01.02.2009

Two more switch to Double Coin

Two more UK crane rental companies have switched tyre suppliers – moving away from their usual suppliers of Michelin and Bridgestone to Double Coin tyres which are produced in China.

Double Coin crane tyres were introduced to the UK market six months ago and made its first breakthrough in September when Davies Crane Hire of Carmarthen became the first company to approve them. Click here to see A new crane tyre for the UK They are distributed in the UK by Kirkby Tyres & Wheels of Liverpool.

The latest companies to make the change are John Sutch Cranes of Liverpool and the Terranova Group in Reading.
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John Sutch cranes in Liverpool

John Sutch Cranes managing director, John Sutch said: “In the current economic climate we began to seriously consider changing our tyre supplier because of rising prices and our attention was drawn towards Double Coin who are now supplying us with an equal quality tyre for both our cranes and trucks but at a more realistic price. So far we are completely satisfied with both the quality and service from Kirkby Tyres and look forward to a good working relationship in the future.”

Alec Glover of Terranova added: “Tyre costs needed to be accessed in the present trading situation and we have been pleasantly surprised at how well Double Coin crane tyres meet our requirements. They have significantly reduced our outlay on tyres but without compromising our high standards in terms of ruggedness and wear.”
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Terranova has switched to Double Coin tyres

Vertikal Comment

Until recently any attempt to fit a tyre other than the Michelin or Bridgestone to an All Terrain crane proved to be a costly disaster proving that quality pays. However we now have three highly experienced crane men – Alec Glover, John Sutch and Malcolm Davies approving this new tyre for their fleets.

It is still early days and it is doubtful if any data is in yet on how they wear etc… it is likely that so far only the first hurdle has been passed, that of being safe and being able to handle the axle loadings that UK crane companies apply to their cranes.

If the wear characteristics also prove comparable the pressure will be on the two major suppliers and surely the crane manufacturers will start to take them seriously?

Watch this space.