Ashcourt Group, the Hull-based transport and haulage operator, has developed a tyre-management strategy with Continental Tyres and local dealer Adams Tyres, that has reduced running costs by an estimated 20 percent.
The Group operates a fleet of 79 vehicles including heavy-duty tipper wagons, hook loaders, tankers, concrete mixers, skip loaders and low loaders for specialist heavy haulage moves. All vehicles have been fitted with Continental Tyres’ Construction range, aside from Conti HSC1 tyres on the steer axle, a decision taken by Transport Manager Ian Donkin. “On our on/off road fleet, we know we are going to be operating on a wide range of surfaces, from the quite rough to the really extreme. The maximum impact of these conditions always falls on the drive axles, so we anticipate the greatest wear and potential for punctures on those, even with Conti tyres in place. For that reason, I decided to go with the ContiRe retread products.”
A major part of the success of the Ashcourt Group tyre management strategy has been Adams Tyres, the local Continental dealer. “I have known Jonathan Adams for many years,” said Ian Donkin, “and he and his team deliver a first-class service. In addition to our normal daily drivers’ checks on tyres, the Adams team come in every Saturday afternoon when the fleet is back in the yard and run a full check for uneven wear, damage and any other problems. This is a key element of the safety aspect of our tyre selection. We need to be fully compliant to ensure we meet our O Licence demands, but we also recognise our broader social responsibilities to our staff and the wider public. Good tyres in good condition are a vital part of that.”
