Aussie CTI Showcase New CTI System at Brisbane Truck Show.

Merely mention the term Central Tyre Inflation in just about any trucking depot around the country, and the first name that springs into your mind is Andrew Kee. That’s purely because he’s spent the best part of the past three decades as the go-to man for CTI systems Down Under. Watch how CTI works on the log truck climbing the steep hill in the video on our home page.

Andrew Kee heads up Aussie-CTI, and we asked him to explain how the system works and what benefits operators would expect from an Aussie-CTI system.

Key features of the new Aussie CTI system

• Standard off-the-shelf pole
• New Aussie-CTI hose end cap
• The new cabin controller can be DIN or bracket mounted.
• New Aussie-CTI Pressure Distribution Safety Valve (PDSV)
• The new Aussie-CTI rotator now comes equipped with a twin-bearing heavy-duty sealed protection and mounts directly onto standard axle studs.

Aussie-CTI will display its new CTI system at the Brisbane Truck Show site 216 mezzanine level.

Andrew Kee heads up Aussie-CTI, and we asked him to explain how the system works and what benefits operators would expect from an Aussie-CTI system.

“Take a fully laden tandem drive log truck, for instance,” Andrew began. “On the highway, it needs approximately 92psi only in its drive tyres. This is the required hot tyre pressure, which relates to an 80psi cold pressure, and that is precisely what Michelin and most other tyre manufacturers recommend for 16.5 tonnes on eight 11R22.5 tyres that you see on the log truck on the previous page.

“On gravel roads, this loaded truck should run 60psi,” he explained. “Then in really poor traction areas, they can drop to 30psi for maximum traction, inflating back to 60 once the road improves.”

“An empty prime mover with Elphinstone EasyLoader trailers towed behind only requires 30psi on the highway. That’s because the eight tyres will support only six to seven tonnes. On the empty run back to the log landing, the driver would drop their tyre pressure to 30psi on the gravel section.”

“To get a reasonable idea of optimum tyre pressures on the highways, look at the flat spot on the steer tyres where they meet the road,” Andrew explained. “That flat spot should be six or seven inches long, 150 to 190mm long. Then look at the drive tyres. What length is the flat spot where the tyre meets the road? Is it similar, or is it totally round? It should be similar for highway work. This provides the best traction, ride, tyre life, and safety.”

“If anyone argues, just point back to the front tyres,” Andrew smiles.

“Sure, we get so many comments from people who say you can’t run pressures that low. But do the maths for yourself. An empty semi-trailer on 12 wheels may only support four tonnes or less per tri-group. Conversely, an empty tandem drive prime mover will have four tonnes on eight tyres. Think about the old family Holden car carrying two passengers for a minute, weighing two tonnes on four tyres. It’s the same load, but you don’t run 100psi in your Holden tyres….”

The heart of the Aussie-CTI is the dash-mounted controller, allowing quick and easy switching between pre-set pressures. For a traditional logging operation, these are 30psi, 60psi and 90psi. In addition, the pre-set pressures can be adjusted on the fly with a simple button press. Meanwhile, inbuilt safety measures are also installed to ensure the driver is always aware of any issue.

How it works is simple when broken into a few sections.

Air Supply: The air supply from the truck’s air system is connected to an inflating solenoid mounted on the PDSV (Pressure Distribution Safety Valve). This assembly is generally located out of the way at the rear of the chassis and regulates the air supply to each of the tyre groups.

Deflate System: The unique automatic PDSV combines two stainless solenoid valves, one for inflating and one for deflating for safety and pressure control. The PDSV allows instant isolation of any wheelset in case of accidental tyre damage and also prevents cross-pumping from the low side to the high side. It also prevents any uneven inflation or deflation, ensuring even tyre wear.

The unique Aussie CTI-designed and manufactured anodised alloy twin-bearing wheel-end rotators have Australian-made long-life seals and US-made carbide seats that deliver excellent bearing protection with a triple sealing rotator. Rotators are easily installed using the original axle studs for reliability and fit-up ease. They also include reliable nut and tail connectors on tyre hoses to simplify tyre changes.

Rod Hannifey and his TruckRight Industry Vehicle (TIV) predominantly operate on the highway, and Rod is a big advocate of the CTI system and its benefits.

Here are Andrew’s top ten benefits of fitting an Aussie CTI (Central Tyre Inflation) system to a heavy vehicle:

• Increased Traction: CTI allows you to adjust the tyre pressure according to road conditions. This feature allows for better traction and safety on loose, wet or uneven terrain, increasing vehicle mobility.
• Reduced Tyre Wear: By maintaining optimal tyre pressure, the CTI helps to reduce tyre wear, extending the life of the tyres and reducing replacement costs.
• Improved Fuel Economy: Proper tyre inflation reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy, which saves money over time.
• Better Stability: Properly inflated tyres contribute to the vehicle’s stability, helping to prevent rollovers and other accidents.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: CTI helps prevent tyre damage and reduce maintenance costs, which can be expensive in terms of downtime and repairs.
• Improved Safety: Properly inflated tyres contribute to better vehicle handling and up to 20% shorter braking, enhancing overall vehicle safety.
• Increased Payload Capacity: The ability to adjust tyre pressure means that heavy vehicles can carry more weight without overloading the tyres, which is essential for industries such as mining and agriculture.
• Enhanced Off-Road Capability: The CTI allows drivers to lower tyre pressure when off-roading, increasing the vehicle’s ability to traverse challenging terrain.
• Improved Driver Comfort: Properly inflated tyres contribute to a smoother ride, reducing the whole body vibration by up to 60%, which reduces driver fatigue and improves comfort.
• Better Resale Value: Well-maintained vehicles with properly inflated tyres tend to have better resale value, which can be important for companies looking to upgrade their fleets.

You can catch up with Andrew and his team at the Brisbane truck show at site 216 mezzanine level.