Tyres prove match for rough conditions

Northern Ireland-based Fisher Engineering has significantly increased tyre life and reduced the risk of punctures after replacing the original equipment tyres on its Manitou rough terrain forklift truck. The move has seen the company, one of the largest structural steel fabricators in the UK and Ireland, switch to a rugged Michelin foam-filled fitment.

Operating out of its 21,000 sq m facility in Ballinamallard, near Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh, the rough terrain forklift is used to transport structural steel around the stockyard prior to shipment to major new building projects.

Fisher Engineering selected the specialist Manitou machine for the demanding role as the rough stone ground inside the stockyard prohibited the use of traditional forklift trucks. The machine plays an essential materials handling role around the site, supporting an annual manufacturing capacity in excess of 25,000 tonnes.

Despite buying a rough terrain forklift, it soon became apparent that the harsh ground conditions were causing excessive wear to the Manitou's original equipment tyres; particularly the rear fitments, which were scrubbing against the surface when the machine was manoeuvring on full lock. The abrasive surface was causing regular punctures and the original tyres only managed 400 hours before they needed replacing.

Fisher Engineering sought advice from local industrial specialist, Philip White Tyres, and the regional Michelin account manager, Chris Eakin. Together, they recommended fitting 18 R 22.5 Michelin XF tyres on the front axle and 335/80 R 18 Michelin XZSLs to the rear.

Addleston Jameson of Fisher Engineering, says: "The Michelin tyres have already clocked-up in excess of 1,000 hours service and they are still going strong. This has more than doubled the life of the original equipment tyres that were fitted, plus we've not suffered any downtime due to punctures. The combination of the Michelin tyres and the foam filling are delivering efficiency improvements all-round, both in terms of whole life cost and machine productivity."