Michelin X® TWEEL™on Kubota vehicle
Michelin TWEEL: The Airless Tire Technology
Michelin TWEEL Airless Tire Technology
MICHELIN X® TWEEL airless radial tires are non-pneumatic tire and wheel assemblies that operate without air pressure. Designed to help eliminate flats and downtime associated with pneumatic tires, TWEEL technology is available for a range of equipment and applications.
Michelin TWEEL solutions are available for commercial mowers, skid steer loaders, truck-mounted forklifts, ATVs and UTVs, golf and utility carts, and other specialized applications.
What Are Airless Tires?
Unlike traditional pneumatic tires that rely on compressed air, airless tires do not require air pressure. MICHELIN X® TWEEL uses a tread band connected to a series of flexible spokes that support the weight of the vehicle.
This design creates a puncture-proof tire that provides performance characteristics more similar to a pneumatic tire than a solid tire. Michelin's airless tire and wheel technology is called MICHELIN X® TWEEL.
What Does “TWEEL” Mean?
TWEEL is the name of Michelin's airless tire range. The name combines the English words “tire” and “wheel.”
The MICHELIN TWEEL concept was developed at the Michelin research center in Greenville, South Carolina.
MICHELIN X® TWEEL™ representation
How Do Michelin TWEEL Tires Work and What Are They Made Of?
MICHELIN X®® TWEEL is a complete, single-piece wheel and airless radial tire assembly. Its key components include:
- Shear beam: Features a tread designed for long wear life in challenging conditions.
- Flexible poly-resin spokes: Carry weight in tension and absorb impacts, helping provide a smoother ride and reduce tire bounce.
- Reinforced steel hub: Attaches the MICHELIN X®® TWEEL assembly to the machine.
Together, the shear beam and flexible spokes provide a cushioning effect that absorbs shocks and vibrations and allows the assembly to conform to the contours of the ground, helping provide traction, grip and stability.
MICHELIN X® TWEEL requires no air pressure to maintain and does not require special equipment to mount the assembly.
What Are the Benefits of Michelin Airless Tires?
Airless tires, also known as non-pneumatic tires (NPT), offer several benefits compared with traditional pneumatic and solid tires. Here are some of the main advantages:
No maintenance
No Air Pressure Maintenance
MICHELIN X® TWEEL is a single tire-and-wheel assembly. Once mounted, there is no air pressure to maintain, eliminating the need for routine inflation pressure checks.
Maniability and stability
Comfort and Stability
The flexible poly-resin spokes help reduce the bounce associated with pneumatic tires and the harshness of solid tires, while supporting comfort, handling and stability.
No flat, no downtimes
No Flats, Less Downtime
MICHELIN X® TWEEL is designed to perform without air pressure, eliminating flat tires and the associated downtime caused by punctures.
Long lasting tire
Long-Lasting Tire
Airless tires can help reduce premature tire failures caused by irreparable punctures. MICHELIN X® TWEEL is designed to last 2–3 times longer than a pneumatic tire.
Which Machines Are Compatible With MICHELIN TWEEL?
MICHELIN X® TWEEL airless tires are available for a range of equipment and applications, including commercial mowers, UTVs and side-by-sides, skid steer loaders, golf and utility carts, and truck-mounted forklifts.
Explore the MICHELIN X® TWEEL solutions available for each application below.
MICHELIN X® TWEEL TURF
Airless Radial Tires for Commercial Mowers and Turf Care Equipment
MICHELIN X® TWEEL UTV
Airless Radial Tires for UTVs, Side-by-Sides and Other Applications
MICHELIN X® TWEEL SSL
Airless Radial Tires for Skid Steer Loaders and Light Construction Equipment
MICHELIN X® TWEEL
Airless Tires for Golf Cars and Utility Carts
Explore MICHELIN X®® TWEEL Airless Tires
Explore available MICHELIN X®® TWEEL airless tire options for skid steer loaders and light construction equipment. Review each tire for additional product details, specifications and application information.
Learn More About MICHELIN X® TWEEL
Michelin airless Youtube Channel
Watch MICHELIN X® TWEEL videos and see the technology in action across different applications.
Tweel tire on Kubota
Explore news, awards and announcements about MICHELIN X® TWEEL airless tire technology.
The History of MICHELIN X® TWEEL Tires
Origins of TWEEL
The concept originated in Greenville, South Carolina, in the late 1990s through the work of Michelin engineers Dr. Tim Rhyne and Steve Cron. Patents covering aspects of the technology began being issued in 1999.
First Prototype
MICHELIN X® TWEEL technology was publicly showcased in 2005, including applications on the iBOT wheelchair and Segway Concept Centaur Human Transporter.
Commercial Introduction
MICHELIN X® TWEEL SSL for skid steer loaders launched commercially in July 2012.
Still Have Questions About MICHELIN X® TWEEL?
Need help determining whether MICHELIN X® TWEEL is right for your equipment or application? Contact our team for additional product information and support.
Airless Tire & MICHELIN X® TWEEL FAQs
Airless tires can provide advantages in applications where punctures, downtime and tire pressure maintenance are concerns. MICHELIN X® TWEEL airless radial tires eliminate the need for air pressure and are designed to provide durability, traction and stability across demanding applications.
Airless tires eliminate the need for air pressure maintenance, but they still require routine inspection. Check for tread wear, damage, debris or dirt, proper vehicle alignment and appropriate load capacity, and follow recommended storage and inspection practices.
MICHELIN X® TWEEL airless radial tires use high-performance compounds and an efficient contact patch designed to provide long wear life. They are designed to last 2–3 times longer than a pneumatic tire at equal tread depth.
MICHELIN X® TWEEL tires are available through authorized Michelin dealers. Contact a Michelin dealer to find available TWEEL products for your equipment and application.
Retread and repair options depend on the MICHELIN X® TWEEL product and type of damage. MICHELIN X® TWEEL SSL currently has commercially available retread options. Certain types of spoke damage may also be repairable by a qualified technician.
Consult a certified Michelin dealer for inspection and specific repair or retread recommendations.