This is a simple but effective statement that was preached to me over and over growing up by my father. I don’t need to sit here and tell you we are in a constantly changing market at warp speed. If I do, you might need to check your pulse for a heartbeat.

I recently attended a tire convention where the key note speakers topic was entitled “Shift Happens”.  Call it what you will, evolution, adaptation or flexibility. If you’re not “Shifting” with your ever changing customer’s needs. Then my friend, I hope you enjoy the view from the back of the pack, because you’re not a leader in your customer’s eyes.

One of my more successful dealers, a leader in his market, recently gave me a tour of his upgraded flagship location.  He proudly showed me his new flatproofing room, used tire corral, customer waiting room with a flat screen and cappuccino machine. Also he added a car wash, so each customer’s car is washed and all his company service trucks are always kept spotless, while projecting a professional image.

When I joking asked when he was putting in a roller coaster for the kids, he replied, “Don’t laugh I’m having a local mobile ice shop stationed out front for the summer to attract walk in customers”. It’s this out of the box thinking that allows him to “shift” with his customers needs and be a leader in his market.

The point being, if you’re not “shifting “you’re not leading.

At Arnco we have been committed since 1971to providing our customers with products and services that capture an ever shifting market. From Arnco’s ecofil products a green fill for flatproofing or the Green Machine a true green processing system. Or to our latest product, Arnco TLC. Arnco TLC is a Tire Lube and Conditioner that not only keeps your wheels rust free, but safely identifies any cracks that may be present in the wheel. If you’re ready to make “shift happen” in your market give us a call here at Arnco and we would be happy to tell you how we can help you “shift” your company’s profits in to high gear.

Supply and Demand may only be part of the story for current rubber prices according to a recent report by ANRPC (the 11-nation association of Natural Rubber Exporting Countries that make up 92% of natural rubber output).  Their recent report has noted four factors that can keep natural prices high during the short term.

Short Term

1. OPEC oil pricing – Saudi Arabia’s new $120 billion public spending will keep demand for higher oil profits
2. Pressure on US dollar – since global rubber prices are mostly traded in US dollars, lower valuation pressures exporting countries to increase pricing
3. Speculation – continued low interest rates in US is speeding the flow of Hedge fund speculation into Asia-Pacific region.  Rubber prices are then driven up or down by quotations in the futures market and government policies, not purely by demand.
4. China’s demand – while automobile sales are slowing, China still remains 52% of natural rubber consumption

Long Term

1. Weather and Government Policies – while adverse weather in Southeast Asia has impacted current rubber pricing, the longer term story is difficult to predict as government backed expansion of rubber plantations in Thailand, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines could lead to overproduction just as global economic demand flattens and perhaps ultimately leading to a collapse of rubber pricing.
2. Rubber Farms – forecasts remain problematic as the Southeast Asian rubber market is comprised of almost 10 million small and marginal producers whose simple preference of when to uproot older trees, collectively impact futures pricing .

Commonly referred to as foam fill, tire fill, and poly fill, Arnco’s patented products reduce downtime related to punctured tires or flat tires.  The liquid polyurethane is pumped into the tire through the valve stem until it replaces all of the air which now results into a solid tire, but with a softer ride than a solid rubber tire.  The result are flatproof tires that improve the productivity of the equipment

video

Tire Flipping

The solution?  Polyurethane Tire Fill will extend tire life,  increase productivity and reduce the cost of tire repair or replacement.

See here for what mining equipment can be tire flatproofed:

Tire Fill Mining Equipment

Commonly referred to as foam fill, tire fill, and poly fill, Arnco’s patented products reduce downtime related to punctured tires or flat tires.  The liquid polyurethane is pumped into the tire through the valve stem until it replaces all of the air which now results into a solid tire, but with a softer ride than a solid rubber tire.  The result are flatproof tires that improve the productivity of the equipment.

This time however, shots from an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle did not cause  flat tires and the Military Police were able to complete their mission without fear of abandoning their vehicle due to flat tires.

Compared to solid rubber tires, the softer durometer foam fill used, SuperFlex, was able to provide a flatproof option reaching speeds up to 55mph with the proper deflection and ride comfort to both the vehicle and operator. 

Commonly referred to as foam fill, tire fill, and poly fill, Arnco’s patented products reduce downtime related to punctured tires or flat tires.  The liquid polyurethane is pumped into the tire through the valve stem until it replaces all of the air which now results into a solid tire, but with a softer ride than a solid rubber tire.  The result are flatproof tires that improve the productivity of the equipment.

The first step is a temperature controlled, ventilated room with plenty of good lighting that is easily accessible by a forklift.

That is the great start, but keeping it clean and operational is an everyday process.  Educate your processors on the importance of being a professional, as well as keeping the work area safe and clean.  Tire filling is an easy job as long as you do the necessary clean up steps, both when you have a spill and when you complete filling tires and prepare the pump for shutdown.

All of these steps are also listed in your Arnco Tire Flatproofing Technical Manual.

A safe and clean environment will keep your tire fill business simple and profitable.

If you have any other issues, please contact the territory manager for your area at 1-800-821-4147.

Superflex, a softer durometer tire flatproofing material was then tested on all four 26.5 – 25 tires with L-5 slicks put on the front for longer wear characteristics.  Each took about 2,000lbs of this softer material and because of its unique load deflection characteristics, were able to provide a more air like ride.

A few months went by before the salesman followed up and was told that, the fuller footprint allowed for better traction and they were now able to carry a larger load.

“Without having my tires foam filled, my machine would probably be out of service at least once EACH hour”

After about six months, the tires are also retreaded by Industrial Tire Service in Portland, “We can recap most of these 6 or 7 times”

Your warehouse man nervously informs you there is someone to see you! Unfortunately it’s not Publishers Clearing House to present a big check. It’s your city Fire Marshall and a representative from the Environmental Protection Agency.

With a heavy case of cotton mouth, he explains how he dumped a full tote of fill into the adjoining street. After you catch your breath, the first thing you will probably be asked is:

“Where are your MSDS documents?”

Unfortunately this scenario really happened. The Dealer was able to provide the necessary Material Safety Data Sheets to satisfy both parties.

Each initial pump install is sent with these important documents.

Download MSDS Sheets