Trelleborg launches ‘Pit Stop Line’ innovation

Trelleborg_pit_stop_line

The Pit Stop Line answers one of the industry’s most elusive and critical questions – how to know, with 100% certainty, when a fork lift tyre is worn out and needs replacing. Visitors can view the new technology featured in Trelleborg’s Pit Stop Line tyre at CeMAT (hall 25, stand E28).

Trelleborg Wheel Systems’ business unit president, Jean-Paul Mindermann, commented: “This may seem like a straightforward issue, as many users believe simply that when a tyre tread disappears, it needs replacing. However, it is that very misconception that costs users thousands of Euros every year through unnecessary tyre replacement and machine downtime. Through the Pit Stop Line feature we have now eliminated this.”

Tyres are often replaced with up to 25% of their life remaining simply because people are unaware that tread depth has nothing to do with the life of a solid tyre. Now with the help of this industry breakthrough, the highly visible orange coloured line appears on the tyre surface when it has around 100 hours of life left, to alert users that they should schedule replacement.

The new Pit Stop Line completely encompasses the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) Manual recommendations on tyre safety and enables 100% accurate tyre safety checks; a huge first for the industry.

Delivering more than just better value for spend, its sophisticated design will help improve machine uptime and service planning. With the Pit Stop Line appearing 100 hours or five to 15 working days before the tyre needs replacing, operators are able to plan their tyre changes in advance, totally eradicating unplanned downtime.

Pit Stop Line also offers a strong environmental benefit, enabling a dramatic reduction in waste, raw materials as well as the carbon footprint associated with packaging and transportation. Replacing tyres less often means a reduced environmental impact.

Mindermann continued: “The Pit Stop Line has the potential to have a transformational effect on forklift operations, helping to minimise downtime, tyre waste and whole life costs – a true innovation. Tyre waste is now a thing of the past.”

Against the background of global integration and networking there is increasing demand for smart automation solutions. This year’s CeMAT show will focus on intra-logistics products with both national and international exhibitors showcasing the latest techniques, materials and innovations within the industry.