Stone Tyres provides a range of budget, mid-range and premium tyres for vans up to 3.5 tonnes.
“With such a high throughput of vehicles, we decided to invest in the Treadreader DriveOver to reduce manual input and increase tyre measurement accuracy,” said director John Stone. “We were the first independent tyre supplier in Europe to fit the system and over the last five years its efficiency has made it seem like an extra member of staff. Indeed, the system has more than paid for itself with an ROI of around 3 years!”
According to Stone, the DriveOver not only provides 100% accuracy with a full report for each tyre, but also reveals where wheels are out of alignment. This enables the company to offer an alignment service.
“The DriveOver measures each tyre tread depth across its full width, as the vehicle passes over the ramp,” Stone explained. “A pressure switch automatically triggers the sensors and a laser system captures the tyre data. This is then transferred to the TreadReader management system and displayed in a 3D render of the actual tyre tread, with automated comments on tyre condition and simple tread depth summary with red, green and amber colours to discuss with customers.
“Accurate and easily readable info’ is shown to the customer to provide full transparency and reassurance regarding recommended tyre work or replacement,” said Stone. “Plus of course, the graphic readouts tell us, and the customer, when a wheel needs balancing or a vehicle requires aligning.”
Stone added, “The TreadReader system includes automated air-powered shutters and cleaning features that protects the unit from debris and leaves, meaning that physical maintenance by our team is minimal.”
According to TreadReader, each 3D scan uses up to 400,000 measurement points with accuracy to within 0.2mm. Also, by scanning the full width of the tyre and 50-60mm around it, the system achieves a level of accuracy and consistency greater than conventional analogue and digital gauges, or competitor systems which only take a single-line scan.
DriveOver is suitable for all workshops, car dealers and tyre suppliers with a larger footprint or drive-through facility. Plus, advises TreadReader, the DriveOver ramp is surface mounted and requires no groundworks.