Millstream deflates risk of punctures with Michelin X Tweel

Punctures had been an increasing problem for Millstream Estate Services of late, but not since equipping its grass cutting fleet with airless Michelin X Tweel Turf wheels. The Milton Keynes-based business now runs the tyre and wheel combination on five of its six Kubota ZD 1211 zero-turn mowers and plans to upgrade the remaining machine in the near future.

Having regularly suffered up to three punctures a week during its operations for West Bletchley and Stony Stratford Town Councils, Millstream director Neil Keenan equipped three of his mowers with the Michelin X Tweel fitments during 2023. Michelin reports that Keenan was “so impressed with the results” that he has since specified two new Kubota machines with the airless-technology tyres.

“I first heard of the Tweel a few years back and instantly thought it was a good idea,” explains Keenan. “Most of the mowers are out cutting council verges, parks and open spaces and the things that people leave on the ground is quite staggering – glass bottles, nails, broken fence posts, you name it. The number of punctures we were seeing was getting ridiculous, but the Tweel has completely solved that problem for us.”

Pneumatic performance without downtime

The remit of Michelin X Tweel is to perform like a pneumatic tyre without the risk and downtime associated with punctures and impact damage. A single unit replaces the whole tyre and wheel assembly without the need for complex mounting equipment. Once bolted on, there is no air pressure to maintain.

According to Michelin, the X Tweel Turf offers high impact resistance and features tread optimised for long wear life. Its flexible polyresin spokes carry weight in tension and absorb impacts, helping make the ride smoother, and provide an energy transfer that reduces tyre bounce. The shear beam and spokes are designed to be flexible and deformable, which allows them to conform to the contours of the ground and provide excellent traction, grip and stability.

Long-term savings

“The initial cost is obviously a little higher than a standard tyre, but with the punctures we were seeing it will certainly save us money in the long run,” adds Keenan. “We’ve been impressed with the performance. It’s proved to be the perfect solution for our mower fleet.”

Specialists in outdoor estate infrastructure, Millstream Estate Services offers a spectrum of professional commercial expertise. Its work includes construction, grounds maintenance, winter maintenance, environmental services, hard and soft landscaping as well as playground design and installation.