even thought it would take longer, and it meant getting a class 2 driver’s licence for the new trucks which have increased in size from six to nine metres, as they also carry 24 tyres. The first five new Tyrebox equipped vehicles, including a van, are going to Carter’s best and most experienced staff who work late shifts. The main challenge now is that everyone will want one. Importers Century Distributors’ general manager Todd Jenkins says the Tyrebox is an off-the-shelf solution and all components are built into one
simple-to-install package. Developed by Guernet Compressors, the diesel engine, tyre changer, and compressor in the Guernet Tyrebox are all designed to work together.
ALL HYDRAULIC All of the tyre changing operations, including clamping unit rotation, are hydraulically driven and it is currently the only fully hydraulic option in the market. This compressed air-driven hydraulic solution provides more torque, more reliability, and as it’s diesel powered, it can be mounted anywhere outside without the need for a power supply to an electric motor.
A 17hp Lombardini diesel engine drives a piston compressor and 120L reserve air tank. Being a simple diesel engine, the maintenance requirement is low and servicing can be carried out by any diesel mechanic. No special parts or tools are required. The hydraulics deliver a massive 25,000 Newtons of bead breaking force — that is the equivalent of the Sice S45A in-store tyre changer, and 5500 Newtons more than the nearest competitor. The Tyrebox comes with two 20m hose reels — one for inflation and one for air tools — however, the unit is still 100kg lighter than the nearest competitor, at 739kgs for the complete unit, an equivalent of two extra tyres in weight saving.
PISTONS VS SCREWS
Mike Guard with the traditional tools — levers
The tyre machine folds out from the truck
The key strength of the Guernet Tyrebox is the piston-type compressor, which offers greater reliability in mobile use. The alternative screwtype compressors are designed to run in industrial applications where they have 18-24 hours continuous use. In a mobile tyre unit, screw compressors suffer premature wear of the screw due to cold starts and water emulsion in the oil. Screw compressor starts will dramatically increase water emulsification in oil, which can be carried from the sump and forced through the air lines. Mike confirms the screw-type compressors on their other trucks need frequent maintenance and rebuilds. A piston compressor, on the other hand, is designed to be run intermittently, optimally at 60 percent use and turned on and off as required — a most suitable match for the mobile tyre changing environment. The Guernet Tyrebox will run consistently between 105 and 170 Psi and never drop lower than the pressure required to inflate a truck tyre, which is the largest demand in the tyre change cycle. For more information on the Guernet Tyrebox, contact Century Distributors on 04 567 1405.
Mike checks tread depth digitally
The bead-breaking hammer
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Auto Channel Issue #42 December 2021
