Chandlers Farm Equipment’s decision to start offering the puncture-proof MICHELIN X Tweel Turf to ground maintenance contractors has proved a huge success.
The Grantham-based business is the sole distributor for the ‘zero-turn’ American made Grasshopper range of ride-on mowers in the UK, which are sold from 15 sites across the country.
Justin Thompson, Grasshopper UK Dealer Manager, says: “We’ve been able to bring our expertise to bear and offer these high technology Michelin tyre and wheel fitments to customers that need a robust alternative to standard OEM tyres.”
“Punctures are frustrating for the customer, and although they aren’t the machine’s fault, excessive downtime can reflect badly on it. Putting the X Tweel Turf tyres on the Grasshoppers takes the blame away and leads to happy customers.”
Thompson, who is from a grounds maintenance background and was aware of the reputation of Michelin’s airless tyres from his previous role, says that the traditional method of foam filling OEM products to boost puncture resistance is problematic, introducing additional weight, wear and even corrosion.
Fitting the MICHELIN X Tweel Turf is therefore a “no brainer” when it comes to reducing downtime and ensuring the performance of the Grasshopper mower.
“If you’re cutting a motorway verge where there’s lots of debris, a puncture on a standard tyre likely means a return to base for a replacement and, potentially, the loss of half a day,” says Thompson.
Recent success stories include the grounds maintenance team at Henley-on-Thames-Council. The team has riverside, parks and town verges to maintain and had suffered a high percentage of punctures until Thompson introduced them to the X Tweel Turf, solving the problem.
The X Tweel is puncture resistant by design, hard-wearing and provides higher comfort and grip than a regular solid tyre. The wider X Tweel family is compatible with a wide range of machines beyond commercial mowers, including skid steer loaders, truck mounted forklifts, ATVs and UTVs.
The airless tyre is supplied as a single unit, replacing the current tyre and wheel assembly. This removes the need for complex mounting equipment and as there is no air pressure, reduces maintenance.
