Based in Rotorua, New Zealand, Bigfoot Equipment Ltd manufactures and supplies arguably the best central tyre inflation system on the market.
The CTI Systems Bigfoot supplies today are the result of 25 years of knowledge gained from having systems operating in some of the world’s harshest conditions. Our CTI Systems are manufactured and assembled in-house, using tried and tested components by an expert team of technicians and engineers.
Alongside the current production models, Bigfoots R&D department continually develop and test new ideas for both the hardware and software components of the system, to meet the markets rapidly expanding uses for the Bigfoot Central Tyre Inflation System.
Bigfoot may have grown into a global supplier, but it’s still operated by a small team of dedicated professionals, committed to good old fashioned service and manufacturing a product they’re proud to put their names too.
About Us
Central Tyre Inflation Systems: A History of Innovation
Central tyre inflation systems, also known as tyre pressure control systems, were created in the 1940′s to increase the mobility of military vehicles on weak, poor traction surfaces, such as desert sands.
Since 1994, Bigfoot Equipment Ltd has been proudly leading the development of central tyre inflation systems for use around New Zealand and further abroad. The Bigfoot Central Tyre Inflation System outperforms any other system on the market, is more reliable and fitted to many makes and models of trucks and trailers.
These days central tyre inflation systems are increasingly being used on a wide variety of truck and trailer units in different types of industry. Whether its forestry, agriculture, mining or roading we have a CTI system that will suit your truck.
We will deliver and install Worldwide giving the customer that personalised service and offer the opportunity to partner with prospective distributors.
Here’s what we’ve proudly achieved so far to help truck drivers like you.
1994 – First New Zealand System Fitted
The first commercial system fitted was a pneumatically controlled system fitted to an LW924 Kenworth operated by Fearon Logging at Masterton.
1995 – First Electronic System Fitted
The first New Zealand-made electronic system was fitted to Owen Anderson’s truck at Whakatane.
2001 – Tripled Union Life
We became the first and only Central Tyre Inflation Manufacturer in New Zealand to make its own mechanical sealed rotating unions. This allowed us to fit a shield to provide added protection for the bearings, tripling the life of the unions. This also gave us the components to re-condition and modify the existing rotating unions already in service.
2009 – GPS Speed Sensed System
Another first in central tyre inflation technology for us. Prior to using GPS, the speed signal had to be obtained from the vehicle system.
1996 – Exported to Australia
The good word spread and the first New Zealand-made systems were fitted in Australia. G&R Logging and Moreland Holdings of Mount Gambier fitted two systems each.
2006 – Multi Zone Control Box
The Multi Zone control boxes allow for the tyre pressures in the steer tyres, drive tyres and trailer tyres to be controlled using a single control box.
2009 – Low Height Mechanical Sealed Union
The design of the rotating union was changed to reduce the height of the rotating union. This design also allowed for special unions to suit vehicles fitted with hub reduction differentials, and low height trailer unions.
2010 – Slimline Box Mounting
The Slimline Box mounting was developed to suit the U.K. market where central tyre inflation has to be fitted to very short wheelbase tractor units.
2015 - Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards
The Bigfoot Team became winners of Manufacturing & Trade Business Award sponsored by Holland Beckett Lawyers.
2016 - Bigfoot Equipment Ltd changes ownership
Neil and Marie Wylie after 23 years in the business sell to brother Graham Wylie.
2016 - Integrated Systems
Fully integrated single and dual zone systems.
2017 - New Gen2 Display
Designed to fit neatly into a 1Din radio slot with download functionality.
2016 - Meritor accounted Bigfoot CTI update
Meritor advise an update on the Bigfoot CTI system, that it can be installed on the MFS73 and FL941 steer axles.
2017 - Benefits Study
A study on the benefits of Bigfoot CTI Systems and an international literature review completed by Dr. Glen Murphy
2018 - Design Improvements
Redesign of Meritor drive axle manifolds and steer axle union.
2019 - First sales into the Baltics
With Metsatek and Cargo mobile.
2020 - COVID lockdown
Bigfoot supported by customers kept the wheels turning supplying kits and components.
2020 - System Integration
Telematics first system integration with on-board telematics and cellular connection.
2021 - Design Improvements
Design Improvements newly reconfigured Single Zone system with plastic cover.
2021 - Australian distribution
Kennedy Trailers based in Bairnsdale Australia become national distributor.