Michelin North America says its new series of underground mining tyres for loaders and transport machines will help increase load capacity, and improve tyre life and “aggression resistance”.

The MICHELIN® X Mine® D2 Pro and the XSM® D2+ Pro Line are designed specifically for harsh, underground conditions where sharp rocks, standing water and narrow tunnels are common.

Jake Thompson, Michelin Marketing Manager – Mining, said: “Underground mining managers demand products that reduce downtime while keeping their operators safe. They do not want underground equipment to stop working due to tyre limitations.

“The Pro Line is specifically designed to address the tough conditions found in underground mines and reduce downtime.”

The MICHELIN X Mine Pro series has an increased load capacity of up to 18% compared with MICHELIN XSM D2+ and MICHELIN X MINE® D2 tyres engineered into the L5 tyre through a reinforced “three-star casing” and two extra plies containing crossed-nylon cords encased in rubber for greater resistance and toughness.

To improve tyre life, Michelin has incorporated NRF technology to reinforce the sidewalls and resist sidewall injuries from migrating. The subsequent improved tyre life could lead to the purchase of fewer tyres and increased mine profitability, Michelin says.

Improved “aggression resistance” in the MICHELIN X Mine Pro series is made possible through significant improvements to the cables and tread compounds. The encapsulated cables, found in the working plies, provide better protection against aggressions and oxidation. The tyre also contains optimised tread compounds.

The MICHELIN X Mine D2 Pro tyre is available in the United States and Canada in 17.5R25, 18.00R25, 20.5R25, 23.5R25, 26.5R25, 29.5R25, and 29.5R29 sizes. The XSM D2+ Pro is available in 17.5R25, 18.00R25, 26.5R25, and 29.5R29 sizes.