A Volvo 6x2 tractor unit operated by Scottish haulier Lochmaben Transport has covered more than 650,000 km on the same set of Michelin XDE2+ drive axle tyres.
The Volvo FH12, which is double shifted and covers approximately 830 miles per day operating between Birmingham and Aberdeen on a dedicated Bimson Haulage contract with Aalco, was specified with Michelin tyres as original equipment when it was delivered in 2007.
Since then the 295/80 R 22.5 XDE2+ tyres have covered 653,572 km during their first life before being regrooved during a routine vehicle maintenance inspection in March 2009. With 5mm of tread left, these tyres will now remain on the vehicle until the end of their second life, during which time Michelin expects they will deliver a further 150,000 km. At the end of their second life, they will be sent back to Michelin in Stoke-on-Trent where they can be remoulded into a new XDE2 RemiX tyre, which will offer almost identical performance to that of a new tyre.
Sid Hastings, Lochmaben Transport's Fleet Technician, said: "When we were deciding upon the specification of the vehicle we selected Michelin tyres as they offer a lower rolling resistance, which in turn leads to increased fuel efficiencies. The exceptional longevity these tyres have shown is a welcome added bonus.
"We pay a lot of attention to following a programme of good tyre husbandry and each of the tyres follows Michelin's proven Four Lives policy. As a result the XDE2+s just seem to go on and on and we've had no tyre issues at all. The two drivers who share this vehicle just get on and get the job done."
In addition to each driver's daily walk-around inspection, the tyres are routinely checked by Volvo Truck & Bus in Carlisle, as part of the maintenance inspection which is included within the vehicle's three-year full service contract.
The Aalco-liveried Volvo FH12, which is powered by a 480 hp Euro 5 engine, is fitted with the automated I-Shift gearbox and operates in conjunction with a Montracon curtainside trailer.
The company runs a mixed fleet of Volvo, Scania, Foden and Hino vehicles operating from 18 to 44 tonnes primarily on Michelin XZE2+ and XDE2+ tyres, which are designed for medium haul operations, returning the best performance across a mixture of motorway, and A and B road use.