Kal Tire’s Innovation Centre in western Canada has been designing and producing proprietary tooling for nearly 10 years to help improve safety and efficiency for its mining tyre technicians. From tools that reduce fatigue and strain to ones that eliminate high risk, KalPRO tools enable technicians to perform work with greater ease, efficiency and safety.
Now, some KalPRO tools will be available to technicians globally through Haltec/AME International, a leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of tyre service tools.
Kal Tire says it has a longstanding commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, driven by its team members who identify challenges and opportunities in the field. Until now, these tools were exclusively used by Kal Tire teams on the sites where they work. As they have proven to make a difference, interest in using them outside of Kal Tire has been building.
“We believe it’s our responsibility to make our work around the wheel as safe as possible, so we’ve focused on reinvesting in our teams, the tools they use and the way they work,” says Dan Allan, Senior Vice President, Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group. “Our KalPRO tools go such a long way in protecting technicians and we saw this partnership with Haltec and AME as a valuable way to bring those benefits to the entire industry.”
The first tool to be widely available through Haltec’s AME International catalogue will be the KalPRO ValveShield, a heavy-duty magnetic valve housing that prevents rocks and debris from displacing valve stems and causing tire failure. This device has proven to provide substantial productivity savings on mine sites across numerous regions.
The KalPRO ValveShield will be on display and available for order taking at the upcoming MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, September 24-26, at both Kal Tire’s booth, Haltec’s, and AME International’s.
“This represents an ideal partnership. Some of the best ideas come from people looking for a better way to achieve a result. Kal Tire changes nearly every sized tyre that is made and can field test in several environments,” says Keith Jarman, President of AME International. “Haltec and AME’s global distribution network can help deliver these innovations to the industry effectively, improving efficiencies and safety.”
Also on display at Kal Tire’s MINExpo booth, will be another highly anticipated KalPRO tool, WheelJaws, which uses remote-controlled clamps that take technicians out of harm’s way during the final and most dangerous step of tyre and wheel assembly removal.
Other KalPRO tools that have been developed and deployed in Kal Tire operations include the GATR or Gravity Assist Tooling Rig for weightless operation of heavy tools like 36 kg torque guns; RamDrive, securing rams for safer bead breaking; and SpringLock, for safer lock ring installation and removal “Our relationship with Haltec spans decades of collaboration and mutual trust,” says Allan. “We look forward to adding more of our KalPRO tools to the Haltec and AME catalogue in months to come.”
