John Sutch Cranes has recorded substantial gains in tyre durability and performance after fully transitioning to Michelin tyres in 2020. The mobile crane hire specialist, which operates a fleet of 38 vehicles, reports an average 20,000km uplift in tyre life per unit since adopting the MICHELIN X Crane + product.
The switch followed a successful trial involving 445/95 R25 MICHELIN X Crane + tyres, which delivered more than twice the mileage typically seen from previous brands.
According to Ian Seddon, Service & Engineering Manager, earlier tyre models exhibited irregular wear, sidewall damage, and overheating after 20,000 to 30,000km. "Tyre loss is enough to massively impact the monetary return from a daily hire," he explained.
In contrast, Michelin's product has helped the company achieve between 40,000 and 50,000km per tyre, significantly reducing the incidence of tyre-related breakdowns.
Seddon also noted that mobile crane tyres are especially vulnerable to site-induced damage and heat build-up during cornering. "This concern has now been reduced due to the superior build quality of the Michelin product," he said. The improved tyre integrity has helped maintain vehicle roadworthiness across various operating conditions.
With operations based in two locations and a diverse fleet including Liebherr, Tadano, Grove, and Spierings cranes, the estimated extra distance covered annually across the fleet totals 760,000km.
In May, Michelin introduced the X Crane 2, an updated model featuring a new tread design derived from its truck tyre range. Key enhancements include:
■ Improved grip and braking performance
■ Increased load capacity of 800kg per tyre at 80km/h
■ 13.3% better fuel efficiency compared to its main competitor, based on DEKRA-certified tests at Ladoux in November 2024
Michelin’s technical support team – including Ian Fitzpatrick, Mike Fell, and Clifford de Jager – continues to work closely with John Sutch Cranes to optimise fleet performance.
The performance gains reported by John Sutch Cranes illustrate how premium tyre choices can deliver measurable value in heavy-duty applications. The move towards longer-lasting, more heat-resistant tyre designs also aligns with wider industry efforts to improve operational uptime and reduce lifecycle costs in the commercial off-road sector.
Tagged with: Michelin, mobile crane tyres, X Crane 2, long-haul tyre performance, commercial vehicle tyres, off-road tyres, tyre lifespan, heavy machinery
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