Michelin XDN Grip Halts On the Job Flashing

Wilson McCurdy Haulage from Ballymena in Northern Ireland has recently become a fan of Michelin’s XDN2 Grip tyres after fitting a set to the drive axle of a 580 hp Scania 6×2 tractor unit. The Michelin rubber is just what Wilson McCurdy Haulage needs as the days become cooler towards the end of the year, as the XDN2 Grip offers increased traction in wet conditions and excellent performance on hard packed snow and icy surfaces.

The Scania operates at 44 tonnes with a Heil petrochemical tanker and had previously encountered a slight loss of traction when running empty on wet roads, particularly whilst negotiating roundabouts. “We need a powerful tractor unit as this vehicle operates in a very rural area, but the driver reported that in wet conditions the traction warning light would be flashing on and off repeatedly,” says Bill McCurdy, a partner in Wilson McCurdy Haulage.

“The impact of fitting Michelin XDN2 Grip tyres has been remarkable and has added a whole new level of grip to the drive axle. The driver now reports that seeing the traction warning light has become the exception, rather than the rule, even when operating on the wettest of roads,” he adds.

As a direct result of this performance Wilson McCurdy Haulage is preparing to trial Michelin’s XDN2 Grip tyres on its 18 tonne domestic tankers, which are required to access farm tracks and other minor roads which are often untreated and treacherous in winter conditions.

The XDN2 Grip tyres incorporate Michelin’s Durable Technologies and are designed to offer consistently high levels of traction throughout the tyre’s life without compromising mileage potential. This is achieved using a self-regenerating tread pattern that opens up new patented raindrop sipes when the tyre is two-thirds worn, offering similar grip levels to that of a new tyre.