Titan Releases Second-Gen 007 MFT Mining Tyre

Titan Tire Corporation has introduced the second generation of its 007 MFT mining tyre product line. This new product, says the US manufacturer, offers enhanced durability, a more ‘aggressive’ tread pattern, improved heat dissipation and the ability to carry a larger payload. Sizes currently offered in the range include 59/80R63, 53/80R63, 40.00R57 and 27.00R49.

“We spent considerable time in the field listening to mine operators about their tyre needs and used that input to help design the second generation 007 MFT product line,” said Dan Steltmann, Titan’s vice president of research and development. “The biggest issue facing mine operations was overall tyre durability related to minimising internal heat generation, as well as enhanced sidewall and belt durability. We incorporated those features into the redesigned 007 MFT product line.”

The second generation 007 MFT features a new belt package, which Titan says provides a more durable design. The tyre maker adds that overall tyre durability was also improved with changes to the compounds in the tread and base – changes that reportedly help to reduce overall heat generation and improve the tyre’s cut, chip and wear characteristics. Titan has also removed the steel from the tyre’s, which it says provides for a more durable carcass, while the lower sidewall flange features a new compound and profile for added durability. Furthermore, the new narrow profile used is intended to eliminate potential interference issues with haul trucks.

A non-solid centre tread design has been used to help reduce internal heat generation and allows the heat to more easily dissipate, reducing tyre running temperatures by approximately 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.67 to 4.44 degrees Celsius). This reduction in running temperature, explains Titan, allows the end user to run haul trucks longer distances and at a higher speed, while still maintaining an operating temperature that is within the tyre’s capabilities. Titan has also incorporated sipes into the tyre lugs in order to give it additional traction and improve the tyre’s heat dissipation. The manufacturer comments that the second generation tyre’s lighter construction helps reduce overall heat generation and allows for larger payloads to be carried. 

Also available from Titan for use in conjunction with the new 007 MFT is a tyre pressure monitoring system. The TPMS monitors the internal temperature and pressure of each tyre, and shares the information with the driver and the mining management system via a Bluetooth connection. Mine operation personnel can monitor tyre performance and make route changes as needed to maintain efficient mine operation and help balance haul truck workloads. In the US Titan is offering the TPMS with any purchase of six Titan 007 MFT 59/80R63 tyres before August 1, 2010.

“The second generation 007 MFT tyres have been designed to end-users’ needs and the modifications have been verified through finite element analysis,” said Steltmann. “We also validated the tyre’s performance using our industry-exclusive radial fatigue testing machine. We put these tyres to the test to help ensure their performance in the field.”