John Oates Horseboxes Introduce NEW Tyre Safety Feature
John Oates Horseboxes has announced they will be introducing a new retrofit technology on both new and used vehicles to address the safety issue concerned in tyre under-inflation.
Described as a “major problem in the market” by Head of Sales James Haddock, the Midlands-based company has teamed up with official Michelin licensee, Wheely-Safe, to offer the Michelin Tyre Pressure Management System (TPMS) Light Fleet across all its horseboxes.
Advice for horsebox owners published by industry charity Tyresafe, in partnership with The British Horse Society, states that prolonged tyre under-inflation causes excessive flexing, deterioration of the casing and rapid wear of the tread shoulders, as well as increasing fuel consumption. It warns that over-inflation results in an uncomfortable ride, a reduced area of contact with the road, accelerated wear in the centre of the tread and makes a tyre more susceptible to impact damage. It also stresses that correct pressures are vital for maximum safety, braking, grip and extended tyre life.
Michelin TPMS Light Fleet comprises robust sensors which replace the valve caps and auto-pair with a small solar-powered windscreen display. This in-cab unit provides visual and audible alerts in the event a tyre becomes under-inflated, over-inflated, suffers fast leakage or an increase in air temperature – often the sign of an imminent tyre failure.
Tyre pressures are critical on any vehicle, but particularly when you are operating at close to maximum gross vehicle weight and carrying livestock,”
explains Haddock.
We know from the number of horseboxes we see in operation that tyres aren’t being checked frequently enough and we wanted to make it easier for our customers to guarantee they are driving on tyres maintained in the safest possible condition.”
Michelin TPMS Light Fleet also incorporates a handy tyre pressure checking device which allows the driver to check all tyre pressures in under a minute before a journey.
John Oates Horseboxes manufactures around 100 new vehicles per year and says demand for Michelin TPMS Light Fleet is proving strong. Since the launch, the bespoke horsebox manufacturer, has already installed five systems on customer vehicles. The company has also fitted the technology to its own delivery van, flatbed vehicle and trailer.
John Oates Horseboxes was founded more than 30 years ago and designs and builds some of the finest horseboxes in the UK, specialising in the 3.5, 4.5 and 7.0-tonne markets. The company states “All products are manufactured to the highest standards, using quality materials and a wealth of experience to deliver products that provide ultimate safety, comfort and style.”
