Tire chain manufacturer Insta-Chain delivered its automatic ice chains to Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation in Gaffney, S.C., earlier this week for use on Thomas Built school buses with Freightliner spring or air-ride suspensions.
These automatic winter driving chains provide increased traction, which in turn enhances the safe transport of students in icy conditions. School bus operators can activate the driving chains with a simple flip of a switch in the cab and gain better traction in just a few seconds.
Insta-Chain, which is based in Springville, Utah, completed factory installation trials from August through September 2012 at the Gaffney facility, and sent regular shipments through the rest of 2012.
John Atkinson Jr., president of Insta-Chain, appreciates the company’s long-standing relationship with Freightliner. Both Freightliner and Thomas Built Buses are Daimler Trucks North America companies.
“Considering our mounting system was designed in concert with and approved by Freightliner engineering, it was a no-brainer for Insta-Chain to supply for the Thomas Built Bus chassis,” said Atkinson.
Dealers and bus fleet managers may order Insta-Chain products by using the option code FL 576-034 for Type C Thomas Built buses and *CH-151 for Type D buses.
Every year transporation directors in cold climates inspect their snow chains as part of their winter preparations and train drivers on chain usage and skid control to achieve maximum safety.
