Michelin X-Crane Tyres Now Capable of 50mph
Michelin’s latest X-Crane tyres now offer an ‘F’ speed rating (50mph) in place of the previous ‘E’ rating (43mph). The move follows technical approval from the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) under recommendation to the Department for Transport, which has granted authorisation for ‘F’ rated tyres with the same load/speed chart used for tyres with an ‘E’ speed index. It also states that for speeds below 40mph, a formal tyre manufacturer agreement is required.
The ‘F’ rated Michelin X-Crane tyres were launched in response to requests from crane manufacturers for a tyre which could meet the high performance of the latest generation cranes, which are capable of speeds in excess of 50mph. Furthermore, legislation announced at the end of 2004 governing the use of mobile cranes on a public highway changed, with a series of new weight and speed restrictions being introduced.