Michelin wheel security system impresses UK haulier

Hanson UK has become one of the first businesses in the country to protect its heavy truck fleet with the latest Michelin tyre and wheel safety technology.

The company – a major supplier of building materials to the construction industry – has fitted the Michelin Wheel Security and Tyre Pressure Management System (TPMS) Heavy Fleet on 59 new DAF XF 6×2 tractor units and 40 new Feldbinder tri-axle trailers.

The plan is to roll out the system – the brainchild of Midlands-based technology firm Wheely-Safe – across the remainder of its cement division’s 180-strong tractor fleet over the next few years.

“Early impressions are really good,” says Nick Elliott, Distribution Manager, Hanson. “The ease in which it can be fitted and the ease in which it can give us the information that we need are impressive.

“The added security the system provides complements both our approach to safety and to compliance in vehicle and driver standards. It’s an innovative way of working that effectively reduces the element of chance and makes life far more predictable.”

Its straightforward set-up sees a sensor straddle two wheel nuts, thanks to a specially designed bracket. If a nut starts to loosen by just 1mm of movement, a signal is instantly transmitted to the solar-powered display unit in the cab, alerting the driver to pull over.

Due to its location next to the wheel rim and braking mechanism, the system’s onboard heat sensor can detect brake issues involving low or high temperatures. An inbuilt TPMS is also provided, comprising a set of robust sensors which replace the traditional valve caps and auto-pair with the display unit, that can be fixed onto the windscreen.