Leicestershire-based S&J European Haulage has become the first operator in the UK to fit Michelin’s latest X One MaxiTrailer tyres to double-deck box trailers with front- and rear-lifting axles.
Following a successful six-month trial on an existing curtainside trailer, S&J took the decision to specify the uniquely-sized 455/45 R 22.5 Michelin fitment as original equipment on its two new Schmitz Cargobull tri-axle box trailers.
S&J General Fleet Manager and Engineer, Trevor Atkins, explains: “We’ve combined the move to X One MaxiTrailer tyres with a revised trailer specification incorporating front- and rear-lifting axles. This should ensure we benefit from the same excellent turning circle as our existing rear steer configuration, which forms the mainstay of the fleet, but packaged in a more flexible trailer product using these new Michelin tyres.”
Primarily intended for fitment as original equipment on new trailers, the X One MaxiTrailer has a lower centre of gravity than regular 385/65 trailer tyres, providing improved stability and a larger contact patch, which promotes even tread wear and increases tyre life.
“The trial proved very successful,” says Atkins. “Nearly all the drivers who tried them commented straight away on how stable they felt. I certainly noticeda big difference. This should prove very helpful with the double-deck system, where we could have up to 66 Euro pallets on board.
“We’ve had no sign of damage or punctures either since we fitted the test set in September 2009. It’s still early days, but they look like they’re going to return a very good mileage.”
As the first trailer tyres to incorporate innovations from Michelin Durable Technologies, the X One MaxiTrailer tyre was voted winner of the Motor Transport Innovation Award 2009 and Fleet Safety Product of the Year 2010 at the Fleet Safety Forum awards for excellence. One of the key innovative features is InfiniCoil, a continuous steel cable with a length of up to 400m which spans the inside of the tyre’s circumference, significantly improving endurance and wear.
The new tyres have been found to increase mileage potential by up to 50 per cent over Michelin’s traditional XTE2 range, with key differences including a 120mm increase in tread width and 35 per cent more usable tread rubber. They are also built with more robust shoulders, to resist lateral scrubbing.
S&J’s two new trailers will be clocking up approximately 120,000km a year, travelling between the UK and Belgium delivering adhesives for MACtac. “As well as offering improvements in safety and longevity, I’m hoping this new trailer specification will make our fleet really stand out,” adds Atkins. “As far as we know, it’s a first for the UK.”
