After covering 58,000km, the set of 315/70 R 22.5 tyres are projected to cover more than 71,000km, which is almost twice that achieved by the previous fitment.
The brigade previously favoured 275/70 R 22.5 XZE2+ tyres but, says fleet manager Scott Roberts, the move to larger tyres, combined with the Michelin tread pattern, ticks all the boxes.
The X MultiWay 3D XZE features M+S and 3PMSF markings, enabling Scottish Fire and Rescue to specify all-position tyres on its new heavy appliances, even those for use in rural areas.
“The change in tyre size and tread pattern have combined to offer our crews the best possible handling characteristics, with driver trainers and drivers reporting significantly less understeer when making progress under blue light conditions. This is no mean feat when you consider the weight of the crew cab and a full payload,” says Roberts.
“The increase in tyre life is also notable. Shoulder wear used to be one of the main reasons for premature removal, but the X MultiWay 3Ds have worn evenly. To be on target to get 71,000km from a set of tyres on an 18-tonne fire appliance is remarkable.”
As well as fitting the latest tyres on its 18-tonners, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is also fitting Michelin’s new X Multi range of tyres on its smaller 15-tonne trucks – 285/70 R 19.5 X Multi tyres have been specified for 15 new Volvo appliances currently entering operation.