Unveiled at this year’s ‘Ag in Motion’ exhibition in Canada, Michelin’s new X Tweel SSL 2 system features a completely new wheel developed and manufactured by moveero. The Tweel is a single, fully integrated unit which replaces the traditional tire/ wheel/ valve assembly. This means there is no need for costly and time-consuming wheel and tire mounting to be carried out – and once the unit is bolted to the vehicle, there is no air pressure to maintain.
The launch of this next generation Tweel represented the culmination of a comprehensive four-year, collaborative research and development programme, with a team of engineers from moveero R&D Center in North America working in close partnership with Michelin to develop this innovative and award-winning solution.
With a brief to deliver a robust, high-performance and long-life wheel, the project team’s solution was to design a wheel that would provide a mechanical bond with the tire – replacing the chemical bond system which had previously been used. Featuring spider disc tines and an eight-hole, high grade steel hub, the Tweel is stiffer than a traditional wheel, enabling it to cope with different stresses imposed on a completely integrated unit. Given the unique nature of the product, the team also had to develop specific laboratory and field test regimes, to fully validate and prove the design concept.
Commenting on the launch, moveero’s Chief Engineer, Americas, Aaron Dahl said: “It’s really exciting to see this innovative new product now in operation, with huge credit going to the joint project team that turned a vision into reality. Bringing together our expertise in wheels with Michelin’s expertise in tires has proved to be a winning combination.
“Quite rightly given the unique nature of the product, the development program was rigorous and exhaustive. The result though is a Tweel which not only looks great, but also delivers significant benefits for skid steer loaders which typically operate in the most demanding and challenging environments. The use of Tweel completely eliminates the risk of punctures, and so will reduce down-time, improve efficiency and ultimately reduce cost of ownership for contractors and rental fleet operators.”
