Michelin Earthmover has announced a next generation of rigid dump truck (RDT) tires with the introduction of MICHELIN XTRA LOAD GRIP and the MICHELIN XTRA LOAD PROTECT. The first-ever "3-star" 24.00R35 tire size on the market, according to the manufacturer, the new MICHELIN XTRA LOAD range will allow users to increase load capacity or accommodate faster speeds to maximize productivity.
"It is a common worldwide practice to add side boards and lift gates to rigid dump trucks in order to increase payload capacity for optimal profitability. This demand puts incredible stress on the tires," said Jamey Fish, director of earthmover marketing for Michelin North America Inc. "This new, robust Michelin tire range provides a solution so that the maximum amount of material can be loaded into these trucks while still delivering traction, damage resistance and increased tire life."
The new MICHELIN XTRA LOAD tire is available for two surface applications experienced by RDTs:
MICHELIN XTRA LOAD GRIP for soft, loose, muddy ground conditions — experienced in mining and quarrying operations on slopes and inclines, where the priority is high grip and traction. Due to a reinforced casing, the tire has a 16 percent higher payload, or an increase of nine tons in load capacity per machine — a huge increase in productivity when multiplied by the number of cycles made daily. And with a tread comprising 30 percent more lug edges, increased grip improves braking, cornering and accelerating. The tire has the ability to drive 21 miles per hour due to the cooler internal running temperatures. The tire also provides 8 percent more wear resistance, with more rubber in the contact patch and improved damage resistance with corrosion-isolating steel cables. This tire replaces the Michelin XDT and X Traction offers.
MICHELIN XTRA LOAD PROTECT for hard, sharp, abrasive conditions on flat, dry surfaces — where the priority is protection and damage resistance, conditions that are present in areas such as quarries and construction sites. This application is for customers who want to carry more load and increase the distances they carry every hour. The new highly protective and damage-resistant tread pattern contributes to a better load distribution across the contact patch. This tire has interlocking blocks and improved heat dissipation that reduces the temperature in the tread area by up to 17 degrees F. This tire replaces the Michelin X QUARRY S and X HAUL tires offers.
Productivity — as measured by TMPH — is a function of load and distance covered in an hour. For the new XTRA LOAD GRIP, the TMPH is increased by at least 20.3 percent in the A4 compound and 13.5 percent for the B compound, when compared against previous Michelin ranges. For the new XTRA LOAD PROTECT, the TMPH is increased by at least 14 percent in the A4 compound and 42 percent for the B compound, when compared against previous Michelin ranges. This extended load and speed capability will allow users to optimize machine cycles and increase productivity. Greater volume of tread rubber in contact with the ground contributes to better load distribution, improved wear resistance and an increase in tire life.
