GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 7) — Michelin Earthmover Tires has introduced the X-Crane AT tire for installation on self-propelled all-terrain cranes used in building highways, bridges and other construction projects.
The X-Crane AT (for all-terrain) tire provides major benefits to machinery operators, Michelin said, including reducing machine downtime, minimizing operational costs, reducing braking on wet surfaces and improving handling on the road and at the job site. The "optimally-designed" tire saves fuel because it has seven percent less rolling resistance due to specially developed rubber compounds and an innovative tread design, the company said.
The new tire gives up to 20 percent longer service life compared to its predecessor, the Michelin XGC, the tire maker said. This is due to more evenly distributed ground contact pressures that enable regular wear of the tread pattern throughout the life of the tire. The contact patch is 7 percent larger than the XGC tire.
The X-CRANE AT also has an asymmetrical tread pattern that incorporates small blocks for driving comfort and precise traction on soft ground at construction sites, and its design optimizes handling on both asphalt highways and job sites and results in less vibration and improved ride comfort, Michelin said.
The tire — which also is recommended for use on trucks, conventional and flatbed trailers and fire and rescue vehicles — is offered in the 445/95 R25 (16.00 R25) size. In 2007, 385/95 R25 (14.00 R25) and 385/95 R24 (14.00 R24) sizes will be available.