New Zealand Success for Vipal in Agricultural Segment
Vipal retreader Power Retreads, based in Hastings, New Zealand has reported significant performance increases in the mileage of agricultural tyres retreaded with vulcanised tread blocks from the Brazilian tread manufacturer, and has consequently begun to offer the service to the local market.
Power Retreads Launches Relugging Service
According to Vipal, Power Retreads tested Vipal's vulcanised blocks, used to retread tyres on fertiliser spreaders in the relugging process, and has obtained approval across the board. The Director of Power Retreads, Dave Leicester, says there has been a 53% improvement in the mileage of newly relugged tyres compared to a brand-new tyre.
As a result, Power Retreads immediately made Vipal's vulcanised blocks available to its customers in the New Zealand market, offering this new and specific service for tyres used on small trucks that travel both on highways and in the field, where they are used to spread fertilisers on grass paddocks, on flat and hilly terrain.
"The tests carried out on Vipal's relugged tyres, both on the rear and front axles, have shown excellent performance providing good traction both uphill and downhill on slick grassy surfaces,” said Leicester. “They have also had good mileage performance on the road compared to new tyres.” According to Leicester, drivers who at first feared that the vehicle would vibrate said that “the truck works well, and they are very happy with the performance of Vipal's relugged tyres.”
Power Retreads is the first Vipal customer in New Zealand to offer this service, which is claimed to offer advantages over new tyres from Asia which compete with retreads in this segment. Since vehicles travel not only in the field, but also on paved roads, the corners of the block tend to wear down on new tyres, eventually losing traction and forcing the tyres to be removed from service early. With relugging, this wear is avoided, making it possible to obtain higher tyre performance. The Sales Manager at Power Retreads, Jason McCabe, confirms this: "These types of tyres are removed at the beginning of winter as the edges of the block begin to wear out. What’s good about Vipal´s relugging is that the edges look good and sharp, which also increases the tyre’s life.”
Leicester notes that agribusiness is the backbone of New Zealand's economy, representing over 10% of the country's GDP. “Power Retreads understands the importance of the rural sector, that's why it began relugging tyres for fertiliser spreader trucks with Vipal Rubber, which provides an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for the agricultural transport segment”, he concluded.
“Vipal Rubber takes great satisfaction in seeing that its products are approved by customers worldwide, and when this confirmation comes spontaneously and with very significant results, as is the case with our customer Power Retreads, it is proof that we are on the right path: investing in products with high technology and superior quality”, stated the Regional Coordinator of Vipal Rubber, Dijan Rigo.