Scottsdale, Ariz.-based RSC Equipment Rental has adopted solid tires nationwide on all new reach forklifts. The company is partnering with suppliers such as McConnellsburg, Pa.-based JLG Industries to introduce solid rubber tires because of their longer usable lifetime. Solid tires last three to four times longer than their standard or foam-filled counterparts, leading to a decrease in down time, fewer costly replacements and elimination of waste.
"This exciting step will benefit our rental customers by further reducing the likelihood of downtime caused by flats and related tire issues," said John McVeigh, vice president of product management. "This investment will provide huge benefits in efficiency, customer service, reliability and availability, while positively impacting the environment and saving significant costs."
Using tires with a longer lifespan will help reduce the number of tires in landfills, the company said. However, according to RSC, there are also additional advantages beyond those of reliability and sustainability. Solid tires are designed to increase ride comfort when compared against other flat-resistant tires and they also meet the designated weight/ballast requirements for applicable reach forklifts, an important safety consideration for this type of machinery.
The prior field evaluation and successful implementation of similar tires on applicable skid-steer and industrial forklifts in 2005 helped lead RSC to the decision to make solid tires the new standard spec for all newly purchased reach forklifts. RSC began introducing solid tires to all new forklifts in May 2008.
RSC has been committed to providing customers with the most innovative solutions to their rental needs. What has been considered the company's best practices has resulted in making a positive, significant impact on the environment to help reduce their carbon footprint. Solid tires are one example of RSC's commitment to green practices and the idea that together, many small changes can help build a more sustainable future.
By implementing an equipment refurbishment program in 2001, environmentally safe parts washers in 2003 and beginning the evaluation of solid tires in 2005, RSC has reduced CO2 emissions by over 26 million tons.
"As an innovative leader in the rental industry and by partnering with our great suppliers, the introduction of products with a longer lifetime is also a responsible step in terms of managing our overall waste, efficiency and use of resources," said McVeigh. "We believe this is a responsible choice in a differentiating area for our customers and our communities."
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