following a successful trial of Michelin XZM tyres at its Derbyshire headquarters.
The move to a Michelin policy for the company's mixed fleet of diesel and electric powered forklifts follows a 12 month tyre trial with a Mitsubishi FD25 fitted with XZM tyres.
Operating for an average 10 hours each day across a range of surfaces from concrete to asphalt and grit during each movement, the in-house trial saw the Michelin-shod forklift carefully monitored, with monthly tyre inspections to check for wear and damage.
Andy Keeling, Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition International's Garage Manager, says: "We were impressed with the XZM tyres early in the trial and saw that they easily out-performed the solid tyres we previously used and gave an impressive increase in our operating hours.
"We also noticed that the forklift was suffering reduced wear and tear, in addition to the tyres offering better payload protection from shock and vibration. The driver gave us positive feedback too, with reports that the switch to radial tyres offered added benefits including better traction, reduced stopping distances and a superior ride."
The XZM is designed to last at least twice as long as solid or crossply tyres, with high levels of traction combined with low rolling resistance. The Michelin 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.
Keeling adds: "We are constantly looking at new ways of ensuring every part of the fleet is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible - something that is even more important in the current economic climate. When compared with the best solid tyre available during the trial, the Michelin performance speaks for itself."
Suitable for fitment to almost all makes and model of forklift truck, the XZM offers significantly improved driver comfort compared with solid tyres as fewer shocks and jolts are transmitted to the driver, in turn helping to reduce the chances of fatigue or back pain.
As a result of the new tyre policy, Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition International will order any new forklifts with Michelin tyres specified as original equipment and is carrying out a complete tyre replacement programme over the next 12 -18 months across its existing fleet.
Tyre requirements and maintenance is managed by ATS Euromaster, including regular fleet inspections and associated tyre husbandry from the company's service centre in Ashbourne.
Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition International is one of the largest manufacturers of vitamin and mineral mixtures for livestock in the UK.