City Lifting, based in Purfleet, operates a large and diverse fleet of mobile cranes and trucks, many of which feature complex multi-axle configurations – some with up to eight axles.
Previously reliant on external contractors for wheel alignment, the company faced growing costs, scheduling delays, and unnecessary tyre wear due to misalignment and vehicles being dispatched before alignment could be completed.
‘We were spending a lot on contractor alignments, and when timing didn’t line up, we’d end up sending out vehicles before they could be aligned properly,’ says Simon Sanderson, Workshop Manager at City Lifting.
‘That sometimes meant we’d ruin tyres that can cost around £1,600 each. We knew we needed to take control of the process.’
AES UK provided an on-site demonstration of the Josam Laser AM, an analogue laser-based wheel alignment and chassis measurement system designed specifically for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
The alignment system works by projecting precise laser beams from mounted brackets on each axle to measure toe and camber angles. Technicians can then compare the readings against manufacturer specifications and make accurate adjustments quickly. After seeing the system in action, City Lifting immediately decided to invest. AES UK then delivered the equipment and conducted on-site training for the company’s technicians.
‘We saw an immediate improvement,’ says Simon, ‘and the ability to carry out alignments in-house has led to major savings on tyres alone, even before factoring in the cost of using external contractors. Significant savings were evident from the start and we estimate the system paid for itself in about six months.’
Also reports Simon, with correctly aligned axles, tyre wear has dropped dramatically, and fuel efficiency has improved thanks to reduced rolling resistance – operational gains which have had a direct and favourable impact on the business’s bottom line.
Moreover, says the company, driver feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with operators reporting that the cranes now ‘drive like a dream’, with noticeably improved handling and stability.
‘Our decision to invest in the Josam wheel alignment system,’ adds Simon Sanderson, ‘is a good example of how bringing key services in-house, and using the right equipment from experts such as AES UK, delivers both cost savings and performance improvements across the board.’
Simon also praised AES UK for their outstanding customer service and support throughout the process. ‘The service from AES UK was second to none,’ he says. ‘From the initial demonstration to the delivery, setup and training, they were professional, knowledgeable, and completely supportive every step of the way. It gave us total confidence in the investment.’
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