Michelin unveils Tweel for mowers

Greenville, South Carolina – Group Michelin's Michelin Tweel Technologies has launched the airless Michelin X Tweel Turf Caster for select zero-turn commercial mowers.

The airless-radial caster tire-wheel assembly replaces the standard 13x6.5x6 front caster tire and wheel on zero-turn mowers.

The Tweel Turf eliminates downtime from punctures and is maintenance free, the tire maker said, noting the new version of the tire is designed for landscape professionals who deal with expensive and inconvenient downtime associated with flat tires on commercial mowers.

"Michelin Tweel Technologies has conducted extensive field testing to optimize the product and validate the customer benefits," said Olivier Brauen, head of Michelin Tweel Technologies.

"Professional landscape companies have found that the Tweel Caster increases productivity by allowing operators to mow faster, reduces maintenance on mowers due to the caster's shock-absorbing characteristics, and provides improved performance over curbs."

The Tweel caster is constructed with high-strength poly-resin spokes that carry the load and create suspension-like characteristics for the front of the mower, the company said. This structure absorbs impact and reduces bounce for improved operator comfort while also maintaining a consistent height for a uniform cut. The caster's durable, poly-resin tread also provides long wear life, Michelin said.

The Michelin X Tweel line also includes airless-radial tires for zero-turn mowers, skid steers and golf carts.