HIRE NEWS Tyre test proves a success for HSS Hire


HSS Hire are expanding their use of newly launched tyre pressure management system (TPMS) Wheely-Safe Light across 250 vans, after seeing improved fuel economy and reduced tyre wear during a four-month trial.


The Michelin-licensed technology was initially fi tted to 20 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in March 2018 and Martin O’Neill, National Fleet and Logistics Manager at HSS Hire, was shocked at how quickly the benefi ts were seen.


“In just four months the system has changed the way our fl eet operates. Previously we checked tyre pressures manually, but Wheely-Safe Light has shown us our pressure management wasn’t as good as we originally thought.


“Since fi tting the system we’ve noticed that fuel economy has increased, and tyre wear and spend is going down. You can’t argue with the fi gures, and that’s why we’re now rolling out Wheely-Safe Light to cover 250 of our 3.5 tonne vans.”


The new technology off ers a straightforward way for fl eet operators to check and maintain the optimum tyre pressures on their vehicles.


It replaces the traditional valve caps with sensors that auto-pair


with a solar-powered windscreen display, used to alert drivers to under and over-infl ation, as well as to an increase in temperature – often the sign of an impending tyre failure.


Each vehicle is also assigned a contactless tyre pressure checker, which can be held next to the sensor to display the exact pressure via the digital readout – without the hassle of connecting a pressure gauge to the valve, which removes air and is unhygienic.


“The system proved popular during the trial thanks to how easy it is to use. It’s made us more aware of our tyre pressures and the potential dangers and cost implications which under-infl ation can cause,” O’Neill added.


Tyre under-infl ation is a global issue which increases fuel bills, CO2 emissions and stopping distances, and reduces tyre endurance capabilities.


Michelin research has found that 60 per cent of UK motorists routinely drive on under-infl ated tyres, half of which are dangerously under-infl ated by more than 8psi.


HSS Hire is a major provider of tools, equipment and related services in the UK and Ireland.


A week of innovation at A-Plant


A-Plant, the UK’s largest equipment rental company, hosted a week of innovation from 2nd-6th July, providing a series of workshops and discussions for many of the company’s forward-thinking supply chain partners.


Representatives from A-Plant’s 16 specialist divisions joined brand leading plant, tool and equipment suppliers for the fi ve-day event, with manufacturers invited to present their latest innovative products, services and software.


Throughout the week almost 40 suppliers, including Armorgard, Never Let Go, Hypertherm and Hilti, were invited to showcase their new kit to a panel of A-Plant colleagues, supply chain partners and major customers.


Dave Harris, Business Development Director at A-Plant, said the event presented the perfect opportunity for both current and new suppliers to present their most innovative products for potential investment from the company.


He explained: “Innovation is at the heart of A-Plant. Over the last two years we have invested over £300 million in new equipment, and we are constantly looking at new ways to expand our hire fl eet and services.


"Innovation Week allows us to demonstrate how adding new products to our fl eet can add value to the company’s proposition and also enables us to help customers work smarter and more effi ciently.


"We host many innovation events throughout the year, collaborating closely with customers and suppliers to ensure our hire fl eet comprises the greenest, safest and most effi cient products in the industry.


"It has been great to have an opportunity @ToolBUSINESS


to assess and discuss topics such as battery and solar technology, asset management and telematics, as well as hear how manufacturers are responding to customer and A-Plant feedback on their existing products. The innovative evolution of existing products is equally as important as the launch of a completely new product.


"This year we were thrilled to welcome Balfour Beatty, Skanska, Ringway, Network Rail and other major customers to the event.”


Stand-out products from the week included a new Solar Hybrid Tower Light from Trime UK Ltd and the Dual View Dumper from Wacker Neuson, which allows operators to rotate their seat console by 180 degrees, to face the direction of travel with the tipping skip at their rear.


Innovation Week 2018 took place near to A-Plant’s main support offi ce on Birchwood Park in Warrington.


TBH July-August, 2018 27


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