Bridgestone: customisable MasterCore tyres represent “absolute leadership” in mining sector

Bridgestone Corporation has introduced what it describes as a “revolutionary” new MasterCore off-the-road (OTR). Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo on 7 August 2020, company representatives explained that MasterCore tyres are engineered for “ultra-high durability with performance that can be customized to various mine sites and operations”. The MasterCore product line has initially launched for 63-inch tyres, with additional patterns and sizes available to customers in 2021.

Bridgestone began testing MasterCore tyres with select customers last year and performance has reportedly “exceeded customer expectations”. According to the tyremaker, MasterCore is the foundation of the company’s mining solutions business.

What the MasterCore tyres offer (Graphic: Bridgestone)

Key features of MasterCore tyres include steel cord that features Metal Surface Coating Technology for improved adhesion between the rubber and steel cord, delivering better durability – which is said to be an industry first What’s more, MasterCore tyres utilize proprietary anti-rust steel cord developed and manufactured by Bridgestone for added moisture resistance that improves durability.

Designed with new rubber compounds for improved crack propagation, MasterCore tyres offer enhanced casing for more dependable performance. They also feature “new patterns and features” said to “reduce tyre operating temperature for better performance.”

Bridgestone strategy is to integrate a suite of leading products and services in order to provide customers with the best outcomes. The company’s mining solutions offering includes what it calls Dan-Totsu (clear and absolute leader) products, namely: MasterCore, “best-in-class service” delivered by Bridgestone solutions engineers and the company’s iTrack solutions business.

Bridgestone is leveraging its solutions business to improve resource productivity by combining the real and digital worlds to deliver integrated products, services and servicing networks that utilize tire and mobility data. In addition, by continuously feeding back data and knowledge obtained by the company’s solutions offering, Bridgestone will further improve its product portfolio, expand its service offering and strengthen the company’s tire wear and durability prediction technology. The idea is that this will enable Bridgestone to continue to provide even greater value to society and customers.

“After many years of global product development that produced advances in engineering, chemistry and material science, we are excited to introduce the MasterCore brand to mining customers all over the world,” said Tomohiro Kusano, Vice President and Senior Officer, Responsible for G-MAA (Mining, Aircraft, Agriculture) Solutions Business, Bridgestone Corporation. “Each mine site is unique and requires a custom tyre solution that enables operators to improve efficiency. Our MasterCore offering sets a new standard for off-the-road tyre performance as we strive to achieve Dan-Totsu – our vision to be a clear and absolute industry leader.”

Bridgestone reports that its MasterCore tyres represent clear and absolute leadership in the sector (Graphic: Bridgestone)