The Evolution of TRT Traction Air

OVERVIEW

TRT Traction Air has evolved through 20 years of development into a central tyre inflation and pressure management system for trucks, trailers and TIDD cranes.

The system helps operators manage tyre pressure for changing conditions, while supporting safety, productivity and asset protection.

SITUATION

TRT Traction Air began with a clear transport problem.

Vehicles working off-highway needed the right tyre pressure for the surface, load and operating conditions.

The system’s early development was shaped by logging sector needs.

Forest owners wanted vehicles to reduce road wear while still keeping traction and control in difficult terrain.

Gavin Halley has worked closely with Traction Air for 20 years.

His role across sales, parts and service helped connect product development with after-sales support.

CHALLENGE

Early central tyre inflation systems carried cost, size and reliability challenges.

Older valve systems were larger, harder to protect and more exposed to contamination.

Vehicle technology also changed over time.

As available chassis space reduced, TRT needed to make the system smaller, smarter and easier to protect.

Pick and carry crane operation added another challenge.

For TIDD cranes, tyre pressure needed to be actively maintained because the tyres act as the crane’s working base.

SOLUTION

TRT continued to refine the Traction Air system across hardware, electronics and software.

Communication systems improved, with electronics protected through an in-cab ECU.

For trucks and other vehicles, Traction Air operates as a full central tyre inflation system.

It lets drivers manage tyre pressure for road speed, load and terrain.

For TIDD cranes, TRT uses pressure maintenance software.

The system maintains 130 PSI in the tyres, 100 percent of the time while the crane is operating.

The system can also warn operators if pressure does not match speed thresholds.

If pressure is not increased, it can adjust to the next safest pressure for the speed being travelled.

MADE POSSIBLE:

Traction Air now supports a wide range of heavy transport and lifting applications.

For off-highway transport, the system helps improve traction, reduce wheel spin and reduce vibration through the chassis.

For TIDD cranes, pressure maintenance helps protect stability during pick and carry operation.

It also gives operators and asset owners greater confidence during travel, setup and lifting work.

The system can trigger an alarm when a tyre is compromised.

This helps reduce the risk of tyre-related issues during operation, lifting or travel.

TRT’s work on Traction Air reflects a practical pattern of improvement.

The team identifies the next problem, refines the system and keeps moving the product forward.