Michelin Tweel Technologies has released a new 26-inch airless radial tyre designed for utility vehicles (UTV) use. The Michelin X Tweel UTV 26x9N14 airless radial tyre serves as a single unit that replaces pneumatic tyres and removes the need for maintenance, spare tyres, or repair kits.
“You bolt on that product and that’s it,” says Justin MacLanders, business development manager for Michelin Tweel Technologies.
The Tweel tyre was introduced commercially in 2012 for skid steer loaders, and the airless radial tyres have since then expanded to zero-turn mowers, stand-on mowers, and golf carts. Now Michelin is turning to the UTV market, whose customers demand non-stop mobility, traction, and freedom.
“UTV users operate these machines in arduous environments and extreme conditions where vehicles are exposed to rugged, jagged terrain and other hostile elements,” says Olivier Brauen, vice president of Michelin Tweel Technologies. “The Michelin X Tweel UTV airless radial tyre is a solution that will provide unmatched traction and uninterrupted vehicle mobility during long journeys or in remote areas where a flat tyre can be problematic.”
The new UTV tyres are ideal for use in quarry, mine, construction, landscape, hurricane/tornado, and other debris-laden areas where flat tyres can cause serious and extreme interruptions.
The spokes are designed to dampen bumps, improving operator comfort yet have the stiffness needed for cornering and side-hill stability.
The Tweel tyres have a 37-mph speed rating and can handle a maximum gross vehicle weight of 2,860 pounds. There are three hub configuration that will fit two different bolt patterns: 4×137 and 4×156. These fit a variety of UTVs including the Kawasaki Mule and Polaris Ranger.