Reduction in downtime sees Suckling re-sign Michelin 08 February 2011

Suckling Transport has renewed a contract to fit Michelin tyres across its fleet, following an 11% reduction in tyre-related breakdowns since fitting Michelin tyres in 2008.

The independent petroleum haulage contractor, which runs a fleet of 62 tractor units and 74 trailers from its base in West Thurrock, Essex, says it has also seen its regroove rate rise from 0% to 53%, since switching from Goodyear.

Suckling Transport fleet engineer Dan Bauckham predicts an annual saving of £20,000 on its nationwide deliveries to customers including Jet, Shell, ConocoPhillips, Total, Petroplus Marketing and Scottish Fuels.

He says that the three-year PPK (price per kilometre) deal will see Suckling's tractor units, most of which are MAN and DAF models, fitted with XZE2+ steer axle and XDN2 Grip drive axle tyres.

The haulier's trailers, which are predominantly tri-axle Lakeland tankers, will run on the XTE3 range. Tyres will continue to be fitted and serviced by ATS Euromaster.
"The switch from Goodyear to Michelin has had an extremely positive impact on our fleet," comments Bauckham.

"As well as considerable savings on tyres and fuel, there has been a notable reduction in downtime, because of the quality of the Michelin product. This, in turn, has a positive impact on fleet performance and customer satisfaction, which are hugely beneficial."

Michelin says the XZE2+, XDN2 Grip and XTE3 ranges all feature a specially-designed rubber compound that reduces wear and increases mileage potential.

The XZE2+ steer axle tyre range's tread pattern has also been designed to reduce abnormal wear on long journeys and minimise stone trapping and crown damage.

Meanwhile, Michelin's XDN2 Grip drive axle tyres is big on traction in difficult conditions, with sipes to improve performance when tyres are two-thirds worn
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As for the XTE3 trailer tyres, the point to note is their resistance to damage and scrub.

Author
Brian Tinham

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