Bridgestone Americas Inc. will roll out two new underground mining tires and a new loader tire during MINExpo 2024.
The event takes place Sept. 24-26 in Las Vegas, Nev.
New Bridgestone underground mining tires include the Bridgestone V-Steel Mining Smooth Tread (VMMS) and the Bridgestone V-Steel Mining D-Lug (VMDL) - both designed for long-haul dump loaders that need extra capabilities to navigate harsh, underground conditions.
The VMMS has a smooth tread pattern, while the VMDL has a lug pattern.
Features of the tires include a strengthened bead structure, enabling greater load carrying capacity and a larger footprint; specialized tread compounds for enhanced life and heat resistance; a wide outer belt and vertical sidewall shape for optimized cut resistance; and more.
The VMMS is available in sizes 26.5R25, 29.5R29 and 35/65R33. The VMDL is available in sizes 26.5R25 and 29.5R29.
Also debuting at MINExpo is the Firestone Super Rock Grip DeepTread Loader Dozer 2, one of Bridgestone’s biggest surface mining tires.
Specifically engineered for loader applications, the tire, which has been approved for Komatsu and Caterpillar machines, will be available later this year in two sizes: 58/85-57 and 70/70-57.
It features an extra-heavy-duty, non-directional tread design for a significant increase in tire life, a new casing construction for optimized cut resistance and improved stability and more.
In addition, Bridgestone will spotlight its Smart On-Site mining solutions program at MINExpo. The tiremaker calls Smart On-Site “the next evolution in Bridgestone’s vision for the mining segment, highlighting enhanced connectivity and flexibility.
“Smart On-Site programs are co-created with customers and utilize the latest operational data to establish a one-of-a-kind suite of solutions for each customer to address pain points,” according to Bridgestone officials, while enabling operators “to work optimally and leverage real-time and historical data insights.”
Bridgestone will be at booth 8613 in the central hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.