Pneumatic Components (PCL) has developed a mobile tyre inflation solution for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) which is expected to cut costs and increase efficiency.

The system is approximately one-third of the price of a mobile hydrovane alternative and significantly cheaper than fixed installations.

ECFRS needs to be able to inflate the tyres on its fire engines to 130psi or above, and while commercial fleets typically return to a single operating centre which has fixed air compressors and piped outlets, it is cost prohibitive to install these systems at numerous rural or urban fire stations.

Instead, the designer, manufacturer and distributor of pneumatic and tyre systems worked with ECFRS to design and develop a prototype device, which features a fully charged breathing apparatus connected to a pre-set digital gauge and inflation hose on a mobile unit for maximum manoeuvrability around the appliance bay.

Peter Warner, engineering manager at Essex Fire Service fleet workshops, said: “Keeping the tyres on our appliances correctly inflated is essential for safety reasons but also because it minimises tyre wear and improves fuel economy.

“PCL worked closely with us to understand our requirements and we are all very proud of the end result. The mobile inflation solution they have cleverly designed will save considerable costs while enabling greater efficiency in keeping our appliances’ tyres in peak condition.”

ECFRS has already taken delivery of 20 of the units, while pilot orders have also been received from Gloucestershire and Northern Ireland Fire Services.