Tag Archives: OTR tyres

MAXAM broadens underground OTR tyre offering with new ADT, LHD solutions

Mining consumables, Mining equipment, , , , , ,

MAXAM Tire has expanded and upgraded its underground mining series with the release of new solutions for articulated dump trucks and LHDs.

With every underground site’s unique challenge and need for durability, MAXAM has designed solutions capable of achieving maximum stability and traction.

The 4-star rated E4/L4 MS405 and MS406 for ADTs boast 60% higher load capacity, according to the company. Designed with end users in mind, the MS405 is one of MAXAM’s flagship off-the-road solutions that, it says, delivers premium performance in the toughest jobs.

“Featuring a high traction pattern with increased wearable tread and heavy-duty casing, the MS405 has undergone the most extensive research and testing to exceed expectations,” MAXAM said. “Similarly, the MS406 encompasses a deep lug pattern that yields superior traction and resistance to wear and cutting, maximising performance with the lowest cost-per-hour for underground mining applications.”

To deliver superior puncture and cut resistance that LHDs require in underground mining, the improved L5/L5S MS501 and MS502 yield 15% higher load capacity, MAXAM says. Combining reinforced bead, shoulder and sidewall, both the MS501 and MS502 tackle severe underground mining jobs with ease. In addition, both products incorporate specialised mining compound for extra cut and impact resistance, the company added.

Matt Johnson, Vice President of MAXAM Mining Group, said: “With the underground mining market facing increasing demands, the expansion of our 4-star E4/L4 and 3-star L5/L5S lineups mark MAXAM’s pledge to design only the most capable solutions for the industry. While every underground site has unique needs, we’re confident that the increased load capacity our series now have will perform beyond expectation. In addition to our comprehensive series for open-pit mining and haul trucks, from size 49 to 63 inches, the enhanced lineups for underground mining symbolise MAXAM’s commitment to play an integral part in the mining industry’s operation and future.”

Global Air Cylinder Wheels plans to launch Air Suspension Wheel for mining in Q1 2023

Environmental, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Sustainable mining, , , ,

Global Air Cylinder Wheels® says it is gearing up to launch a commercially-ready product for mining based on its Air Suspension Wheel (ASW) solution, an eco-friendly, stronger, and safer traditional rubber tyre alternative.

The ASW, which is up to 60% more economical over the lifetime of the wheel, according to the company, combines an inner steel hub with an outer steel drum connected by eight or twelve nitrogen-filled air cylinders and up to six oil-filled dampers that provide suspension and damping. On the outer drum, individually bolt-on steel or polyurethane treads are fitted. These individual treads can be replaced without removing the wheel, a time-consuming process that takes up to eight hours with off-the-road rubber tyres, the company claims.

Notable features and benefits of the ASW the company pointed out include:

  • Mechanical wheel design that is adjustable to payload, speed, sideload, size, weight and other requirements;
  • No overheating;
  • Safer – can’t explode;
  • Less waste – only the part that wears off is replaced;
  • Uses more sustainable materials than traditional OTR tyres;
  • Treads made with biodegradable materials;
  • Lower rolling resistance that leads to less fuel, which reduces toxic emission gases or extends greater battery range for electric vehicles;
  • Longer lifetime – lasting approximately 10-15 years;
  • Braking energy gets stored in the cylinders and is returned as kinetic energy;and
  • It is 100% recyclable.

The ASW technology currently has eight granted patents, with 52 patents pending.

The company says it has received multiple initial purchase orders and is expected to be fully commercialised within two years with rapid adoption into mining fleets.

Dr Zoltan Kemeny, President and CEO of Global Air Cylinder Wheels, said: “We are planning to have a commercially-ready product for the mining market in Q1 (March quarter) 2023 where the need is most urgent. Then followed by over-the-road applications such as cars, buses and trucks.

“We are also looking to start developing other verticals next year.”

Continental to launch LD-Master L5 Traction radial tyre at Bauma 2022

Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining services, , , , , ,

Continental plans to present its latest construction-grade tyre at Bauma 2022, in Munich, Germany, next month, saying that the new LD-Master L5 Traction radial tyre is ready for demanding conditions and fitted with tyre sensors straight out of the factory.

The LD-Master L5 Traction radial tyre expands the ContiEarth range, initially in size 35/65 R33, with its construction specifically designed for loaders operating on abrasive surfaces and in face working jobs where high productivity and assured vehicle uptime are of upmost importance.

The reinforced 3* carcass satisfies the highest load carrying capacity requirements, even under extensive production cycles, according to Continental. The L5 traction tread pattern protects the carcass and ensures smooth and safe operation on site, while the solid tread block design provides secure traction. The extra deep tread and sidewall protection also make the tyre more robust and ensure long-term productivity.

To minimise idle time and ensure serviceability even under harsh conditions, the special tyres fitted to machinery should be controlled as precisely as possible. The LD-Master L5 Traction is fitted with an integrated tyre sensor, ex-factory, making monitoring possible in real time. The sensor monitors temperature and tyre pressure, assuring at all times the most efficient operation mode for a long tyre life.

In addition to the LD-Master L5 Traction, Continental plans to present its EM-Master E3/L3 as 65-series for construction/surface applications at Bauma 2022 and a sneak preview of a new solid skid steer tyre.

Bauma 2022 will be running from October 24-30, in Munich, Germany.

Michelin ups load capacity and increases sidewall resistance with new X Mine tyre

Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, , , , ,

Michelin North America, Inc. has launched the MICHELIN® X® Mine D2 Extra Load L5 *** 35/65R33 tyre, an improved version of one of its most popular mining tyres.

The new tyre, developed to perform in quarry and underground mining applications, is designed to withstand the most aggressive mining environments and has the capacity to carry heavier loads, now with a *** load rating, according to the company.

“Michelin is extremely proud of this tyre because of the increased benefit it offers our customers,” Sarah Robinson, Segment Manager of Mining for Michelin North America, said. “The new X Mine D2 Extra Load tyre improves upon the well-regarded and trusted X Mine D2 tyre, as it increases the load capacity by 16%, from 28,000 kg to 32,500 kg.”

In harsh mining environments, tyres are often removed before their maximum life cycle due to damage. The MICHELIN X Mine D2 Extra Load tyre uses innovative new plies in the sidewall that keep sidewall injuries from spreading and prevent rock cuts from penetrating the sidewall, Michelin says. Combined with the heavier cables at the crown, the MICHELIN X Mine D2 Extra Load tyre delivers better aggression resistance, allowing sites to maximise tyre life, it added.

“A new bead design enhances the strength of the bead zone,” Robinson said. “Combined with stronger cables for a more robust architecture, the MICHELIN X Mine D2 Extra Load tyre increases both efficiency and yield in mining operations for our customers, allowing for more material to be extracted in the same amount of time previously necessary.”

MAXAM launches its biggest open-pit mining tyre to date

Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining services, , , , ,

MAXAM has announced the launch of its biggest open pit mining tyre to date, the MS403 59/80R63.

Using pioneering compounding technology and cutting-edge engineering, the MS403 is manufactured in MAXAM’s state-of-the-art radial tyre facility, the company says.

“To meet the most challenging application requirements in the open-pit mining segment, MAXAM has engineered the MS403 to provide the industry with a robust and durable solution for the largest mining haul trucks,” it explained.

To meet the demands that large haul trucks with 63 in tyres face, the 59/80R63 MS403 encompasses a heavy-duty casing and bead construction with advanced compounding technology, the company says. Similar to the large 63 in product lineup in the mining series, the MS403 has undergone advanced engineering, extensive research, and rigorous and repeated global testing.

“With the main goal of providing exceptional performance and lower cost-per-tonne value, MAXAM designed the 59/80R63 MS403 to maximise global mining operation’s productivity,” MAXAM says.

Featuring an aggressive tread pattern that increases shoulder lug stability and reduces irregular wear on the tread, the MS403 59/80R63 is engineered to cope with the most severe challenges on haul roads. The bead construction and casing enables greater load capacity and ground contact, while the MS403 features a deep tread depth for boosted tyre life.

It also contains a heat-resistant undertread for reduced internal heat build-up, increasing the tyre’s TKPH/TMPH. In addition, it features a “unique” two-stage lug to improve self-cleaning capability.

Matt Johnson, VP of MAXAM Mining Group, says: “In the demanding mining global market, the addition of the 59/80R63 size further enhances our flagship mining product line, delivering a comprehensive line of viable solutions to mining applications globally in every size.

“With only a few manufacturers capable of producing the largest and most aggressive 63-in large tyres, this showcases MAXAM’s commitment to play an integral part in the mining industry’s operation and future. We are confident that the largest open-pit mining tyres will perform on par with other tier-one tyres with a more competitive price and value.”

MAXAM adds to MS708 wheel loader tyre offering with two new sizes

Mining consumables, Mining services, , ,

MAXAM has added two new sizes to the MS708 series of tyres to provide, it says, a zero-maintenance, three-stage solution to heavy-duty wheel loaders and underground mining applications.

The MAXAM MS708, now available in 30/75-29 & 18.00-25 sizes, is one of the most progressive solid off-the-road tyres on the market, constantly evolving for wheeled loaders operating in the most severe waste, recycling and underground mining applications, the company says. With the addition of the specific sizes, MAXAM can now deliver this design to even more cutting-edge equipment. The 18.00-25 is a size for underground mining, while the 30/75-29 is a solid tyre replacement for heavy-duty loader applications using 29.5R25, 29.5R29, and 875/65R29 sizes.

The low durometer centre compound combined with patented “Double D” apertures allows the MS708 to provide an excellent ride versus two-stage products, according to MAXAM. Featuring a  high traction and wearable tread pattern with 50% tread rubber, the MS708 is billed as delivering the deepest wearable tread in the market. Increasing its footprint as it wears and transitions through four distinct tread patterns, the MS708 ends in a standard L5 pattern to provide maximum tyre life. Incorporating a 25% heat-dissipating body, the MS708 delivers effective heat dissipation and superior ride quality.

The MS708 delivers maximum strength, extreme traction and high value. Manufactured using technologically-advanced equipment and proprietary building and curing processes, the MS708 is made to perform. This process, unlike most manufacturers, eliminates tread separation and delamination defects for extended wear rates, the company says.

Techking custom-made tyres hit the ground at Rio Tinto WA operations

Base metals, Mine operation news, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , , , ,

Equipped with Techking custom-made tyres 23.5R25 ETD2S, XCMG XC958 front-end loaders have arrived at Rio Tinto’s operations in Western Australia to begin transporting ore to cargo ships.

To gather user feedback on these tyres, Techking Australia branch business employee, Steve Coles, made a recent site visit.

The tyre model is specially designed for XCMG XC9 series high-end loaders to undertake ore transportation tasks. By adopting proprietary formula and chevron patterns, these custom-made tyres dramatically improve performance in cut resistance and overall sidewall strength, achieving a longer life cycle under special working conditions.

Allen Zhuo, an XCMG Field Service Engineer, told Coles that the Techking tyres and XCMG loaders had been put into use at Rio Tinto’s operations and were, at present, working well.

The delivery of customised tyres for XCMG loaders marks the second time Techking has rendered tailored tyre services to two international giants.

“This is another milestone made towards Techking’s goal of becoming a leading global tyre solution supplier for large mining machinery,” the China-based company said.

While Coles was visiting Rio Tinto, a test report with satisfactory results was received regarding the 27.00R49 SUPER ROCK tyres. These tyres were customised for Komatsu 785 rigid dump trucks working at a Rio Tinto copper mine in Mongolia.

“It is shown from the tracking data in March that the 27.00R49 SUPER ROCK tyres have reached an average service life of 4,201 hours to date and could go beyond Rio Tinto’s expectation by reaching an estimated service life of 10,406 hours,” the Techking field service engineers’ report read.

Michelin takes on more of the load with new rigid dump truck tyres

Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, , , , , ,

Michelin North America has completed the MICHELIN® X®TRA LOAD line-up with the addition of the 21.00R33 tyre dimension for 50 ton (45 t) payload rigid dump trucks.

The new MICHELIN XTRA LOAD GRIP™ and the MICHELIN XTRA LOAD PROTECT™ tyres allow users to increase load capacity by 10%, or accommodate more distance per hour to maximise productivity, the company says, adding that both the GRIP and PROTECT tyres will be offered in A4 and B rubber compounds.

Sarah Robinson, B2B Mining Marketing Manager for Michelin North America, said: “The MICHELIN XTRA LOAD tyre line is complemented by the MICHELIN XTRA DEFEND line for articulated dump trucks. This Michelin offer for transport trucks in quarries and mines provides a modern solution to maximise the amount of material loaded into these trucks while still delivering traction, damage resistance and increased tyre life.”

The new MICHELIN XTRA LOAD tyre is available for two surface rigid dump truck applications.

The MICHELIN XTRA LOAD PROTECT is 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 10% more load or increase the distances they carry up to a maximum speed of 34 km/h, according to the company.

With an 8% longer wear life, the revolutionary tread pattern contains a greater volume of tread rubber and has better load distribution across the contact patch, Michelin says. “The interlocking blocks and improved heat dissipation yield a cooler running tyre that allows increased speeds,” it says. “Corrosion-proof cables within the tyre structure increase aggression resistance.”

The MICHELIN XTRA LOAD GRIP tyre is for soft, loose, muddy ground conditions in mining and quarry operations on slopes and inclines, where the priority is high grip and traction. A reinforced casing gives the tyre a 10% more load capacity per machine – a huge increase in productivity when multiplied by the number of cycles made daily, the company says.

The tread is comprised of 30% more biting lug edges, which improves braking, cornering and acceleration in loose ground conditions. The tyre can also handle speeds up to 34 km/h thanks to cooler internal running temperatures, Michelin says. The tyre also provides 8% longer wear life with more rubber in the contact patch and improved damage resistance with corrosion-proof steel cables, according to the company.

For the XTRA LOAD PROTECT, the tonne miles per hour (TMPH) is increased by at least 9.3% and up to 69% depending on the specific compounding when compared with previous Michelin ranges, the company says. For the new XTRA LOAD GRIP, the TMPH is increased by at least 4% and up to 31% depending on the specific compounding when compared with previous Michelin ranges.

“This extended load and speed capability will allow users to optimise machine cycles and increase productivity,” Michelin says. “Greater volume of tread rubber in contact with the ground contributes to better load distribution, improved wear resistance and increased tyre life.”

The XTRA LOAD series is also available in sizes 18.00R33 and 24.00R35, the company added.

Nitrogen tyres and oxygen generators bring safety and sustainability to mines

Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Precious metals, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , , ,

David Cheeseman*, Chief Engineer of Oxair Gas Systems, believes the mining industry should take on board the latest on-site gas generation technology to help improve safety and reduce its carbon footprint.

The mining industry is becoming a lot more technology-focused, with advancements in autonomous mining technology and automated surface vehicles, as the industry presses ahead to reduce carbon emissions and boost safety in mining.

The International Council on Mining & Metals’ (ICMM) Innovation for Cleaner, Safer Vehicles (ICSV) initiative – a supply chain collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) – is to be applauded. However, in the meantime, rugged terrain will still be taking its toll on the tyres of mining vehicles, which are the workhorses of the extraction process.

These trucks operate in harsh environments and extremes of temperatures, which is why nitrogen-filled tyres are ideal, because they remain inflated for longer and are more resistant to hot climates and freezing at high altitudes, making them safer for operators and site staff alike. Unlike compressed air, nitrogen is an inert gas that does not react with other materials, so it is resistant to corrosion and, therefore, provides an extra tier of safety where critical applications are involved.

It is imperative that tyres are fully inflated to reduce the risk of critical air leaks and rapid deflation when the vehicles are under pressure. But being at the mercy of the supply chain for bottled nitrogen, especially in extreme locations where conditions are challenging, is costly. Nitrogen can be difficult to transport, not to mention the additional carbon footprint of delivery vehicles and safety risks for staff manually moving cylinders from one place to another, especially with the new threat of contamination posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

However, companies can avoid the hassle of having to outsource their gas from conventional cylinders by switching to an on-tap supply through a nitrogen generator. A nitrogen generator on site is the ideal alternative choice to manhandling canisters for heavy-duty equipment where precise or constant pressure is vital.

Oxair’s nitrogen generators are efficient and compact, making them an ideal solution for mining sites. They offer a continuous flow of gas extracted from the atmosphere and are an environmentally friendlier method of delivery, as they reduce the carbon footprint associated with having

Oxair’s nitrogen generators are efficient and compact, making them an ideal solution for mining sites, David Cheeseman says

cylinders transported from an off-site facility and then the return journey when they are empty.

Nitrogen generators are cheap to run and, once installed, require minimal maintenance. Nitrogen plants are built to last and are operator friendly, making them crucial where tyres need to perform well in a remote location or challenging environment.

As with all high-quality engineering solutions, nitrogen generators can be tailored exactly to suit an individual mine’s requirements. They can be designed for outdoor or covered facilities and, as well as offering low energy consumption, a supplier should be able to provide on-site training to enable local employees to properly calibrate and easily maintain the system once it is operational, as well as full ongoing maintenance support.

Some of the world’s leading gold mining companies are already seeing the benefits of gas on tap at sites rather than taking deliveries of traditional cylinders. Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen equipment supplied by Oxair is helping AngloGold Ashanti extract more of the precious metal from one of its flagship gold mines, potentially extending the life of the open-pit operation in Tanzania.

Two booster processors for increasing oxygen pressure and two oxygen generator tonnage plants to further improve the efficiency of the leaching process are in operation at AngloGold’s Geita Gold Mine, enhancing gold recoveries and protecting the environment by reducing cyanide consumption.

This equipment is helping to increase production and extend the mine’s lifespan beyond 2025, when it was originally set for closure. The state-of-the-art equipment supplied, which includes upgraded control systems, will double the reliable source of pure oxygen for the future activities planned at Geita. It will mean significant efficiencies in carbon in the leach technology method of gold recovery and should help the mine be both economically and environmentally sound for its extended lifespan.

Using oxygen generators significantly improves the gold dissolution process through adding highly purified oxygen at the slurry stage of leaching. Mined rock is usually ground up and turned into a slurry by adding lime, cyanide, oxygen and water before being fed through a carbon bed to extract the gold. Incorporating highly purified oxygen allows cyanide to work more efficiently and, thus, reduces the quantity of cyanide needed in the process.

A PSA tonnage plant takes oxygen directly from the air using on average of only 3 kW of electricity per 100 cu.ft of oxygen produced and transforms it into highly purified oxygen by removing nitrogen entrainments (which are useless to the leaching process).

Using oxygen generators significantly improves the gold dissolution process through adding highly purified oxygen at the slurry stage of leaching

Oxygen tonnage plants are designed for on-site applications requiring large amounts of oxygen, such as mining, with outdoor or covered standard installations – PSA equipment is bringing numerous advantages to the mining industry, as well as eliminating the need for expensive and unreliable deliveries of liquid or cylinder oxygen.

On-site generators provide mines with a turnkey solution for getting a constant, reliable source of high-quality oxygen and nitrogen where it is needed. It is clear that with responsible mining practices geared up for long-term sustainability, investments in quality equipment will be key to achieving both safety and sustainability goals.

*This piece was written by David Cheeseman, Chief Engineer of Oxair Gas Systems. Oxair is an ISO 9001 certified company focused on the design and manufacture of packaged oxygen PSA Systems, as well as Nitrogen PSA systems up to 1,000 Nm3/h.

MAXAM Mining Group releases new MS412 27.00R49 tyre

Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining services, , , , ,

MAXAM Mining Group says it continues to innovate, adding the all-new MS412 27.00R49 tyre to its open-pit mining, quarry and OTR program.

Designed to meet the demanding conditions at mine sites globally, the MS412 is the result of cutting-edge engineering and groundbreaking compounding technology, the company claims.

The tyre features a high net-to-gross tread pattern for low wear rates that increase tyre life, while MAXAM’s engineers have strategically placed stone ejectors on the tyres to provide maximum protection from drilling – which can lead to the cause of premature tyre removal and out of service conditions.

Engineered with tread grooves that allow for “exceptional traction and heat dissipation”, the MS412 delivers excellent traction in a variety of haul road conditions, MAXAM says.

To enable high speed operation with minimum heat build-up, MAXAM says it has optimised the MS412’s base compound, thereby maximising productivity for mining operations across the globe.

“Featuring a strong all-steel casing to reduce cuts and punctures, the all-new MS412 is engineered with increased casing durability to dominate severe hauling conditions,” it said.

“As an innovative group, with years of expertise in the mining industry, MAXAM’s engineering team has designed the MS412 with a high lug-to-void ratio for improved wear and impact protection, providing mine sites increased protection and wear on haulage tyres. Similar to all large mining haulage tyres in MAXAM’s program, the MS412 has deep tread grooves to provide cooler running tread and longer tyre life.”

Delivering a premium E4 haulage tyre to the industry, the MAXAM MS412 provides exceptional performance, minimum cost-per-hour and a high net-to-gross pattern for maximum tread wear, the company says.

The MS412 is available in one size, but multiple tread compounds, including the ultra-cut resistant compound that was recently released by MAXAM.