Bridgestone’s new IntelliTire system enables real-time monitoring of tire health, including inflation pressure and temperature for 49-inch or smaller sizes.
The company says the system, which was introduced at World of Asphalt, allows operators to proactively address tire issues with automated task lists, increase technician productivity with digital inspections and reporting, and mitigate unplanned maintenance to help reduce downtime and improve driver safety.
“The second that tire is brought into inventory, we’re able to track that piece to when it’s mounted to all of the different tire checks that are done on pressure and heat,” says Tim Netzel, marketing director, off-the-road tires, Bridgestone. “That ecosystem – from product to technology – helps contractors get the most out of their investment and reduce total cost of ownership.”
The system uses valve stem sensors installed on the tires, in addition to internal sensors, to alert operators to potential issues and monitor the tire throughout its life.
The sensor details are transmitted through a cloud-based system, and predictive analytics recommend scheduled maintenance or take the tire out of service. When an issue occurs, a text message alert is sent.
“Let’s say that we had a slow leak, and a tire went flat overnight. We don’t want to wait until the operator shows up the next day to find that out,” says Grok Gates, director of business development, Bridgestone. “With this scenario, the dealer would already know about it. They could dispatch a truck and have it fixed before the operator even shows up for work.”
The valve stem sensors can remain in place while technicians perform regular maintenance.
