08.02.2011

Where coach travel is concerned, Walsall based Parry’s International aims to raise the game in terms of providing a great passenger experience. Its 11-strong fleet is made up of 14 metre, tri-axle Van Hool T917 Astron touring coaches specified to the highest level of luxury and the latest arrival has set the firm back almost half a million pounds.

Not surprising then that when drivers reported a marked reduction in noise levels and a softer ride from coaches fitted with Continental’s HSL and HDL tyres, transport manager Mark Ramsden took careful note. Here was another opportunity to further improve passenger comfort and help persuade even more people of how enjoyable modern-day coach travel can be.

“We had been using another premium tyre make but supply problems led Van Hool to ask us if they could fit Continentals,” explains Mark. “This provided an opportunity to compare performance and we were immediately impressed. Our drivers said that they noticed a significant lowering of noise levels and they also felt that the overall ride was better.

“Since then we’ve seen a coach go through its entire three years with us on the original set of tyres, clocking up around 250,000 kilometres in the process. Now we’ve moved to the next generation HSL2 and HDL2 tyres on new Van Hool Astron T917s that are joining our fleet for the 2011 season, including our recently delivered ‘Diamond Class’ 34 seat super luxury coach.”

These tyres are designed for long distance travel with the HSL2 for use on steer axles and fitted to both the front and rear steer axles of the Astrons and the HDL2 used on the drive axle. The tyres provide enhanced ride and wear qualities as well as helping to improve fuel efficiency.

A new 4-ply triangular belt and steel cord bead reinforcer increases stiffness allowing the tyre to roll with low deformation yet without losing its spring properties. The optimised contour also increases the air volume for the same tyre size and reduces the tyre weight, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency. And Continental’s unique AirKeep® technology is employed, which incorporates a special inner layer to reduce creeping air loss and help maintain tyre pressure for up to 50% longer.

“Maintaining correct pressures is fundamental to ensuring that you get a good life out of tyres,” says Mark. “And it also contributes to increased safety and better fuel consumption. That’s why our drivers are required to check their tyres carefully each day and why tyre pressure monitoring and inspections are a key part of our fortnightly safety checks.”

The Van Hool T917s operated by Parry’s International are powerful coaches. Their MAN DO2676 engines are rated at 353 kW (480 PS) and deliver a massive 2100 Nm of torque to the drive axle. The HDL2 drive axle tyre has been designed to cope with these high torque forces and uses arrow-shaped tread blocks in the direction of travel that lower rolling resistance and enable smooth move-offs and good acceleration. The design is also M+S marked to enable the coaches to operate in Germany without the need to fit winter tyres.

The HSL2 steer tyre tread has a tetrahedral pattern with a very narrow groove that allows it to run lightly and with very little noise. This tread design also reduces the incidence of stone and foreign objects becoming trapped.

“We’ve very pleased with the performance of our Continentals,” says Mark Ramsden. “They’re helping us to provide our passengers with a more comfortable travel experience, which should encourage them to continue to take coach holidays and excursions. And they’re helping to reduce our costs through the contribution they make to better fuel efficiency and because of the high mileage they deliver.”