New Michelin Xtra Defend size for Volvo A60H

A further size has joined the Michelin Xtra Defend construction tyre range, and Michelin says that from December 2023 this 33.25 R 29 tyre will replace the X-Super Terrain + in 800/80 R 29. Michelin developed this new tyre specifically to fit the Volvo A60H, the largest articulated dump truck in the world, which is primarily used for mine and quarry applications.

The Xtra Defend range now includes four 80 series references (23.5 R 25, 26.5 R 25, 29.5 R 25, and 33.25 R 29) and two references for 65 series (750/65 R 25 and 875/65 R29). With these retreadable tyres, Michelin is targeting both the OEM and replacement markets.

Describing Xtra Defend, Michelin says the tyre boast great traction and a design that allows for better resistance against aggressions, with a minimum 24.7 per cent greater metal mass (on the summit), a reinforced casing and plies, and sidewalls that are 15 per cent thicker (all comparisons with X-Super Terrain + 29.5 R 25). Furthermore, Michelin says these tyres offer long life even during the most intensive cycles thanks to a tread depth and a higher volume of rubber, and the natural rubber used in the design of the Xtra Defend 33.25 R 29 offers reduced heat emissions in order to meet users’ best productivity levels.

“Michelin Xtra Defend is designed to meet productivity levels ranging up to a maximum of 385 metric tons per kilometre per hour (TKPH) on intensive cycles,” shares Laurent Greppi, product category manager at Michelin. “The protection level is optimised with a tread depth of 69 mm and a reinforced steel crown belt package in order to ensure mobility and long life on all surface types, such as hard stones, very abrasive surfaces, and even muddy soil.”