Waste Contractor Reduces Punctures by 50% with Michelin New, Remix Fitments

Specialist waste transfer contractor Shorten Environmental has recorded a 50 per cent reduction in punctures since it started fitting Michelin new and Remix tyres across its fleet. The haulier has also begun specifying Michelin tyres as original equipment on new vehicles – most recently when it ordered two Scania R440 6×4 tractor units. Before signing an exclusive Michelin contract, the company’s 31-strong fleet of 44-tonne tractor units, ejector and walking floor trailers had been operating on a variety of different tyre brands. It began Michelin trials in 2008.

Director Joe Shorten explains: “Approximately half of our work takes place on landfill sites, where the harsh environment leads to an increased risk of damage and punctures, which in turn means repair bills and vehicle downtime. Since adopting a Michelin policy our tyre replacement rate has been drastically reduced and productivity has increased, leading to considerable savings.

“Michelin’s Remix brand also stood out as something that would reinforce our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint. Our company places an increasing emphasis on recycling, and it is important to us to support a tyre manufacturer with a similar commitment to preserving the environment.”

Remix tyres are remoulded from worn Michelin casings at the manufacturer’s plant in Stoke-on-Trent. They require less than a third of the raw material needed to make a new Michelin tyre, but Michelin says they offer “almost identical performance” due to the strength of the casing and quality of the Remix process, which closely mirrors the manufacture of a new tyre.

Shorten fits three specifications of Michelin tyres across its fleet: Michelin’s XZY2 new and Remix tyres for front steer axles, the XDY3 on the drive axle and XZY3 across its trailers. All three tyre specifications suit applications involving a mix of on-road and off-road driving. The tyres have large, buttressed shoulders which protect against kerb damage, and a reinforced crown ply which improves resistance against tread damage. Their special rubber compound increases their suitability for off-road applications and reduces the risk of punctures.

Shorten Environmental was established in 1980. Its customers include local authorities, large waste management and recycling companies and small waste operations.