Firm “More than Doubles” Rough Terrain Tyre Life with Michelin XZSL

Northern Ireland-based Fisher Engineering has reported that replacing the original equipment tyres on its Manitou rough terrain forklift truck with Michelin’s foam-filled XF and XZSL has increased tyre life. Operating out of its 21,000 sqm facility in Ballinamallard, near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, the rough terrain forklift is used to transport structural steel around the stockyard prior to shipment to major new building projects.

Fisher Engineering, one of Europe’s leading constructional steel fabricators, selected the specialist Manitou machine for the demanding role as the rough stone ground inside the stockyard prohibited the use of traditional forklift trucks. The machine plays an essential materials handling role around the site, supporting an annual manufacturing capacity in excess of 25,000 tonnes. Despite buying a rough terrain forklift, it soon became apparent that the harsh ground conditions were causing excessive wear to the Manitou’s original equipment tyres; particularly the rear fitments, which were scrubbing against the surface when the machine was manoeuvring on full lock. The abrasive surface was also causing regular punctures and as a result, the original tyres managed 400 hours before they needed replacing.

Fisher sought advice from local industrial specialist, Philip White Tyres, and the regional Michelin Account Manager, Chris Eakin. Together, they recommended fitting 18 R 22.5 Michelin XF tyres on the front axle and 335/80 R 18 Michelin XZSLs to the rear.

Commenting on the tyres’ performance, Addleston Jameson of Fisher Engineering, said: “The Michelin tyres have already clocked-up in excess of 1,000 hours service and they are still going strong. This has more than doubled the life of the original equipment tyres that were fitted, plus we’ve not suffered any downtime due to punctures. The combination of the Michelin tyres and the foam filling are delivering efficiency improvements all-round, both in terms of whole life cost and machine productivity.

“We have been so pleased with the performance of the Michelin tyres that we now keep a full spare set, built up on rims, in stock,” he adds.

The Michelin XF and XZSL fitments are part of Michelin’s Compact Line of tyres, which are designed for use on compact machinery being used in construction, civil engineering, agricultural and landscaping operations.

The XF is designed for use on both hard and soft ground, featuring robust shoulders and a protected crown, which makes them resistant to impact and abrasions. The XZSL is built for fewer punctures thanks to its chunky tread, steel reinforced crown and protected sidewalls. It has a deep tread pattern, large shoulder blocks and optimised rubber compounds.