Michelin North America Inc. has launched its new earthmover tire, the Michelin X-Mine L4, for the Komatsu WE2350/P&H L2350 large wheel loader, which is used in surface mining.
According to Michelin officials, the size 70/70R57 Michelin X-Mine L4 radial tire delivers “improved mobility and productivity” due to a high tramming speed. It also does not require chain fitments on the rear axle due to its radial design, resulting in reduced tread wear, an “optimized and even footprint,” less deformation of the contact patch on the ground and an overall life expectancy increase of 50% or more.
“As part of our Michelin Better Mining approach, we strive to provide the mining industry with innovative solutions that add significant value for our customer operations,” says Adam Murphy, senior vice president for Michelin Mining.
“The new 70/70R57 Michelin X-Mine L4 tire builds on our history of innovation with the first radial tire for the world’s largest wheel loader, providing a step-change in the mines’ productivity, while also contributing to their safety and sustainability.”
The tire is designed to run cooler due to its radial construction and compounds that keep it running at an optimal temperature at greater speeds.
The tire is engineered to meet traction performance standards on both wet and dry surfaces. It is also ready for use with the MEMS tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), so that mine operations can “improve uptime and experience seamless connectivity,” according to Michelin Officials.
“The Carajas mine is a very large geographic area,” says Frederico Sa, tire manager, Carajas Mine, Brazil, who tested the tire on his site.
“Strategically, we need to be able to move these machines around according to the daily production schedule. Radial tires improve mobility so we can work more and have more options and better mobility with our machines onsite. This benefit will be captured according to our production strategy.”
