Irish haulier switches to Michelin tyre policy10 April 2014

Cosgrave Transport has switched to a Michelin tyre policy across its fleet of 27 trucks and 75 trailers, after being impressed by the performance of Michelin's steer axle tyres.

Prior to the decision, Limerick-based Cosgrave tried a range of well-known tyre brands, but found steer tyre wear so aggressive that tyres had to be turned on the rim every six weeks. In some cases, steer tyres supplied as original equipment suffered major shoulder wear after just six weeks in service.

When the first 315/80 R 22.5 Michelin XZE2+ test sets were fitted, tyre life extended significantly. The company turned the Michelin steer tyres on the rim just once during their first life in service and they clocked up an impressive 220,000km before being regrooved.

Brian Cosgrave, managing director, says the condition of older roads in Ireland takes its toll on regional deliveries.

"Pronounced cambers and ruts caused by years of trailers operating on super singles were causing terrible premature tyre wear. It was pushing up our running costs and eating into valuable workshop hours," he explains.

"The difference in performance since we started fitting Michelin replacement tyres has been incredible," he adds. "We're getting a very respectful mileage performance from the tyres and roadside downtime is a rare occurrence."

Michelin tyres are now fitted on all axles, and Cosgrave also specifies Michelin tyres as original equipment on new trucks and trailers.

"It cost us €750.00 to have 385/65 R 22.5 XTE3 tyres fitted on each of our new Dennison trailers, but it's worth it. When you consider the total value of ownership we'll unlock from each of these Michelin casings, it more than covers the additional cost."

Cosgrave Transport operates its own on-site workshop where staff inflate tyres to bespoke pressures defined by Michelin for each vehicle type.

The workshop team also ensure tyres follow Michelin's multiple lives policy, with the new X MultiWay 3D XZEs fitted on the steer axle, X MultiWay 3D XDE Remix tyres on the drive axle, and Encore remoulds on trailers.

Tyres are supplied by local dealer Mid-West Tyres, which also collect old casings and return them to Michelin for the Remix and Encore remanufacturing processes.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Michelin Tyre plc

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