Michelin North America, Inc has introduced the next generation of its mining tyre for 250 ton rigid dump trucks – the MICHELIN^® XDR^® 250+ – that features “improved wear resistance, optimised wear and increased aggression resistance.” Available in a 50/80R57 size, the MICHELIN XDR 250+ tyre it says improves wear resistance and increases tyre life by 8% for MB4 and MB compounds, with no tradeoff in ton-miles per hour (TMPH) compared to the MICHELIN^® XDR^® 250 tyre.

“With rigid dump trucks playing such a critical part of open-pit-mining operations, the tires are key to meeting mine profitability targets through lower operating costs,” said Sarah Robinson, Mining Marketing Manager, Michelin North America. “As our most productive surface mining tyre for 250-ton trucks, the XDR 250+ tyre provides up to 15% more TMPH for the MB and MB4 compounds versus the competition.”

It says this next generation, benchmark tyre for rigid dump trucks includes the following upgrades:

• The tyre incorporates the second generation of two revolutionary compounds, MB4 and MB, that provide improved wear resistance. An exclusive new mixing process with a superior level of carbon black dispersion creates a much more homogeneous mix that leads to a slower wear rate
• Michelin^® multilayer technology provides optimised wear on front and rear axles. The outer layer is optimised for front axles for the first cycle of the tyre’s life while the inner layer underneath is optimised for rear axles for the second cycle. Tyres are designed to be rotated to the rear axles to increase tyre life.
• With an optimised contact patch, there is increased aggression resistance due to lower tire pressure for the same load capacity compared to the MICHELIN^® XDR 250. Less pressure on ground delivers an improved wear profile and protects the equipment.