Suckling Transport turns to Michelin for tyre wear advice12 June 2013

Fuel haulage specialist Suckling Transport has contracted Michelin to run a 12-month trial comparing wear rate of three truck tyre sizes to determine the best fitment strategy.

The Essex operator currently specifies 295/80 R 22.5 Michelin tyres as original equipment on its steer and drive axles.

However, with the introduction of Euro 6 engine emissions regulations, the company anticipates a larger tyre size will be fitted as standard by manufacturers to cope with the increased weight – expected to be around 200kg per vehicle.

Michelin will monitor the mileage performance of its latest X MultiWay 3D XZE (steer) and XDE (drive) tyres in the company's current fitment size, as well as 315/70 R 22.5 and 315/80 R 22.5, to determine which option works best.

The trials are being run on three new 6x2 MAN TGS 440 tractor units, each of which underwent a vehicle weighing to determine optimum inflation pressures. The tyres were fitted by ATS Euromaster at MAN dealer, PCL, in Grays, Essex.

"We decided to work with Michelin to trial all three tyre sizes as it's critical for us to have the optimum size and load rating for the liquids we are transporting," states Dan Bauckham, Suckling Transport's director of engineering.

"Although we have found the wear and fuel consumption of Michelin's 295/80 R 22.5 tyres very impressive, when we start taking delivery of Euro 6 vehicles we'll have to choose between 315/70 and 315/80 fitments," he continues.

"This trial will help us decide which, whilst providing an accurate benchmark against our existing 295/80 preference."

Michelin's X MultiWay 3D range offers 3D tread sipes claimed to generate grip in difficult driving conditions, locking together when needed to maintain the stability of the tread, while helping to provide extra safety and mobility on dry, damp and wet surfaces.

"We're widely expecting tyre sizes to change as manufacturers open up their order books for Euro 6 trucks," advises Guy Heywood, commercial director of Michelin's truck division in the UK.

"315/70s and 315/80s have long been the tyre of choice for operators on the Continent, while many UK fleets have tended to prefer 295/80 steer and drive tyres," he continues.

"Despite the changes with the new emissions legislation, the 295/80 will remain the top selling tyre in the UK for many years to come, driven by significant demand on the replacement market for pre-Euro 6 vehicles," he adds.

Author
John Challen

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