road represents significant value for our customers.” Behind the technology are dedicated teams. “On any mine we serve, dedicated on-site teams and 24/7 remote condition monitoring experts play a critical role in executing the tyre management strategy and using these innovations to their fullest.” Kal Tire’s Reliability Analyst teams add another layer of optimisation. “Our Reliability Analyst teams help to maximise the output of KalPRO technologies by identifying patterns and developing strategies with customers and OEM partners to increase asset performance.” Safety remains a central pillar of innovation. “At Kal Tire, we also feel it’s our responsibility to make our work around the wheel as safe as possible,” says Martin. The company’s Innovation Centre in Canada has developed tools to protect technicians while improving efficiency. These include “GATR (Gravity Assist Tooling Rig), which supports the weight of heavy tools, like torque guns; and WheelJaws, which removes technicians from the danger zone during the final steps of mounting and dismounting assemblies.” Sometimes, the simplest innovations deliver significant impact. “One tool we’ve developed that’s now available to mine sites everywhere via Haltec and AME that is simple and impactful is ValveShield, which protects flying rocks from displacing valve stems, which can lead to leaks, tyre damage, and downtime.” Data-driven value in action While technology and tools are impressive in their own right, their real value lies in measurable results. TOMS, with its AI-driven aggregation of work, enables customers to “aggregate work more effectively using AI functionality to support planning,” ensuring that tyre- related tasks are scheduled strategically rather than reactively. The outcome is fewer unplanned stoppages, improved safety performance, and extended tyre life – all of which translate into stronger returns on one of the mine’s most significant operating costs. Across Southern Africa, where mines operate in challenging conditions and under increasing pressure to deliver more with less, the ability to integrate independent supply, lifecycle services, AI-enabled planning, and safety-focused innovation positions Kal Tire as more than a tyre provider. It becomes, in Martin’s words, a partner focused on one overriding goal: “keeping trucks hauling as safely and productively as possible.” b
For mine managers, this combination of AI-driven planning and near real- time reporting translates into greater predictability and control – two critical levers in high-value, high-risk operations. Innovations that protect uptime Reducing downtime and operating costs remains a constant priority for mining companies. According to Martin, “helping mines boost productivity as well as tyre life and safety has driven Kal Tire’s innovation programme.” Among the most notable developments is KalPRO TireSight. “TireSight autonomous inspections can detect different kinds of tyre damage without haul trucks even needing to stop,” he explains. “It significantly improves the quality and frequency of inspections and reduces
technicians’ exposure to trucks and autonomous operation areas, which will become increasingly important as mine sites automate.” Complementing this is KalPRO HaulSight. “HaulSight, our latest offering, gives our customers instant alerts about hazards such as spillage or road undulations that could damage trucks and tyres or impact cycle speeds and fuel burn.” By identifying and addressing these hazards early, “this is keeping roads at their best so trucks spend less time in the shop and more time hauling.” Integration is key. “Both HaulSight and TireSight integrate with TOMS, automating work orders and ensuring priority tyre and road work is addressed when needed.” The value proposition is clear: “Every hour and every day we keep a truck on the
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS MARCH 2026 11
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