Michelin reveals a new generation of RDT tyres: X TRA Load

By MEq July 27, 2017 09:58

After many years and billions of tons of materials moved, Michelin is replacing the XDT, X Quarry S and X HAUL, the reference tyres for RDTs in the range tyre of size – 24.00R35. The increased payload potential of the new product range is reflected in the new name – MICHELIN X TRA LOAD. The new tyre range for 40 to 80 ton payload RDTs will be available from 1 July 2017 and will be the first ever ‘3 star’ 24.00R35 tyre on the market.

The new Michelin X TRA LOAD range will allow users to maximise the productivity and continuity of their operations; whatever the conditions of use. In addition to the increased load capacity, the X TRA LOAD range boasts an improvement in tyre life and a big increase in the TKPH – so larger loads can be moved further, in the same time period! The three main areas of improvement are as follows:

Load capacity is key to all earthmoving machinery and the new reinforced casing of the new Michelin X TRA LOAD makes it the first 24.00R35 tyre on the market to be credited with a ‘3 star’ rating. This is the result of an optimised design which improves stress distribution within the tyre. In practical terms this equates to an 8% higher payload or an increase of 9 tons in load capacity per machine; a huge increase in productivity when multiplied by the number of cycles made daily.

Wear resistance of the X TRA LOAD has also been increased by 8% over the X QUARRY S due to an increased volume of rubber in the new tread design and better load distribution across the contact patch. The volume of rubber in the new range is at least 9% more than in X QUARRY S and almost 30% more than in some of leading competitors’ tyres of the same size. Additionally this greater volume of tread rubber in contact with the ground gives better load distribution, improved wear resistance and an increase in tyre life. Tyre endurance is also increased due to new tread patterns. Michelin X TRA LOAD PROTECT, particularly, has interlocking blocks and improved heat dissipation that reduce the temperature in the tread area by up to 12˚C.

Productivity, as measured by TKPH/TPMH2, quantifies productivity and is a function of load and distance covered in an hour. For, respectively, the new X TRA LOAD GRIP and X TRA LOAD PROTECT, the TKPH is increased by at least 20,3% and 13,8% in the A4 compound, and at least 11,7% et 41,7% for the B compound, when compared against previous Michelin ranges. This extended load and speed capability will allow users to optimise machine cycles and increase productivity.

The new Michelin X TRA LOAD tyre is available in two variants, targeted at the two main surfaces experienced by RDTs:
– Michelin X TRA LOAD GRIP – for soft, loose, muddy ground conditions – as often experienced in mining and quarrying operations on slopes/ inclines, where the priority is high grip and traction.
– Michelin X TRA LOAD PROTECT – for hard, sharp abrasive conditions on flat, dry surfaces – where the priority is protection and damage resistance, such as quarries and construction sites