Doubled tyre life prompts new policy for Inter-Haul 16 January 2014

Inter-Haul Pallet Services has adopted a new tyre policy, after a trial revealed it could achieve twice the life with Michelin tyres, compared to its previous brand.

The South Wales-based operator took delivery of a double-deck SDC trailer fitted with Michelin tyres two years ago. The trailer is used for overnight trunking to the Pallet Track hub in Wolverhampton, a round trip of almost 400km.

Fitted with a hub odometer, the trailer has been providing data, allowing Inter-Haul to compare the performance of the 265/70 R 19.5 Michelin XTE2 tyres with those fitted to other double-deckers in its fleet.

The Michelin XTE2 remained in service for 22 months on the third axle, while tyres on the first and second axlez are still in use – compared with a maximum of 12 months for most other competitor tyres.

"We'd previously been fitting cheaper tyres and we thought the mileage we were getting was pretty good, until we made comparisons with the Michelins," comments Julian Larking, Inter-Haul's transport and procurement manager.

"We pay more for a Michelin, but they are helping to bring our tyre costs down. You've got to consider total value of ownership... It's made enough of a difference for us to start specifying Michelin for all replacement tyres, and as original equipment wherever possible."

Michelin made tyre pressure suggestions for each vehicle type in Inter-Haul's fleet, which could, it says, deliver fuel savings of £5,000 in the first year.

Inter-Haul is now also using ATS Euromaster. As well as fitting new tyres, mobile ATS technicians will carry out monthly fleet inspections, checking every tyre for pressure and condition.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
ATS Euromaster Ltd
Michelin Tyre plc

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