James Nuttall switches truck fleet to Michelin Energy tyres for fuel efficiency

National haulier James Nuttall (Transport) is moving its truck fleet on to Michelin’s Energy tyres following outstanding results from a year-long trial. The company is seeking ways to reduce costs, and with the increases in fuel prices, the company has devoted some attention to ways in which consumption can be lowered. The transport operator reports that it recorded a 5.08 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency when using Michelin’s XZA 2 Energy and XDA 2 Energy tyres compared to the fleet’s existing XZE 2+ and XDE 2+ fitments, which are principally designed for regional haulage. Performance was measured using two identical Scania R 420 6×2 tractor units.

James Nuttall says: “We were hugely impressed by the results from this trial and the corresponding cost savings that we can make. Michelin Energy tyres are now being rolled out across our truck fleet as wear dictates. We are confident that their lower rolling resistance will help to further increase our fuel efficiency, which will in turn have a positive impact on our bottom line.”

Michelin Energy tyres are designed for commercial vehicles operating on long distance routes with high average speeds and are manufactured from a special rubber compound for lower rolling resistance. James Nuttall has also specified six new Cartwright ‘Cheetah’ Fastback trailers with Michelin’s X One MaxiTrailer tyres as original equipment. These 455/45 R 22.5 tyres were chosen for the extra trailer load capacity they afford, since their lower height enables manufacturers to lower the deck of the trailer,  increasing available volume by at least 5m³.

Nuttall says: “Specifying the X One MaxiTrailer tyres for our new trailers will also help with fuel costs, as extra load volume results in fewer journeys. The trailers will be used to transport light loads such as bedding for our homeware customer Dunelm Mill, so we will make good use of the extra payload space.”

The X One MaxiTrailer has Michelin’s “Infinicoil architecture”, which consists of a 400m steel cord wrapped continuously around the crown. This is designed to deliver increased robustness, longevity and even wear. Compared to a 385/65 R 22.5 XTE2, the tread band is also 120 millimetres wider and has 35 per cent more rubber in the compound, which serves to increase the mileage potential of each tyre by up to 50 per cent, according to Michelin figures.

James Nuttall’s truck fleet comprises both full capacity artics and 17 and18-tonne rigids, the majority of which are manufactured by Scania. Its vehicles are used for general haulage and each covers approximately 90,000 km per year. The company is a member of the Fortec Pallet Network and The Transport Association.