Michelin introduces X Mine L4 tire designed for largest loader

GREENVILLE, S.C.—Michelin North America Inc. has introduced the 70/70R57 Michelin X Mine L4 earthmover tire for the Komatsu WE2350/P&H L2350 large wheel loader used in surface mining.

The Michelin X Mine L4 radial tire delivers improved mobility and productivity thanks to three times the tramming speed of a competitor tire, according to the tire maker.

The tire does not require chain fitments on the rear axle due to its robust radial design, resulting in reduced tread wear, an optimized and even footprint, less deformation of the contact patch on the ground and an overall life expectancy increase of 50 percent or more, Michelin said.

"As part of our Michelin Better Mining approach, we strive to provide the mining industry with innovative solutions that add significant value for our customer operations," said Adam Murphy, senior vice president for Michelin Mining.

"The new 70/70R57 Michelin X Mine L4 tire builds on our history of innovation with the first radial tire for the world's largest wheel loader, providing a step-change in the mines' productivity, while also contributing to their safety and sustainability."

The new tire is designed to run cooler than the competition, due to its radial construction and compounds that keep the tire at an optimal temperature at greater speeds, maintaining a temperature difference of 10 degrees C cooler on the front axle versus the competition in similar conditions, according to Michelin.

The tire also features steel cables to provide a robust architecture and improved endurance under the harshest mining conditions, the company said, noting the tire is engineered to meet traction performance standards on both wet and dry surfaces.

The tire is ready for use with the MEMS tire pressure monitoring system so that mine operations can improve uptime and experience seamless connectivity, according to Michelin.