Fuel-saving Michelin tyres go the distance

UK and European haulier MDF Transport has clocked nearly 400,000 miles on the Michelin X Multi Energy tyres running on the drive axle of one of its Volvo FH trucks. Reporting this accomplishment, Michelin notes that the specialist transport provider specifies all new vehicles on its tyres, having found them to last “longer, reduce fuel consumption and ultimately be cheaper to run than any other premium fitment on the market.”

Mark Farrow, managing director at MDF Transport, states that “in our view, running another make of tyre is just not an option when you consider the performance and longevity we get from Michelin.

“We do a lot of work in the oil and gas industry, moving pretty heavy loads with a variety of flatbed, low-loader and extendable trailers,” Farrow continues. “For our work we generally find the X Multi Energy to be the best choice. We have a set of 315/70 R22.5 fitments running on the drive axle on one of our Volvos that has just passed 386,000 miles and are still going strong. When you combine the life span of the Michelins and the fuel figures they give you, the total cost of ownership can’t be beaten.”

Checking energy rating important

The business has recently added four new Volvo FH with I-Save tractor units to its fleet, specified on a mixture of Michelin X Multi Energy and X Line Energy tyres.

With EU label A ratings for fuel efficiency, Michelin X Line Energy Z2 and D2 tyres are the most fuel-efficient Michelin truck tyres on the market, and thus well-suited for long-distance transport at sustained high average speeds. Michelin X Multi Energy tyres are B-rated for fuel efficiency and have been designed to save fuel and reduce environmental impact in predominantly regional operations.

“When you buy tyres now, it’s so important that you look at the energy rating, because it makes a big difference. We take the whole process very seriously, looking closely at the pressures, the weight load index, and ensuring we are operating at the optimal set-up for the vehicle’s weight,” adds Farrow.

“Getting the best fuel figures comes down to three key things: one, the truck has got to be good; two, the driver has got to be good and three, you’ve got to have really good, fuel-efficient tyres – getting all those ducks in a row will give you the right results.”

Founded in 1990, MDF Transport operates throughout the UK and Europe. As well as its general freight services, the business specialises in moving abnormal loads, transporting massive structures up to 49 metres long and 85 tonnes in weight.