Previously favouring budget tyres, the Huddersfield-based operator took delivery of the DAF eight-wheeler in October 2014 with Continental tyres fitted as original equipment. Despite an arduous schedule, including on- and off-road work, the tyres are still in legal operation.
“We operate seven trucks on an extremely busy schedule hauling sand, coal and other bulk loads right across the country – we have never had tyres behave as well as these from Continental,” says Robert Bentley (pictured), operational director and son of founder Ian Bentley.
“The HSC1 steer axle tyres ran for well over 200,000km, and though we have now retreaded the drive axle tyres, they still have a solid 5mm of safe, usable tread on them.”
The operator runs a fleet of four eight-wheel tippers, three 6x2 tractors and four tipping trailers. As well as contract work, the company also has its own silica sand supply business.
“It’s a demanding environment for tyres,” says Bentley. “Because of this we have traditionally used a mixture of budget tyres, but with the Continental tyre OE fitment on the DAF truck we have now been able to experience the wear and performance characteristics of premium tyres.
“I have to say that, on the basis of this, I will be buying more Continental tyres as we move forward.”