New tyre from Michelin

The Michelin XDR earthmover tyre range has been designed to give adhesion, long life and help reduce operating costs for surface mine operations.

The XDR features a new non-directional tread design with independent tread blocks, giving better distribution of traction and braking forces across the entire tread area. The tread blocks have micro-grooves to improve adhesion on damp and wet haul roads. This non-directional tread pattern simplifies on-vehicle tyre matching and reduces tyre stock levels.

Compared with the Michelin XKD1, which was previously used in this type of operation, the XDR has increased tread depth and offers an increase of up to 20% in tyre life. The variable tread-groove design minimises stone retention.

The XDR range will be available during 2000 in the following sizes: 27.00 R 49; 30.00 R 51; 33.00 R 51; 36.00 R 51; 37.00 R 57; and 40.00 R 57.