Las Vegas – The Michelin® 56/80R63 XDR™ radial is the latest addition to the Michelin Earthmover Group’s extensive line of tires for ultra-class haul trucks. With tread up to 15 percent deeper than most ultra-class truck tires and thick, square shoulders, the XDR tire provides maximum protection in severe mining conditions. Deep, longitudinal grooves help improve traction and, therefore, improve haul truck productivity.

Unlike most haul truck tires, XDR tires feature independent blocks that run along the center of the tread line. These blocks come together as the tire rolls to spread the ground contact pressure evenly and minimize the rate of tread wear.

“We have worked alongside the leading manufacturers of ultra-class haul trucks to develop a tire that provides optimal performance in the large surface mines where these machines operate,” said Kaan Demirel, mining market segment manager for Michelin North America, Inc.

According to Demirel, that cooperation has resulted in an entire family of XDR tires for ultra-class haul trucks. “The industry is growing–literally,” said Demirel. “The goal in the industry today is to build larger machines that can move more material faster and more cost effectively under extreme conditions. That equipment will require specialized tire solutions designed specifically for large, aggressive operations. Michelin is there to offer the tires and tire services those machines need.”

The 56/80R63 XDR tire is available in four different rubber compounds. Maintenance and equipment personnel should work with their Michelin representative to determine which compound is best suited for their specific surface mine or quarry conditions.