Glenalmond switches to Michelin tyres

Glenalmond Timber is switching to Michelin tyres across its fleet of machinery following a trial of Michelin XZM industrial tyres on two fork lift trucks.

Perth sawmiller Glenalmond had been using solid tyres on its 13 counterbalance fork lifts and three side-loader trucks but found they could not withstand the wear and tear of moving bulk loads of timber around the yard.

“The solid tyres had a reputation for being budget-savers,” said production director Martin Clelland.

“But they were so prone to damage that they ended up costing us astronomical amounts in repairs and replacements. We had to change then every three to four months.”

Glenalmond first trialled Michelin tyres on two fork lifts in 2008 and the company said they are still going strong two years later.

Mr Clelland said he wished he had switched to Michelin earlier. “I suppose we just didn’t realise what a difference it would make.”

He said the savings generated by the switch would be “considerable”.