UK Launch for Michelin Earthmover Tyre Repair Programme

Michelin claims another industry first with the launch of its accredited earthmover tyre repairs programme, which is designed to raise the standard of repairs and ensure increased safety, performance and value for operators. Launched in partnership with Rema Tip-Top, this UK initiative has been developed by Michelin as a worldwide pilot ahead of its possible introduction in other countries.

“There are national standards in place for the repair of road tyres but currently no legislation which sets a standard for off-road tyre repairs,” explained Chris Logan, commercial director of Michelin Earthmover and Industrial Operations. “In reality, it means anyone can set-up a business repairing earthmover tyres with no skills or qualifications. The net result is that the quality of repairs varies dramatically and it’s not uncommon to see tyres in operation which should not have been repaired or to see equipment suffering additional downtime after basic ‘plug’ repairs have failed in service.

“In twelve months time we want the Michelin accreditation programme to have become the industry standard, with all Michelin earthmover tyres being repaired by accredited dealers. It’s an innovative project which we are proud to put our name to – and one which has the potential to bring significant benefits for our end users,” Logan added

The repairs programme has initially been launched in conjunction with three tyre dealers who have each passed a joint Michelin and Rema Tip-Top accreditation process. This annual audit sets specific standards that each dealer must meet, ranging from the equipment used to carry out repairs through to the overall workshop environment. Michelin says such auditing bring levels of quality assurance not seen before in the off-road tyre repair market.

Dealers seeking accreditation are also required to send their repair technicians on a five day training course at the Rema Tip-Top training school in Munich, Germany. They must also follow strict guidelines governing the maximum size and type of repair that can be carried out, with a thorough inspection process before and after the tyres are repaired.

“The nature of the environment in which earthmover tyres operate, coupled with the value of each tyre casing, means many earthmover tyres are repaired during their lifetime,” commented Louise Porter, Michelin’s Earthmover and Industrial market manager. “The quality of the materials supplied by Rema Tip-Top and the skills of our trained repairers means even extensive damage can often be fixed, making it well worth the investment if the tyre has plenty of remaining tread.

“Professional repairs do not affect the suitability of the casing for retreading and can enable the tyre to serve a full life, which in turn reduces the number of casings being disposed of prematurely, therefore benefiting the environment,” she added.

The first three accredited dealers include OTR Tyres, Alfreton, Earthmover Tyres in Wakefield and RedPath Tyres in the Scottish borders. Every repair carried out by one of the accredited dealers carries specific markings to identify the name of the dealer and technician who carried out the repair. All repairs are guaranteed by the repairer to meet the standards set down as part of the accreditation programme.

Michelin has also launched a dedicated website – www.em-tyrerepairs.co.uk – offering more information on its earthmover tyre repairs programme.