Baker Transport “Astounded” by Michelin XDN2 Tyre

Baker Transport of Cornwall has reported that a set of Michelin XDN2 Grip drive-axle tyres have provided 371,000km on a 44 tonne MAN TGA 480 XXL, having been regrooved once in late 2009 at 301,966km. Michelin says the tyres – with 4mm of tread remaining – are projected to cover a further 10,000km before being removed and remoulded into Michelin Remix tyres, which the company says will offer a level of performance similar to that of a new Michelin tyre.

Fleet manager Steven Baker chose the 315/70 R 22.5 XDN2 Grip tyres on the company’s recommendation; the vehicle, one of seven in the fleet, operates up to six days a week making deliveries to customers nationwide. “We fit Michelin rubber on all our trucks,” says Baker, “but when we heard about the potential mileage gains and added traction available from the XDN2 Grip tyres we decided to give them a try.  We have been astounded at how long they’ve lasted.

“We usually achieve a very respectable 300,000 km from a 70 series Michelin drive-axle tyre, but the new technologies these tyres feature have notched that performance up even higher.”

The XDN2 Grip tyres incorporate Michelin Durable Technologies and include a “self-regenerating tread pattern”, which sees patented “Raindrop” sipes open up when the tyres are two-thirds worn, creating similar grip levels to those of a new tyre. Once the regrooved tyres have worn down to their minimum legal tread depth, they will be sent to Michelin’s Remix plant in Stoke-on-Trent to be remoulded in line with Michelin’s Four Lives package. During this process the old rubber will be stripped from the casing and fitted with a new tread band, together with new sidewall rubber veneer from bead to bead.

“Knowing our tyres will last is a top priority for us,” concludes Baker, “and Michelin’s innovative Durable Technologies combined with its Four Lives package ensure that we get every last mile out of our tyres.”