The TWEEL is a non-pneumatic combination of tyre and wheel said to be maintenance-free, puncture-proof, easily mounted and dismounted, and to offer a longer service life than radial tyres. It is made up of a rubber tread bonded to the hub by flexible spokes. The spokes are fused with a deformable wheel designed to absorb shocks and rebound.
Says Michelin: “Without the air needed in conventional tyres, Michelin TWEEL still delivers pneumatic-like load-carrying capacity, ride comfort and resistance to road hazards.”
The more conventional new Michelin 445/95 R 25 X-CRANE AT, meanwhile, is specially designed for 35 to 600t all terrain cranes with 2 to 12 axles. The service life of the tyre is said to be up to 20% longer than its predecessor, the Michelin 16.00 R 25 XGC.
The new tyre’s radial casing and tread blocks are designed to allow a progressive contact with the ground and result in less vibration and improved ride comfort. Michelin says: “The diminished vibration generates less mechanical stress, and thus increases the life of the machines.”
The tyre is homologated for 80km/h speed when carrying a 6.7t load.
