Improved mobility & productivity: Michelin debuts X Mine L4**

Michelin has announced the global launch of the X Mine L4** in size 70/70R57, a radial fitment for the Komatsu WE2350/P&H L2350 large wheel loader used in surface mining.

The manufacturer introduces X Mine L4** as a tyre that “delivers improved mobility and productivity” thanks to facilitating three times the tramming speed – the movement of an empty machine from one working location to another on the mine site – of the competitor tyre (the competition Michelin refers to is the cross-ply 70/70-57 Firestone SRG DT LD L4). Michelin adds that the tyre does not require chain fitments on the rear axle either, resulting in reduced tread wear, an optimised and even footprint and less deformation of the contact patch on the ground. All this adds up to an overall life expectancy increase of 50 per cent or more (compared with the Firestone tyre), says Michelin.

Step-change in productivity

“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,” says Adam Murphy, senior vice president for Michelin Mining. “The new 70/70R57 Michelin X Mine L4** tyre builds on our history of innovation with the first radial tyre for the world’s largest wheel loader, providing a step-change in the mines’ productivity, while also contributing to their safety and sustainability.”

Michelin says it designed the 70/70R57 X Mine L4** to run cooler than the competition, a feat it achieves thanks to a radial construction and compounds that keep the tyre at an optimal temperature at greater speeds, remaining 10° Celsius cooler on the front axle compared with the competition in similar conditions. The tyre maker says the Michelin X Mine L4** also offers “excellent protection and wear resistance” due to the steel cables in the tyre, which give it a “robust architecture and outstanding endurance under the harshest mining conditions.” Michelin X Mine L4** is also ready for use with the MEMS tyre pressure monitoring system.

“Designed to be safe, smart and more sustainable, the 70/70R57 Michelin X Mine L4** tyre is ready to tackle the most rugged environments,” states Michelin.

Radials improve mobility

Prior to its official launch, Michelin tested 70/70R57 Michelin X Mine L4** tyres at the Carajas Mine in Brazil, the largest iron ore mine in the world. “The Carajas mine is a very large geographic area. Strategically, we need to be able to move these machines around according to the daily production schedule,” comments Frederico Sa, tyre manager at the Carajas Mine. “Radial tyres improve mobility so we can work more and have more options and better mobility with our machines onsite. This benefit will be captured according to our production strategy.”