Trials Show Michelin X One Maxitrailer Kinder on Rural Roads

Trials held over the last year are working towards developing a tyre system that can lesson the impact of timber trailers on rural and forest roads, thus reducing the need for road maintenance. To help reach this objective, timber haulier James Jones & Sons Ltd has been working with Michelin in Scotland, operating specially adapted Dennison and SDC trailers equipped with Tireboss central tyre inflation systems and Michelin X One MaxiTrailer tyres. The use of this combination equipment, reports Michelin, increases the tyres’ footprint, and in doing so reduces soil erosion and damage to roads and forestry land.

“Until now, the Highland Council refused to allow vehicles with trailers fitted with super singles onto specific rural roads because of the damage caused to the road surfaces,” remarks Jonathan Ritchie, Harvesting & Transport manager for James Jones & Sons. “However, after demonstrating the performance of these trailers which are fitted with Michelin X One MaxiTrailer tyres, the Council were hugely impressed and gave us permission to use these roads if we use these tyres.

“We pride ourselves in knowing that we are leading the way with technology and doing everything possible to help preserve the roads and land we drive on,” he adds. And the X One MaxiTrailer not only is kind to rural roads, says Michelin. Each 455/45R 22.5 size X One Maxitrailer tyre delivers up to 50 per cent more mileage than a 285/65R 22.5 XTE2, the company says; its InfiniCoil architecture, a Michelin Durable Technologies innovation, is cited as one reason for this greater mileage.

InfiniCoil technology consists of a 400 metre steel cord wrapped continuously around the crown of the tyre. Michelin says this arrangement offers unrivalled robustness, greater longevity and even wear. Compared to a 385/65 R 22.5, the tread band is also 120 millimetres wider and has 35 per cent more usable rubber in the tread – another factor contributing to the tyre’s increased mileage potential.

The trial saw a new Volvo FH 480 and a Scania 500, both with Dennison trailers, monitored by Highland Council, the Forestry Commission and James Jones & Sons. Environmental impact on rural roads, forest roads and tyre performance was studied during the trial.

“It was also noticed that the new trailer tyres also float over mud acting as a compactor rather than cutting into the ground therefore greatly reducing the impact on forest roads. This is made possible by simply deflating these wider tyres which then produce and even larger footprint to spread the weight,” adds Ritchie.

James Jones & Sons run a mixed fleet of 44-tonne Fodens, Scanias and Volvos with Dennison and SDC trailer combinations. The SDC trailers were specially built to accommodate the Maxi Tyres while the Dennison trailer tyres were retro fitted. “With tyre life extended it means that tyre costs and related services have also been cut,” says the Harvesting & Transport manager. “Drivers have reported improved comfort levels while giving better performance on tarred roads but more so on forest roads and especially in wet and muddy conditions. The trailers are also considerably more stable.

“The trial over the last year has given us the confidence to introduce an all-Michelin policy for the fleet, having seen that they can stand up to the rigours of timber operations,” Ritchie concludes.