Lockwoood Haulage Chooses Michelin X-One Tyres

Derby-based Lockwood Haulage has become the first operator in the UK to specify Michelin’s X-One XDA2 Energy tyres, which have been fitted as original equipment to its new MAN TGA 4×2 tractor unit. The wide single drive axle tyres (495/45 R22.5) were selected primarily for their ability to reduce the overall fuel consumption of the vehicle by a further two per cent, compared with a traditional twinned 315/70 R22.5 fitment. This is in addition to the existing six per cent reduction the company already enjoys by fitting Michelin A2 Energy tyres across its fleet of 45 tractor units and 90 trailers.

Robert Lockwood, Managing Director of Lockwood Haulage, explains: “We consulted Michelin’s technical team closely before specifying the X-One tyres, having heard about the additional savings enjoyed by many operators on the Continent already using wide single drive axle tyres.

“Ninety five per cent of our fleet operates at 40 tonnes, so the tyres didn’t pose any operational constraints, and I’m looking forward to monitoring the fuel savings closely over the coming months,” he adds.

Another major benefit of X-One tyres is that they save approximately 130 kg in weight over a twin fitment, helping to deliver important additional payload capacity for the customer.

As with all commercial vehicles fitted with wide single drive axle tyres, the MAN TGA features an IVTM (Integrated Vehicle Tyre Monitoring) system as standard, which highlights any abnormal change in pressure. In the event of a slow puncture being detected in one of the X-One tyres, this allows the driver to telephone the local tyre dealer – or the Michelin Euro Assist breakdown service – and arrange a convenient location to stop and have the tyre changed, avoiding unnecessary downtime at the roadside. Alternatively, if the tyre is more seriously damaged, a mobile service van can be dispatched and a new tyre fitted on the spot.

All Michelin Euro Assist tyre dealers carry stocks of X-One tyres, to ensure replacements are easily available for both domestic and foreign trucks requiring assistance.