GREENVILLE, S.C. (Aug. 6, 2009)—Michelin North America Inc. has introduced a new size of its XHA2 loader tire unveiled at the Intermat trade show in April.
The 23.5R25 size fits construction equipment used on infrastructure and utility sites. The company said two remaining sizes are scheduled to be introduced in 2010—the 29.5R25 and 20.5R25 sizes.
“We've seen great success for the XHA2 tire in its quarry size that became available in May,” said Roger Lucas, vice president of sales and marketing, Michelin Earthmover Tires. “Quarries, and some construction sites, around the world are already experiencing the capabilities of this tire. With this new size, even more equipment for construction sites, government projects, infrastructure sites and utility work will now be able to benefit from the many advantages that the XHA2 tire offers.”
Michelin said the tire has increased durability, featuring additional rubber incorporated in the tread, making the tire more damage-resistant; sidewalls strengthened with a special protective rib and anti-scrape shields; and a sidewall rubber compound that resists expansion of cuts and splits into the air chamber to help reduce costly flats.
The XHA2 lasts at least 5 percent longer than its predecessor, the XHA tire, Michelin said. To improve traction and help expel earth caught between tread blocks, the XHA2 has 9-percent deeper tread, compared with the XHA. The optimized traction reduces rolling resistance and fuel consumption, according to the tire maker.