For more than 30 years, Arbor Age magazine has been covering new and innovative products, services, technology and research vital to tree care companies, municipal arborists and utility right-of-way maintenance companies
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FLEET MAN Five Steps Toward a BETTER PROGRAM With pressures to reduce maintenance expenditures, particularly in a down economy, it’s easy to understand how contractors could base their tire buying decisions on purchase price rather than long- term cost.After all, since tires are black, round and look alike, they must all perform alike, right? Wrong, said Tim Miller, marketing and communications man- ager for Goodyear Commercial Tire. Contractors who buy on price and don’t take a close look at the differences in performance TIRE All photos provided by Goodyear Commercial Tire among different brands may be giving up an opportunity to improve their operation, and quite possibly lower their costs per mile, Miller said. “Don’t just think about how much money you spend initially on tires; also consider how much you spend during the tire’s entire life cycle,” he said.“Imagine the possibility of getting more service life out of your tires, and saving money over the long term by spending a little extra at the beginning. Plus, you can get tires with features that make them better suited to the rigors of [your] operation.” Miller offers five steps fleet managers can take that could save them money and help to avoid tire-related delays. Step 1: Buy tires from someone who cares “If you don’t know where to start or just find yourself over- whelmed, find a local tire dealer who is as concerned about keep- ing you in business as he is about keeping himself in business,” said Miller.Tires of the same brand might be available to you from sev- eral dealers in your area. Most fleets depend on their dealer to keep them up-to-date on new tire developments that might be better than the ones currently being purchased. “A good tire dealer will help you with your entire tire pro- gram,” Miller added.“This may include wheel refinishing, mount- ed tire programs and tire management information systems. Most fleets find these services much less expensive when provided by tire professionals than when done in-house.” A Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) tire-failure study showed that under- inflation caused 90 percent of all tire failures. Under-inflation causes tires to flex more as they travel and generate rubber-damaging heat inside the tires. A tire under-inflated by 20 percent loses 30 percent of its life. When inflation drops 40 percent below the recommended level, the tire lasts only half as long. 26 Arbor Age / May/June 2011 Step 2: Find the right tool for the job One of the biggest mistakes contractors can make is choosing tires that are simply the wrong tool for the job, Miller said. Make a list of the trucks you have, and think of some of the www.arborage.com With a scrub-resistant tread and multi-compound construction, the Goodyear G166 HSA offers extended tread life and is ideal for local applications that require frequent turning, backing and braking. FLEET MANAGEMENT