In response to the needs of mine operators, Michelin has launched its new XDR3 earth mover tyre.
Majid Al Mahmoudi, External Communications Manager, Michelin Africa, India and the Middle East, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that the new 40.00 R 57 and 53/80 R 63 MICHELIN XDR3 tyres are designed for rigid dump trucks operating on surface mines.
“The new MICHELIN XDR3 responds to the needs of mine operators by incorporating three key innovations, which together increase tyre life by a minimum of 10 per cent compared to its predecessor, the MICHELIN XDR 2.
“Compared with its predecessor this new tread pattern offers multiple benefits.
“It also offers better endurance due to improved heat dissipation capabilities – 8°C cooler in the tread area,’’ he said.
Mahmoudi said that in the new XDR3 tyre, greater volume of tread rubber is in contact with the ground.
According to him, this innovation helps to improve wear and ensures better load distribution throughout the contact patch due to lower contact pressure.
He said that interlocking shoulder blocks in the new tyre resist excessive movement during cornering and also help to reduce tyre wear.
He said that an exclusive new mixing process ensures uniform composition of rubber compounds and a superior level of carbon black dispersion that increases wear resistance.
He said: “each unique compound offers specific performance characteristics adapted to site conditions and usage, from high wear resistance to high thermal capacity for speed.
“The high-strength steel cables used in the tyre’s casing are 10 per cent stronger than in the XDR2.’’
Th external communications manager said that the company’s Research and Development teams spent more than six years to develop the new tyre.
“During the extensive testing process more than 25 million kilometres were travelled, which is the equivalent of circling the earth 625 times.
“The 40.00 R57 MICHELIN XDR3 is now available, while the 53/80 R63 will be available from January 2017, Mahmoudi said.
