Tweel Tires Gain Market Traction

Tweel Tires Gain Market Traction TIRES/WHEELS Miscellaneous The innovative Tweel airless tire introduced by Michelin in 2005 is slowly gaining market traction Even though 10 years is an eternity for product roll out it doesn’t seem to be the case with this idea Tweels are now being used on skid steer loaders zero-turn mowers and some industrial loaders The company thinks Tweels will also be used on other vehicles like golf carts Tweel replaces 23 components of a normal radial tire with a simple design The Tweel uses a solid inner hub mounted to the vehicle surrounded by polyurethane spokes assembled in wedge patterns A shear band circles the spokes and produces the surface that meets the ground Different types of treads attach to the shear band Tweels are made with different spoke tension that allow different handling characteristics Some are flexible for a softer ride and easier handling while others are more sturdy for extra strength during rugged jobs Michelin says the Tweel rolls just like a pneumatic tire and absorbs shock well In late 2014 Michelin announced plans for a $50 million 135 000 sq ft production plant in Piedmont South Carolina that will build Tweels for commercial and agricultural application Deere uses X Tweels on its Z Trak series mowers Chase Tew manager of commercial mowing at Deere says the X Tweel is built to last 3 times longer than a conventional pneumatic tire It’s puncture resistant and doesn’t require maintenance A Tweel for a front-end loader costs about $1 200 compared to pneumatic tires for $200 to $800 Deere mowers equipped with Tweels cost about $750 more than the same model with regular tires Commercial operators who’ve used Tweel clad mowers say the ride is excellent because the Tweel absorbs bumps better than air-filled tires The full-width spokes provide excellent cutting height control and outstanding lateral support for sidehill mowing Michelin says a Tweel will last nearly 3 times longer than a conventional tire Tread can be replaced without having to replace the spokes and hub The company is focusing initial production on commercial and agricultural applications because those industries suffer significant downtime from punctured tires Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Michelin Tire Piedmont S Car www michelintweel com

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