Now on more than one occasion I've mentioned that it isn't easy taking photos of a truck tyre--and especially to make it look interesting. But fair-go to the snapper with this one which is a great 'stock' shot too which can be used to illustrate a story on tyre fitting, tyre replacement, tyre safe working etc. And you can see the Michelin name clearly on the sidewall too. No easy job with a black tyre! About the only thing I'd have done was photoshop out the powerlines too. But nobody's perfect! Now click through here to see what the story is actually all about.
Thanks to that young gadabout James Keeler Biglorryblog learns that construction and land remediation company GSE Haulage is growing its business with the help of Michelin tyres on a pence per kilometre (PPK) contract. Operating on and off-road in the punishing environments of construction and quarry sites, GSE's fleet of 20 Scania tippers is fitted with a combination of Michelin XZE 2+ and XDY 3 tyres, combining excellent mileage potential and resistance to damage. And in case you don't know, the XZE 2+ is an all-wheel position radial truck tyre designed with an extra- wide, extra-deep tread to deliver increased mileage potential, combined with durability and scrub resistance. In comparison, the XDY 3 has an aggressive directional tread pattern to increase traction on difficult surfaces.
Highlighting the importance of his tyre policy, GSE Haulage's boss Ricky Hemmings, tells BLB: "One of the lessons we have learned with tyres is that price isn't everything and by adopting a fleet-wide Michelin policy we have been able to radically reduce vehicle downtime.. The biggest issue for hauliers such as ourselves is productivity. This means getting the best return from vehicles, especially in the current economic climate by maximising fuel savings, cutting downtime and reducing overall running costs. Our business is growing rapidly and Michelin is helping us do this, which when linked to other aspects of vehicle management has seen our productivity increase by 15%."
The PPK structure allows GSE Haulage to own its Michelin tyres, without the up- front cost of outright purchase. With vehicles operating across the south of England, the contract is serviced by independent Michelin dealer Commercial Tyres, which offers weekly fleet inspections and a rapid response service. As well as delivering environmental and financial savings through its tyre policy, GSE Haulage is also trialling cutting-edge hydrogen technology developed in conjunction with the University of Kent - resulting in a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions, with fuel savings of up to 10%..
"Through the introduction of Michelin tyres and green hydrogen technology, it gives us the edge in a competitive market when talking to prospective customers who are mindful of their carbon footprint," says Ricky, adding, "We see practical implementation of a clean energy policy as the way forward because it offers us a number of significant environmental and financial benefits,"
If they really want to win with their tyres, I suggest they contact www.air-sealproducts.com who market an American tyre sealant that really works. I have used it here in Africa with remarkable results e.g. i picked up a spark-plug (!!!) of all things in centre of the tread on my pickup truck - the ceramic insulator went straight through making a 10 to 12 mm hole. I pulled the plug out and that tyre then covered a further 36,000 kms without further attention or repair. It also maintains pressure over long periods which is where you really win as there so little chance of properly matched twin wheels "fighting" one another when leaks cause differing pressures.