European Union Regulation 141 has been introduced mandating tyre monitoring system on all vehicle, but what do new EU tyre rules mean for the Australian transport industry?
Australia currently does not manufacture passenger vehicles, therefore we have not implemented legislation to fit Tyre Monitoring Systems (TMSystems). However, as all Australian passenger vehicles are imported, all new passenger vehicles that come to Australia are already fitted with TMSystems.
It is interesting to note that none of these imported passenger vehicles with TMSystems have the capability to add / monitor the tyres of a tow asset such as a Trailer, Caravan, Boat.
As many of our trucks, prime movers and cranes are imported from the EU, then it will not be long before Australia will soon possibly see many of these vehicles being offered with factory fitted TMSystems.
What do new EU tyre rules mean for the Australian transport industry?
According to LSM Technologies, buyer beware, select your TMSystem technology locally and consider:
- Australia sources/builds its trailers here in Australia and as such the OEM fitted TMSystem installed on the Truck/Bus/Crane, etc may not be compatible or available in the Australian market for your trailers.
- You will require local technical support and critical spare parts supply, especially replacement Tyre Sensors, and they need to be re-programmed.
- Specialist training and support is required for mechanical service providers and also for drivers/operators of vehicles.
- TMSystems are not all the same, and especially may not be fit-for-purpose for heavy industrial on (and off) road vehicles.
- It is important that you do not have various types/different manufacturers of TMSystems in your fleet. This is especially important for ensuring common spares and technical support, as TMSystems are all different.
- TMSystems from EU will most likely not be able to support beyond one truck (or maybe one trailer). Specialised TMSystems are required for multi -combinations of trailers and dollies etc. For example the TyreGuard® MTR360.
- OEM fitted TMSystems will be most likely utilise Internal Tyre Sensors, which can cause many expensive issues compared to the benefits of External Tyre Sensors.
- OEM fitted TMSystem may not be compatible (or available) to telematics systems to provide back to base reporting, alerts, etc. For example, LSM Technologies provides their own in- house developed and integrated FSM® Fleet Safety Manager (+Tracking) for customers that require the benefits of such technology.
