Michelin’s Maxitrailer tyres demonstrate stability on QinetiQ tilt table28 June 2010

Michelin has recorded a 6.5% improvement in stability over 385/65 R 22.5 tyres, after measuring the vehicle overturn angle of a 44 tonne tractor and trailer combination fitted with X One MaxiTrailer tyres.

The trial took place at QinetiQ's automotive test facility in Chobham, Surrey, using the only tilt-table in the country capable of accommodating a fully loaded 13.6m commercial vehicle.

The first stage of the trial saw a MAN 6x2 tractor unit and Kel-Berg tri-axle tipping trailer, belonging to Parsons Nationwide Distribution, drive onto the tilt-table fitted with the newr tyres, which the company has been trialling for six months.
Staff from QinetiQ then tilted the table until the tyres began to lose contact at an angle of 26.2 degrees. The tyres were then removed and replaced with standard Michelin 385/65 R 22.5 XTE3 trailer tyres.
On the repeat test, the vehicle only managed an angle of 24.6 degrees before the tyres lost contact.

Paul Kendrick, Michelin's truck product marketing manager, believes the test demonstrates that the low profile construction of the X One MaxiTrailer tyre can increases a vehicle's overturn angle by as much as 6.5%.

"The trial proved to be yet another tick in the box for the X One MaxiTrailer, confirming the anecdotal feedback we get from drivers, who say they really notice an improvement in vehicle stability when driving on our 455/45 R 22.5 trailer tyres," says Kendrick.

"It also serves up a convincing argument for operators looking to maximise safety. As a direct result of the trial, Parsons Nationwide Distribution has confirmed it will consider specifying X One MaxiTrailer tyres on all new trailers joining its fleet," he adds.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Michelin Tyre plc

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