab – mirrors, bumpers, steps, grilles, lights, cab panels and glass are removed and stacked in racking so nothing rubs or bends.
2. Interior – dashboard sections, storage lockers, seats, belts, trims and electrical controls are removed carefully to avoid broken clips and damaged wiring.
3. Driveline & chassis – engines, gearboxes, axles, suspension components, tanks and pipework are lifted out with appropriate lifting gear and stored on pallets or racks.

Our approach mirrors modern dismantling facilities where workshops are set up specifically for safe, efficient dismantling, testing and cleaning of recycled parts.

Every part we keep goes through an ID and labelling stage:

• OEM numbers first – we capture manufacturer part numbers from labels, castings and stamps wherever possible.
• Cross-references – where a component has several supersessions or aftermarket equivalents, we record those numbers too.
• Donor details – each item is tagged with stock code, donor VIN, make, model, year, Euro class and mileage (where known).
• Condition notes – any cosmetic damage and functional limitations are written directly on the tag and in our system.

This detailed identification is what lets us list a part as "the exact item you'll receive" rather than a generic catalogue picture.

Once stripped and tagged, parts move into clean storage:

• Electronics & interiors are stored indoors on shelving and racking, away from moisture, with small items in labelled bins.
• Mechanical components such as pumps, valves and compressors are drained, capped and wrapped to protect ports from dust and damage.
• Large items – engines, gearboxes, cabs and axles – sit on pallets or dedicated stillages, clearly labelled and accessible for loading.

All locations are tracked in our digital inventory so that when a customer orders a part, we know exactly where it is and in what condition it was stored.

The last step before a part goes live is photography and listing. We list the exact parts you'll receive — clear photos, OEM references and honest condition notes.

For each product, we take:

• General photos from different angles;
• Close-ups of the OEM plate and manufacturer's logo;
• Photos of connectors, fasteners, hoses, and potential defects;
• Individual shots of scratches, dents, and signs of use, if any.

Based on these photos and notes taken during disassembly, we compile a detailed but honest description: what the component is, what part it came from, how it was tested, its condition, and what to look for during installation.

When an order arrives, the part is double-checked against:

• OEM number and internal code;
• Photos and description in the product card;
• Condition notes.

Then:

• Open channels are sealed with plugs or film;
• Glass and plastic are protected with soft material;
• Heavy components are secured on a pallet or in a sturdy box;
• All fasteners and small components indicated in the photos are added to the parcel.