Michelin North America is introducing the first-ever “3-star” 18.00R33 tyre on the market for rigid dump trucks (RDT). A star rating is the industry’s indicator of load capacity for a given dimension as defined by the Tire and Rim Association. The new MICHELIN® X®TRA LOAD GRIP and the MICHELIN® X®TRA LOAD PROTECT will allow users to increase load capacity by 11% or accommodate more distance per hour to maximise productivity.
“Quarry managers demand continuity of operations,” said Jake Thompson, Michelin B2B North America mining marketing manager. “Rigid dump trucks are expected to move as much material as possible by moving faster or by carrying more load. This robust Michelin tyre provides a solution that maximises productivity and output of the quarry while delivering traction, damage resistance and increased tyre life.”
The new MICHELIN XTRA LOAD tyre is available for two surface RDT applications:
MICHELIN XTRA LOAD PROTECT for hard, sharp, abrasive conditions on flat, dry surfaces, where the priority is protection and damage resistance — conditions often found in quarries and construction sites. This application is for customers who want to carry up to 11% more load or increase the distances they carry up to a maximum speed of 21 mph. “With a 7% longer wear life, the revolutionary tread pattern contains a greater volume of tread rubber and has better load distribution across the contact patch. This tyre has interlocking blocks and improved heat dissipation, which reduces the temperature in the tread area by up to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Corrosion-proof cables within the tyre structure increase aggression resistance.”
MICHELIN XTRA LOAD GRIP for soft, loose, muddy ground conditions in mining and quarrying operations on slopes and inclines, where the priority is high grip and traction. A reinforced casing gives the tyre an 11% higher payload, or an increase of 12 tons in load capacity per machine — a huge increase in productivity when multiplied by the number of cycles made daily. The tread comprises 30% more biting lug edges, which improves braking, cornering and accelerating. The tyre has the ability to handle speeds up to 21 mph thanks to cooler internal running temperatures. The tyre also provides 5% longer wear life, with more rubber in the contact patch and improved damage resistance with corrosion-isolating steel cables.
Productivity is a function of load and distance covered in an hour, as measured by Ton Miles per Hour (TMPH). For the new XTRA LOAD GRIP, the TMPH is increased by at least 22% and 36% depending on the specific fitment compounding, when compared with previous Michelin ranges. “For the XTRA LOAD PROTECT, the TMPH is increased by at least 15.8% and 13.3% depending on the specific fitment compounding, when compared with previous Michelin ranges. This extended load and speed capability will allow users to optimise machine cycles and increase productivity. Greater volume of tread rubber in contact with the ground contributes to better load distribution, improved wear resistance and increased tyre life.