ATS Euromaster “adding real value” to hire specialist

Providing an update on one of its customers, multi-product hire specialist Hewden, ATS Euromaster says a change in tyre policy has helped it quadruple average tyre lifespan. Hewden’s Grangemouth-based fleet of 16 JCB rough-terrain forklifts were moved to a Michelin Power CL policy in July 2009 on ATS Euromaster’s advice, and since that time only six of the more than 60 tyres purchased have needed replacement – all due to wear rather than damage, ATS Euromaster points out. This has taken the fleet’s average tyre lifespan from five months to approximately 20 while reducing repair costs.

Before the changeover, frequent exposure to foreign objects on the site’s tar and concrete surface is said to have d led to excessive tyre damage and repair expenditure. Hewden Service Foreman David Doig elaborates: “Our customer was calling technicians out for repairs at least three times a week. This was accounting for a significant percentage of overall tyre expenditure.

“ATS Euromaster’s recommended fitment has helped us notably reduce punctures which has resulted in less downtime and improved fleet productivity,” Doig added. “Not only have they saved our customer hundreds of pounds each month in repair costs, but the quadrupled average tyre lifespan will have a lasting impact on our own operating costs. It’s a prime example of a supplier adding real value to our business.”

The lifespan-quadrupling tyre – the  Power CL – is described by ATS Euromaster as suitable for use across a range of both agricultural and industrial machinery, from forklifts and telescopic handlers to backhoe loaders and compact articulated loaders: “Their robust, closely-spaced central lug pattern and durable rubber compound increase their capacity to resist punctures and tearing by up to 50 per cent in comparison with their main competitor. The structure of their cross-ply casing further reinforces the levels of damage-resistance they offer. Each casing contains between 10 and 16 stabilising plies, depending on tyre size, which maximise sidewall rigidity and improve stability.”