The road transport sector plays a critical role in our economy, and with 98 per cent of it made up of small businesses, every bit of savings counts.
These businesses often operate on thin margins, so any reduction in operating costs – whether through more efficient fuel use, or savings on tyres – can significantly affect the bottom line. The challenges companies face isn’t just financial but operational, so supporting you with a better ride and less fatigue helps too.
When a small but busy operator like DJ Lindsay Interstate Movers, of Holland Park in Queensland, reports he is getting 300,000 kilometres out of one set of tyres, we want to know how.
So, what are the “BIG 2 per cent” doing?
We can sometimes look to fleet managers to see the strategies they have adopted to cut their overheads. Travelling through Victoria and South Australia this month, we clocked 6500 kilometres (nothing for the average Aussie truckie) visiting some stunning country, meeting up with good folks, and some smart fleet operators.
Roads and loads can be harsh and unforgiving in Australia. Evenly balanced wheel assemblies will alleviate vibration in steering components and in the cab. How do we achieve that? Even with the best quality tyres and constant wheel alignments, it’s a big ask.
Atlas Balance Rings steers for Euro and Asian trucks.Image: Atlas Balance Rings
Let’s look at truck and bus wheel balance ring technology. We know that centrifugal force is created by a rotating tyre and wheel. When that is out of balance, the liquid weight fluid – that is a liquid metal, which is free-moving within the ring, moves to positions along the ring to exactly offset any light and heavy spots, thereby eliminating the vibration and creating equilibrium within the rotating mass.
With minimal vibration and “tyre bounce”, uneven scalloping and tyre wear is reduced. Now the tyres will last longer with reduced vibration through steering components, and handling is improved. The liquid metal in the balancing ring counters any light/heavy spots in the wheel assembly constantly. With reduced wheel shimmy, minimal vibration and tyre bounce, uneven scalloping and tyre wear is reduced.
Now the tyres will last longer, drivers experience reduced vibration through steering components and the handling is improved. Some operators say within minutes, “It feels like a different truck.”
But did you save on tyres?
Collins of Adelaide’s fleet of trucks fitted out in their signature lime green are not just pretty to watch but prove increased tyre life. It was a pleasure to meet workshop manager Carl, and personally see 173 Collins trucks fitted out with Atlas Balance Rings. He let me know they are getting 240,000 to 260,000 kilometres out of the steer tyres!
Down the road (more than just a bit) at Moranbah in North Queensland, Mark Read runs Surelift Crane Hire. Mid-mounted Volvo crane trucks lift some heavy stuff on dirt roads for the mining industry. Operations Manager Wesley has noted some significant savings on tyres.
Meanwhile, QUBE logistics has a huge fleet of side-tippers fitted out with Atlas Balance Rings. They say they get the price of Atlas Balance Rings back on their first set of tyres.
Built for Aussie trucks by Aussie hands
Atlas Balance Rings is all Aussie owned and manufactured in Brisbane.
Find out how Atlas Balance Rings can help your business at atlasbalance.com.au or call 1300 228 527.
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