Truck trial results in change of tyres
April 1st 2008

Shoreham Port Authority is switching its forklift truck fleet from solid to pneumatic tyres following a trial run in conjunction with tyre solutions provider ATS Euromaster.

One of the company's Hyster 5.5 XM trucks was fitted with Michelin XZM radial tyres and monitored against the performance of solid tyres across the 20- strong forklift fleet. The Michelin tyres provided over 1000h of safe operation before needing to be replaced, doubling the average life Shoreham Port had become accustomed to from solid tyres.

Commenting on the trial, Ian Buchan, assistant engineer for Shoreham Port Authority, explains: "ATS Euromaster's recommendation to try the Michelin XZM tyres has really paid off, and pound for pound, they have demonstrated a cost-saving over the solids.

"However, the biggest benefit in terms of health and safety is to our drivers, ensuring better load protection and resulting in fewer shocks being transmitted through the driver's body, reducing fatigue and back-ache." As a result of the trial, ATS Euromaster is actively replacing worn solid tyres with new Michelin XZM tyres as wear dictates. All new Hyster trucks supplied to Shoreham Port Authority by Barloworld will be delivered with Michelin rubber as original equipment.