Wheely-Safe technology is being rolled out across Kier Highways Solutions’ 25-strong commercial vehicle and trailer fleet, with the business impressed by the system’s flexibility and ease of use.
A division of construction giants Kier, it currently has the product fitted to one Volvo FH 6×2 tractor unit and is in the process of installing it to three curtainside trailers. Four more trucks – two tractor units and two six-wheeler rigids – are due to go on the road in the next few months, all equipped with Wheely-Safe technology.
Dave Parsons, Senior Transport and Compliance Manager, Kier Highways Solutions, says: “It will be a gradual process but long-term we will have Wheely-Safe fitted to all of our commercial vehicles and trailers in our division. It’s a foolproof solution to protect us against wheel loss and any issues with the tyre pressures or overheating. In this day and age, it is exactly what you need.”
Kier Highways Solutions has specified Wheely-Safe’s external TPMS sensors, which replace the valve cap and auto-pair with an in-cab solar receiver. These are fitted alongside a pair of wheel loss and temperature sensors on each wheel. The business is also making the most of Wheely-Safe’s handy Pressure and Brake Temperature Checkers.
“We’ve had the system in place for around 12 months now on the FH tractor and it has worked really well,” adds Parsons. “While we’ve had no incidents so far, it just gives us that comfort that everything is working as it should be.
“The handheld checker makes the drivers’ life a lot easier when it comes to their daily inspections, it’s so easy to use. We have even given one of the devices to our local Volvo Trucks dealer, so they don’t have to use their own gauges and fiddle around with the valve caps when doing the PMIs (preventative maintenance inspections).
“We have a fitter on site who installed it all and he will do the trailers and the new trucks, when they arrive, too. Because the system is interchangeable it doesn’t matter which tractor unit is pulling which trailer as the sensors automatically link to the receiver in the cab. It really is a great bit of kit.”