Hauling logs through the steep, unforgiving terrain of Tasmania’s northwest coast is no easy feat. For seasoned logging contractor Max Jones and his team at Seamax, the challenge of navigating rough tracks, deep mud, and sharp inclines was a daily battle—until Aussie CTI transformed the game. The Aussie CTI system delivers unparalleled ride quality, enhanced traction, and significantly reduced tyre wear by optimising tyre pressure in real time. What was once a punishing journey is now a smoother, more efficient operation, proving that when the terrain fights back, Aussie CTI fights harder.

Burnie-based Seamax Group owner Max Jones admits he probably should have retired years ago, but he concedes that getting up and coming to work each day and embracing new technology keeps him young at heart.

His modern fleet of eight specialised log trucks, which include the latest telematics, digital load dockets, forward and rearward-facing cameras, and, of course, the latest Aussie CTI system, is a far cry from the single-drive Max started his logging career with half a century ago.

“We’ve tried various types of Central Tyre Inflation systems in the past with varying degrees of success, Max says. “What struck me first about the Aussie CTI system was its simplicity and the fact you can repair it with standard parts off the shelf from most truck parts stores.”

“The crossbar is very neat, especially with the machined end cap where the hoses attach that connect to the wheels,” Max adds. “The heavy-duty connectors are the same as those used in extreme applications found on fertiliser spreaders, so if they can withstand that environment, it gives us confidence they’ll work well in the mud and dust we see in our application.”

Alloy Rotors

“One thing that especially impressed me was the way Aussie CTI build their rotators,” Max explains. “The alloy rotators have double seals to restrict the ingress of dirt and dust and are finished with a hardened anodised layer on the surface to enhance hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. We’re expecting to get ten years out of these rotators.”

“I keep an exceptionally close eye on operating costs,” Max explains. “I monitor every component and how much we spend on each unit. Almost every truck owner will tell you that tyres are a huge chunk of a truck’s running expenses, so every extra kilometre we can get out of a set of tyres makes an enormous difference to our bottom line. Truth be told, with the Aussie CTI, we consistently achieve over 100,000 kilometres out of drive tyres, which is incredibly pleasing considering the rugged conditions down the northwest.”

Max suggested taking a run with Shane Bray in their Kenworth K220 to see first-hand how the Aussie CTI system worked.

Shane introduced himself and explained that he’s been driving for Seamax for almost a decade. He admits that the Aussie CTI system is simple to operate and allows the flexibility to fine-tune tyre pressures to suit each application.

Reduce Ground Pressure

Shane explained that one of the key benefits of Aussie CTI in logging applications like his is its ability to reduce ground pressure.

“For example, the tyre footprint of a loaded truck doubles when the tyre pressure reduces from 90 PSI to 60 PSI,” Shane says. “This is particularly useful in the Northwest coast where the roads are often soft, muddy, and wet, because when tyre pressure lowers, the contact area between the tyre and the ground increases, distributing the vehicle’s weight over a larger surface, reducing the risk of the vehicle becoming bogged.”

“These eight drive tyres have 16.5 tonnes sitting on them when the truck is fully loaded. When the tyre pressure is at 90 PSI, the ground pressure on each tyre is 2.06 tonne per tyre, but when I lower the pressure to 60 PSI, the ground pressure of each tyre drops to approximately one tonne per tyre. Then, when I drop the pressure down to 30 PSI, the tyre has an enormous footprint, reducing the ground pressure even further and making it very easy to move off in soft going.”

The Aussie CTI system allows logging trucks to maintain mobility in challenging terrains by enabling tyres to float over soft ground rather than sinking, much like how four-wheel-drive vehicles navigate sandy beaches by reducing their tyre pressure.

Dashboard Mounted Controller

The dashboard-mounted controller has three buttons with a high preset (90 PSI), medium preset (60 PSI), and low preset (30 PSI). The rotary dial allows for fine-tuning of the pressure; when the system deflates, the dial’s colour changes to blue and green when it’s inflating. When it reaches the set tyre pressure, the knob colour changes to orange.

“On the bitumen, I mainly run 52 PSI on the empty run back to the bush,” Shane said. “I find that 52 PSI suits this Mini-B trailer set; it provides a smooth ride, which means the truck and trailer are not getting shaken apart. When I get on the dirt, I lower the pressure to 32 PSI, enabling the tyres to better roll over sharp rocks, which helps resist fractures and punctures. I run the drive tyres at 60 PSI for loaded bush running, then increase the pressure to 90 PSI for highway running.

Shane explained that it takes a few minutes for the system to deflate or inflate the tyres to the new set pressure after he presses the preset button or manually adjusts the pressure with the rotary dial.

“You quickly get to know where to start deflating or inflating the tyres so they are at the required pressure when the terrain or road conditions change,” Shane says.

“Overall, we’re more than happy with the Aussie CTI systems on our trucks,” Max concludes.

The state-of-the-art Aussie CTI dash controller boasts user-friendly functionality at the driver’s fingertips. Three buttons to the left of the dash controller have preset pressures: High (90 PSI), Medium (60 PSI), and Low (30 PSI). The colour-coded rotary dial to the right allows the driver to fine-tune the pressure up or down by rotating the dial.  When the rotary dial is blue, the system is deflating; when it’s green, it’s inflating; and when it’s orange, it indicates the system has reached the set tyre pressure. The system also alerts the driver of any problems.

Pressure Distribution Safety Valve

The Pressure Distribution Safety Valve (PDSV) mounted in the chassis

boasts several exceptional features. It excludes cross pumping, thus keeping even tyre pressures when working on side slopes, and also allows all eight drive tyres to inflate or deflate simultaneously. Plus, a Schrader valve mounted on the side of the alloy block enables the system to be inflated with workshop air if required. The PDSV also protects the system in the case a drop pipe or tyre is damaged, and there is a rapid loss of air.

“One of the unique attributes of our system is that it is serviceable,” Aussie CTI Sales Manager Andrew Kee explains. “When designing this system, we considered that many of our systems operate in remote regions of the country. Consequently, we ensured that many of the working parts, such as hoses, air fittings and valves, were traditional parts easily accessible at any parts outlet, whether it be Port Hedland in the Pilbara, Cloncurry in Queensland or Burnie in Tasmania, customers easily purchase spare parts from most truck parts stores. For instance, the down tube hoses are standard ½ inch J844 Nylon tubing commonly used on most trailers and American style trucks,” Andrew added.

“We use heavy-duty nut and tail fittings from the tyre valve to the air hose connecting to the rotator,” Andrew said. “We’ve used these on super spreaders for years with great success, and given that fertiliser combined with moisture and mud from paddocks is very corrosive on the air fittings, we know this works and works well.”

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Precision Machined

Precision machined from durable billet alloy, Aussie CTI rotators feature dual seals to prevent dust ingress into the system. They are completely serviceable and interchangeable with other CTI systems.

“Another advantage of having our Aussie CTI system fitted on a truck operating in harsh conditions is reducing shock loading to differentials and the drive train when a wheel slips,” Andrew explained. “Whereas when the tyre has a larger footprint, the likelihood of a wheel slipping significantly reduces, and if it does slip, it absorbs the shock much like a spring.”

“Furthermore, safety is enhanced because vehicles equipped with Aussie CTI maintain better control on slippery or unstable surfaces, reducing the likelihood of accidents,” Andrew revealed. “By improving traction and stability, Aussie CTI minimises the risks associated with driving in remote and hazardous logging environments.”

Aussie CTI offers numerous benefits for heavy vehicles operating in logging applications. Because the system adjusts tyre pressures according to terrain conditions, Aussie CTI enhances traction, prevents vehicles from becoming bogged in soft ground, preserves forest roads, improves fuel efficiency, extends tyre lifespan, and enhances safety.

“The adoption of Aussie CTI technology in the logging industry represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable and efficient operations,” Andrew added. “Ultimately benefiting both businesses and the environment.”

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Contact Aussie CTI 

Sales & Customer Service 

Phone: 0459 222 137

Email andrew@aussiecti.com.au

Technical Support 

Phone: 0491 658 262

Email workshop@aussiecti.com.au