Over the past five years, our tyre repair team has repaired 677 tyres of various sizes, with a total of 909 repairs, as some tyres have incurred multiple injuries. On average, each repaired tyre gains an additional 1,200 hours of use, extending its lifespan and contributing to significant cost savings.
A truck tyre in our fleet typically runs for anywhere between 2,500 and 3,500 hours, depending on factors like the brand, environmental conditions, and ongoing maintenance. For instance, a Bridgestone 46/90R57 tyre costs around $45,000, while an underground tyre averages around $10,000. These costs can quickly add up, making the focus on repair instead of replacement crucial for driving operational efficiency.
The tyre maintenance team at Tropicana is a highly coordinated group consisting of two tyre repairers, six tyre fitters, two tyre fitter trainees, and one leading hand. Their combined expertise is essential to the smooth operation of the fleet.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure that tyres can run longer, provide cost savings and reduce waste”
says Scott, one of the experienced tyre repairers with over 5 years of service at Tropicana.
A major benefit of handling repairs in-house is the significant cost savings we gain by eliminating the need to transport tyres to Perth, bypassing third-party service fees and, most importantly, preventing tyres from being scrapped. External repairs can take up to three months, but our onsite team delivers a rapid turnaround of just three days. This ability to quickly repair tyres onsite ensures that our fleet is back up and running in minimal time, reducing downtime and keeping production on track.
The team takes a hands-on approach to repairing tyres, designing and building custom patches tailored to suit the specific damage to the tyre, whether it’s for surface or underground repairs. “We don’t just fix tyres—we build solutions that fit the damage,” says Scott.
Each repair is unique, and our ability to design custom patches makes a big difference in the longevity of the tyre.”
“I’m proud of our team and the work that we do. One of the other tyre repairers, Tim and I, have 30 years of collective tyre repair and tyre knowledge, and we’ve just celebrated our five-year milestones at Tropicana—both without a single injury or incident. This achievement speaks to the commitment of our entire team to work safely and effectively in challenging conditions.
When not repairing tyres, Tim and Scott help the tyre fitters on the pad, especially when staffing levels are tight. They also conduct pit inspections, offering valuable recommendations on how to improve tyre life. “Improvements like sheeting the pit floors, slowing down truck speeds, maintaining corners, and keeping the site clean all contribute to better tyre performance,” explains Scott. “We also stress the importance of routine tyre rotations and proper pressure management as vital maintenance practices that significantly extend tyre life.”
“Every week, Tim and I perform fleet inspections to assess the condition of the tyres. If we spot any early signs of damage, we make sure to remove and repair them before the issue worsens. A small issue can become a big problem if not addressed quickly, and we do everything we can to prevent that from happening,” says Scott.
The commitment of our tyre repair team at Tropicana has not only resulted in savings to Macmahon and our client but has also ensured the efficiency and safety of our operations. By keeping tyres in service for longer, we’re helping to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of our operations. It’s a win-win for both the company and the environment.
