For any enterprise involved in on road operations there are quite a number of risks and always a degree of risk. How to mitigate the risk potential is always a challenge and in some larger businesses involving a dedicated risk manager.

Many trucking companies look at risk exposure as a necessary evil and utilise insurance packages to reduce the financial ramifications of such exposures.

Now, what if, a risk mitigation strategy that provided positive financial outcomes was available for just a little investment? Does this spark interest in those who drive the abacuses in the back rooms?

Tyres form one of the highest cost centres for a transport operation be the activities on road or in a mining operation. Fuel is usually the largest and is tightly controlled as the abacus jockeys understand that every last millilitre of fuel must be accounted for. Granted there is a percent here or there for spillage but as fuel companies demand payment prior to delivery for almost all operations the bean counters are onto it without delay. Tyres?

When we consider the humble tyre so many ASSuMe that the tyre just performs the required duties without any (at worst) attention or with just a little attention, perhaps a kick every now and again or being slapped with a pipe or bar to confirm the tyre isn’t totally flat.

Tyre, the influencer

What is not very well understood by back-office personnel is that tyres are influenced by, and actually influence, the successful operation of the vehicle, be it a wheel barrow, a tri-cycle, a rigid truck or road train even a giant haul truck. If the tyres aren’t “right” then the operating costs will rise. Consider a delta percentage on fuel burn of 3 – 5%, a wheel end bearing life reduction of 10%, a tyre life deficit of 10%, decreased suspension component life as the tyres are being dragged not rolling, at what cost does the “head in the tyre” influence the profits of the business?

So, when we “Cover Your Analyse risk SAFETY” every-time (CYA) we consider all the contributing aspects of tyre use and how risk mitigation practises can be employed to grow the return on the investment our businesses make in tyres. All successful transport companies maintain a close log on the consumption of mechanical items such as fuel and spare parts. Labour costs are also rigidly overseen and as every driver well understands there are events on the road that result in a later delivery than was planned, a traffic event that turns the usual highway into a car park. When the driver returns to base and lodges the work hours there is always a cry from the accounting department why has this person worked overtime, why are we paying more than normal?

Yet, for tyres it seems too often the humble servant is treated as a mere consumable commodity and just turned over or replaced without any consideration as to how life can be extended. Why? When tyres influence so many of the unseen factors for a transport operator why are they not used as the reporter, the data logger of operations? A tyre does not lie about the experiences they have endured, they cannot suddenly grow tread to cover misalignment or a brake lock up, the evidence is in our faces IF we simply observe what the tyres are telling us.

Tyre management

There are many valued publications from around the globe that have photos of tyres that have worn in a certain manner or exhibit various conditions that relay the root causes of the damage to the observer. The tyre scrap heap is the first place we visit when determining the tyre management capacity and capability of a new client. How many tyres with more than the minimum legal tread depth are in the scrap heap? If there are records of tyre performance what is the tread consumption rate for the tyres consumed? What is the frequency of the various scrapping reasons the business using tyres is experiencing? Why? What is the distance per tread unit rate? What is the fuel burn rate per tread unit consumption? What if these questions can’t be answered? Then a risk mitigation practise is obviously not in practise. Exposure is certain, a matter of when not if.

A simple tree diagram or spider web drawing outlining the various risk aspects a tyre could experience with each branch drawing down into detail of how, what and why can assist in the mitigation process. The risk on the underside of the branch with the solution on the top provides a simple but effective illustration of the potentials available.

The TyreSafe Australia policy known as the 6M Principle is engaged in not only tyre performance enhancement but right through the various aspects of the transport business. Before you can MANAGE you have to be able to MEASURE. With measurements (read data) one can MONITOR to know when to MAINTAIN the equipment therefore actually MANAGING in order to MAKE MONEY! The 6M principle is simple but it requires diligent and dedicated systems within the workplace. There are many principles such as that espoused by Dr William Deming who developed the PDCA process, PLAN, DO, CHECK, ACT where the a/ versus b/ consideration was created:

Bill Smith who introduced the 6 Sigma philosophy in the 1980’s also recognised the same avenue of opportunity. The basis of 6 Sigma is the improvement of the output quality by recognising and eliminating the root causes of defects and so minimizing the impacts using statistical processes, ie managing by measuring monitoring and maintaining!

The TyreSafe Australia 6M principle is closely aligned with these well recognised philosophies and commences with the simple recognition that tyre inflation pressure control is the absolute basis for the desired performance outcomes a transport related business will experience. How do you analyse the risks, what mitigation processes are in place?

Safety is not just about well-being of personnel. If a business doesn’t employ safe practices, is it going to be sustainable? Not just from the human factor but also consider the financial aspects. A business engaged in risky financial undertakings will probably collapse sooner than later.

So why not start the process from the ground up by ensuring that the foundation of the modern motor vehicle, the humble tyre is indeed operating at optimum levels. With modern electronics there is no excuse for not completely understanding (and so appreciating) what the tyres you use are providing to your business profits. If you are not measuring, how are you managing?

Ensure that your tyres are not a drag on your operation, ensure the rolling resistance is as low as possible and this will ensure there is an even flow of dollars into your account. Utilising real time tyre monitoring is now a standard practise for successful businesses who utilise tyres in their operations.

Cover Your, Analyse Risks Safety Everytime! (TT)

• Adam Gosling and the team at TyreSafe Australia provide guidance and direction for all tyre users. Safety is paramount, so is efficiency and sustainability. Tyres are a globally universal product, the requirement for tyre safety is also a global standard.

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”