S&J European Haulage swaps to Michelin MaxiTrailer tyres 14 July 2010

Leicestershire-based S&J European Haulage is the first operator in the UK to fit Michelin's X One MaxiTrailer tyres to double-deck box trailers with front- and rear-lifting axles.

Following a six-month trial on an existing curtainside trailer, S&J general fleet manager and engineer Trevor Atkins says he took the decision to specify the 455/45 R 22.5 Michelin fitment as original equipment on its two new Schmitz Cargobull tri-axle box trailers.

"We've combined the move to X One MaxiTrailer tyres with a revised trailer specification incorporating front- and rear-lifting axles," explains Atkins.

"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," he adds.

Atkins says the trial proved very successful. "Nearly all the drivers who tried them commented straight away on how stable they felt. I certainly noticed a big difference. This should prove very helpful with the double-deck system, where we could have up to 66 Euro pallets on board."

And he also says: "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."

The X One MaxiTrailer is the first trailer tyre to incorporate innovations from Michelin Durable Technologies. One of the key 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.

Trials have shown that the tyres increase mileage potential by up to 50% over Michelin's XTE2 range, with key differences including a 120mm increase in tread width and 35% 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," says Atkins. "As far as we know, it's a first for the UK."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Michelin Tyre plc

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