FIFTEEN years of research and product development has gone into Chet Cline's latest tyre inflation system.
Known as AIR Central Tyre Inflation, Chet's system allows tyre air pressure to be raised or lowered on the go.
Chet said the AIR CTI system could save truck and vehicle owners thousands of dollars from reduced tyre wear.
"I've seen tyre manufacturer research that shows a tyre which is over-inflated 20 per cent will wear out 22 per cent faster than a tyre that's running at the correct pressure," Chet said.
"So imagine the increased wear and tear on trucks such as milk tankers and tip trucks, which are continually being run empty and full with the tyres at the same air pressure."
The key to Chet's AIR CTI system is a unique rotator which is fitted to the hub of the wheel, allowing the rim to spin while the rotator lets air in and out.
The AIR CTI works with the truck's air system, so no extra compressors are required.
"Controlling the system is as simple as changing the station on your radio," Chet said.
"There's a dial in the cabin and you simply turn it as required to alter the tyre pressure."
Chet will have his AIR CTI system on display at next week's Melbourne truck show.
Chet's rotator comes with a one million kilometre warranty.
"This is the sixth generation of the rotator and it's by far the best," Chet said.
"It may look small, but there is serious engineering in it and it will fit a range of vehicles such as four-wheel-drives.
"I'm working on a system for motorbikes and there is no reason why we can't use them on tractors as well."
- For more details, phone Chet on (03) 5127 6128.
