One of South Africa’s largest independent tyre and fitment franchise groups Tyremart, has successfully trialled the Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ ½" mid-torque impact wrench at some of its busiest branches.

Due to the fact that it is not owned by any specific tyre manufacturer, Tyremart has a competitive edge in the marketplace, according to both Sandton Branch Manager Lawrence Abraham and Fourways Branch Manager Martin Fourie.

The company offers a carefully-selected basket of top-branded tyres, priding itself on its professional fitment advice, which ensures that customers receive the best possible solution. “Our professional and unbiased advice is backed up by the widest range of all leading brand tyres, services and accessories,” Abraham explains. Ancillary products include wheels, batteries, shocks, brakes, and alignment.

The company’s fitment centres are properly equipped with the necessary resources and specialist equipment required to get the job done right and on time. All staff receive regular training in the latest fitment techniques, together with product R&D to guarantee their in-depth knowledge and specialist skills.

Key to this philosophy is having the best tools possible, which is why the decision was taken to trial the Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ ½" mid-torque impact wrench at some of Tyremart’s flagship outlets, including Sandton and Fourways. The trial period ran over the December holiday period, traditionally the company’s busiest period due to the large number of people prepping their vehicles for long-distance travel.

In addition to the requirement for quality tools, these also have to be robust and durable due to the large daily throughput at the company’s outlets. While most branches received only a single Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ ½" mid-torque impact wrench to trial, the busiest branches had two, making for a total of about 12 units deployed during the trial period.

The Milwaukee impact wrenches were used exclusively to loosen the bolts of wheels on vehicles, which were placed back again using spanners to ensure that the recommended torque pressure is achieved. What was apparent from the outset was that the Milwaukee impact wrenches resulted in a dramatic increase in turnaround time. “Whereas it used to take a technician about 15 minutes to loosen a wheel by hand, the process has now been reduced to a mere five minutes, which is a third of the total time,” Fourie reveals.

The fact that the Milwaukee impact wrenches are cordless not only makes them lighter and easier to handle than traditional air tools, but it also means there are no tripping hazards from lead extensions lying around, or potentially unsafe electrical connections. The Milwaukee impact wrenches are also less noisy, making for a more comfortable work environment, while the battery technology allows for extended use.

Milwaukee Automotive Specialist Landi Sinden says that Tyremart is an ideal customer for the M18 FUEL™ ½" mid-torque impact wrench, demonstrating how it can improve its turnaround times as well as empower its technicians to be more productive and efficient. The M18 delivers 610 Nm fastening torque. Not only does this make it more powerful than competitor products, it is also shorter and lighter for greater ease of use and manoeuvrability.

The POWERSTATE™ brushless motor delivers up to 2 400rpm for increased productivity, while the smart REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence advanced electronic system prevents damage to the tool and battery caused by overloading or overheating. Used in conjunction with REDLITHIUM™ compact batteries or extended capacity batteries, which are sold separately, the M18 delivers both more work per charge and more work over the life of the pack.

The three-mode DRIVE CONTROL™ ensures greater control over output speed and power for more versatility. The tool allows for quick, tool-free socket changes with a ½" friction ring anvil. In addition, the new overmould material gives ultimate comfort during prolonged use, while lasting longer and affording greater protection.

Fourie concludes that the trial was a resounding success. Response times were boosted, while no maintenance issues were encountered with any tool during the trial period. “The fact that Milwaukee also provides an extensive guarantee backed-up by comprehensive technical support gives us peace of mind as to the quality and dependability of the tools.”