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New Michelin Tire Option Offers
Caterpillar Skid Steer Users Added Performance |
| 25 February 2003 |
| GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Michelin® XZSL™, the first and only radial tire for skid-steers, is now available to Caterpillar customers as an option on all skid-steer models. The tire delivers up to 35-percent longer life than a bias-ply tire, superior performance and significant cost savings for skid-steer applications.
Michelin was able to prove its value to Caterpillar through joint testing of tires on skid-steers. Tests showed the XZSL tire has a longer tread life and increased puncture resistance over comparable bias-ply tires. “The XZSL is specifically designed for skid-steer loaders, backhoes, and other small construction equipment,” says Michael Ford, Michelin Earthmover market segment manager. “By offering the Michelin XZSL radial as an option, Caterpillar addresses two key performance demands skid-steer owners have requested: longer tire wear, and improved resistance to flats and punctures. The XZSL™ radial tire helps deliver both.”
MacLeod Construction in Denver, N.C., began testing the Michelin XZSL tire in June 2002 on two skid-steers in very demanding applications. “The tire is exceeding our expectations,” says Michael Houser, MacLeod Construction operations manager, “It is outperforming anything we’ve ever used.” The XZSL tires have accumulated 1000 hours since the testing began. “We had never gotten more than 750-800 hours out of any other tire, and that includes factory tires from other OEM’s,” says Houser. “One of our operators runs the machine in dirt-to-pavement 10 hours a day. With other tires the edges would just shave right off, but the XZSL™ radials have barely begun to show wear.”
Another of MacLeod’s testing operators works with a concrete flatwork finishing crew where flat tires are common due to the nails and stakes used in the framing work. “It’s a very abusive environment, we’d have a flat every ten to fifteen hours, on average,” Houser adds. “We’ve put 450 hours on the machine with the Michelin XZSL tires, and have had only a couple of flats. I have nothing but excellent things to say about the tires, they hold up extremely well.”
The XZSL tire works best in applications with high scrub, moderate puncture applications, such as general construction, asphalt paving and landscaping. The Michelin® XZSL™ tire performs better than a bias-ply, fabric tire because of the tire’s rugged, radial construction. It is an all steel radial tire that is built to take punishment, with increased resistance to sidewall tears and punctures for fewer flats and long tread life. The XZSL also delivers enhanced traction and handling, a smooth, stable ride, and an aggressive, non-directional tread pattern that leaves fewer marks on concrete and pavement. |
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