BP McKeefry says tyres as route to fuel cost savings 15 August 2012

Haulage firm BP McKeefry is hoping to save money on fuel and tyres, having taken specialist tyre pressure advice from Michelin for its Volvo, Scania, Mercedes and DAF 6x2 tractors and rigids, as well as Crossland tankers.

The tyre supplier's technical specialists conducted an axle-weighing exercise on key vehicles in BP McKeefry's fleet and recommended fine-tuning tyre inflation pressures.

All front steer pressures have risen from 120psi to 130psi, and drive pressures from 90psi to 95psi. Trailer pressures were also raised slightly, from 125psi to 130psi.

BP McKeefry director Andy Hare states that the new inflation pressure settings were tailored specifically to his vehicle configurations, payloads and type of work.

"I'm convinced the pressure adjustments recommended by Michelin will contribute to longer tyre life and improved fuel economy," states Hare – making the point that fuel economy and tyres are critical to cost savings for the company across its 100 trucks and 200 trailers.

"Much of our work includes moving sludge amongst sewage recycling plants and then to agricultural land," explains Hare. "Beyond saving money, it is critical for us to get the tyre pressures right, because we are operating on mixed terrain and need to be sure of the best grip and overall tyre performance."

BP McKeefry's main vehicle type is a 6x2 tractor unit running Michelin's 295/80 R 22.5 XZE2+ tyres on the steer axles and a 295/80 R 22.5 XDE2 Remix fitment on the drive axles.

The tractors are most often coupled with tri-axle tanker-bodied trailers, fitted with 385/65 R 22.5 XTE3 tyres predominantly for road work, or 385/65 R 22.5 XZY3 tyres, which offer enhanced grip and damage resistance when accessing country tracks and farms.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Michelin Tyre plc

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