More than Just Rubber

No other tyres are submitted to as much stress as those fitted on earthmovers. As a result retreading these tyres requires specific experience and solutions, especially with regards to the development of the most appropriate compounds and tread patterns, says leading tread rubber, machinery and retread manufacturer Marangoni.

Earthmover and off-the-road tyres require compounds that have high resistance to mechanical stress and atmospheric agents, so as to guarantee the required working life. In many cases cut resistant compounds are needed, but at the same time the compounds must feature low hysteresis/heat generation (two technologically opposing characteristics when obtained using standard materials and processes). Consequently new reinforcing agents with specific characteristics need to be added.

One example of how the latest research and development can strike this balance involves the new compounds used by Marangoni for retreading dumper tyres. Marangoni’s R&D team have developed these through the implementation of the FOMIC platform (Filler Optimized Mixture – Improved Compound), exclusive technology that optimises the interaction between polymer and filler (silica and carbon black) in the compound. The result is a significant increase in performance on any terrain and in any application.

Another important aspect in ensuring the excellence of the finished product is continuous improvement activity in the repair techniques for large-sized tyres. Analysis of the torn surfaces to be removed is essential to ensure perfect contact and an optimum finish. In this regard, one major advantage comes from the synergies among the various divisions of the Marangoni Group, contributing to global technological know-how, as well as being in tune and in constant contact with customers, analysing the sites where the tyres work and the vehicles they are fitted on, and their type of use.

New 18.00-25 MRL

Marangoni is reportedly exploiting the benefit of its expertise in the earthmoving segment by using of five different tread compounds for different applications. The new 18.00-25 MRL, for example, is created specifically for retreading 18.00 – 25 36/40 PR diagonal casings for port and industrial handling equipment.

According to the company, Marangoni engineers working on earthmoving tyres have developed a range of compounds and profiles for different types of applications, including 73 sizes, 38 profiles and 267 different products to respond to all OTR tyre requirements. The range covers all types of applications (loaders, dumpers, scrapers, port handling movers) with products that respond to market needs in terms of cost/performance and geographic coverage that extends across the entire EMEA market.

This means that Marangoni can manufacture specific tyres for all customer applications, especially in the larger sizes. Marangoni tyres are currently used by companies working in totally different and in many cases opposite geographic, environmental and operating situations – e.g. cut phosphate open mines in the Israeli desert operated by OLIZKI, where Marangoni 27.00R49 retreaded tyres are fitted on Caterpillar 777D dumpers and the gold open mine operated by POLUS in the Krasnoyarsk region of Siberia, where the same retreads are fitted on the same type of dumpers.

Marangoni retreaded tyres not only work in the most severe operating conditions, but are also made with respect for the environment. “Our company has obtained ISO 14001 Environmental Certification since a long time”, commented Luca Mai, sales manager for the Marangoni earthmoving retreads sector, “Confirming the ecological focus and ‘green’ approach of the entire Marangoni Group reflected in both production and products.”