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Michelin XZM tyres prove just the job for forklift fleet

13/01/10

(Stoke-on-Trent - January 5, 2010) - Huws Gray Building Supplies is switching to Michelin tyres on its 60-strong fleet of forklifts following a year-long tyre trial of Michelin XZM tyres at its branch in Gaerwen, Wales, which demonstrated reduced downtime and maintenance costs.

 

The in-house trial saw a Michelin-shod Daewoo 30S forklift carefully monitored, with tyre inspections every six weeks to check for wear and damage.  Typical of forklifts operating throughout the company's network of branches, the truck was in operation for approximately six hours each day over a range of surfaces ranging from concrete to asphalt and grit.

 

David Jones, Transport Manager at Huws Gray Building Supplies, comments: "I had some initial concerns about the risk of punctures with moving from solid to pneumatic tyres but have been really impressed by the performance of the XZM product.

 

"We have seen little wear to the Michelin tyres in the year since they were fitted and they have proved to be totally resistant to damage. In the same period a solid tyre operating with us would have worn heavily and needed replacing.

 

"We have also benefited from improved ride quality to the cushioning effect of the pneumatic XZM tyres, which has resulted in the forklift suffering less wear and tear which in turn means it required less maintenance. Drivers have reported that the truck has better grip and is more comfortable to drive - an important consideration as the guys use them all day."

 

The XZM is designed by Michelin to last at least twice as long as solid or crossply tyres, with high levels of traction combined with low rolling resistance.  The XZM tyres offer proven resistance to cuts and damage which combined with the strong wear characteristics associated with all Michelin industrial tyres, means less downtime and excellent cost-per-hour benefits.

 

Jones adds: "The XZM tyres out-perform solid tyres in every area - including an increase in operating hours - so we are switching the rest of the fleet over to Michelin to enjoy these benefits across our 33 branches in Wales and North West England."

 

Tyre fitment and maintenance is managed by ATS Euromaster, including regular fleet inspections and associated tyre husbandry from the company's local service centres throughout the country.

 

As well as gradually replacing existing solid tyres across the fleet, any new forklifts acquired by Huws Gray Building Supplies will be specified with Michelin tyres as original equipment.

 

Established in 1990, Huws Gray Building Supplies is one of the largest independent Builders Merchants in North Wales and the North West of England. From its head office in Llangefni on Anglesey it offers a range of timber, plumbing and building supplies services to public and trade customers. The company also operates a specialist brick distribution business and a Truss Plant manufacturing.

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