Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service switch to Michelins

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has opted to move its heavy fire appliances to a 100% Michelin policy, after testing demonstrated the well-rounded capabilities of the X Multi Z tyres.

The test at Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, revealed that when a laden Scania P280 was fitted with X Multi Z tyres, the fire engine maintained grip and stability without its safety systems activated.

Michelin claims that the X Multi Z tyres are designed to combine low-cost mileage and grip all year-round. The test proved to be a success and the test Scania P280 was left wearing the X Multi Z tyres, with the remaining 43 heavy fire units set to receive the same treatment.

The service covers Bedford, Kempston, Luton and Dunstable, and is responsible for 620,000 people over an area of around 476 miles sq, and so it needs to know its fleet is up to the task.

When outlining the purpose of the test, Wayne Bartrum, transport and engineering manager at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The intention of the trial was to find a tyre that delivered exceptional grip and longevity”.

He added: “The performance of the X Multi Z tyres really impressed us on every level. Our vehicles are required to make swift progress under blue-light conditions, in all weathers, and tyre performance is key to the safety and efficiency of our fleet.”

Tructyre ATS supplied and fitted the tyres to the vehicles, with the tyres set to be regrooved once they reach 3mm of remaining tread depth.

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