Michelin Tyres ‘Log’ Solid Benefits for James Jones & Sons

Change is in the air at James Jones & Sons Ltd. The company, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of British timber, has opted for a mix of Michelin XADN and XZM tyres on its range of log handlers and forklifts. This switch in tyre policy is part of a move that sees the mixed fleet of excavators, industrial machinery, trucks and trailers fitted with Michelin tyres as standard, whenever possible.

The radial XADN is, notes Michelin, designed to deliver exceptional reliability in a variety of applications, with its self-cleaning tread pattern providing good traction, flotation and long tyre life. The rugged shoulder design protects the sidewall and enhances durability, whilst the casing and special tread compound provide a cushion for the operator, giving improved handling and comfort.

The XZM is designed to last at least twice as long as solid or cross-ply tyres, and it delivers high levels of traction combined with low rolling resistance. Suitable for fitment to almost all makes and model of forklift truck, the XZM offers significantly improved driver comfort compared with solid tyres. Thanks to better shock and vibration absorption this ensures better load protection, reduced machine wear and fewer shocks transmitted to the driver – which in turn helps to reduce fatigue and back pain.

High productivity at James Jones & Sons makes for a gruelling working environment, with tyres put under increasing strain during the timber handling process. Iain Gale, Log-yard manager at the company’s Lockerbie site, says: “Our drivers have commented that the log-handling equipment is faster on the ground and easier to manoeuvre with the new Michelin XADN tyres.

“The XZM tyres have shown increased life and lower cost per unit on both the excavator-based log handlers and on the forklifts. We used to experience frequent punctures, but this is now a rare occurrence since making the switch to Michelin,” he adds. “Uneven tyre wear has also been reduced by about 90 per cent and is no longer an area of concern.”

As a result of the new tyre policy, James Jones & Sons is actively ordering Michelin as original equipment on all vehicles added to its fleet. Tyre service work is carried out by three main contractors – ATS Euromaster manages all commercial vehicle tyre requirements at the Morayshire site, whilst Denton Tyres and Smiths Mobile look after the earthmover and industrial machines based in Lockerbie and Dumfries.

“Michelin tyres have proven more robust than cheaper brands we have fitted in the past,” explains Mr. Gale, “and their damage resistant characteristics ensure we suffer less downtime, which in turn has increased plant productivity and reduced overall tyre bills.

“As an ISO 14001 registered site we are committed to continuous improvement of our environmental performance, which includes reducing waste. Through switching to Michelin tyres we believe we have increased the approximate life of each tyre by 50 per cent compared with other brands, with increased service life reducing end-of-life tyre wastage,” he adds.