The new Michelin X TRA Load range will allow users to maximise the productivity and continuity of their operations – whatever the conditions of use. In addition to the increased load capacity, the X TRA Load range boasts an improvement in tyre life and a big increase in tonnes per kilometre hour (TKPH), so larger loads can be moved further in the same time. The three main areas of improvement are:
- Load capacity – which is key to all earthmoving machinery. The new reinforced casing of the Michelin X TRA Load makes it the first 24.00R35 tyre on the market credited with a “three-star” rating. This is the result of an optimised design, which improves stress distribution within the tyre. In practical terms this equates to an eight per cent higher payload or an increase of nine tonnes in load capacity per machine. This is a huge increase in productivity when multiplied by the number of cycles made daily.
- Wear resistance – which sees an increase of eight per cent in the X TRA Load over the X Quarry S, due to an increased volume of rubber in the new tread design and better load distribution across the contact patch. The volume of rubber in the new range is at least nine per cent more than in X Quarry S and almost 30 per cent more than in some of the leading competitors’ tyres of the same size.
In addition, this greater volume of tread rubber in contact with the ground gives better load distribution, improved wear resistance and an increase in tyre life. Tyre endurance is also increased due to new tread patterns. The Michelin X TRA Load Protect in particular has interlocking blocks and improved heat dissipation that reduce the temperature in the tread area by up to 12oC.
- Productivity – which, as measured by TKPH, quantifies productivity and is a function of load and distance covered in an hour. For, respectively, the new X TRA Load Grip and X TRA Load Protect, the TKPH is increased by at least 21 per cent and 14 per cent in the A4 compound, and at least 12 per cent to 42 per cent for the B compound, when compared with previous Michelin ranges. This extended load and speed capability will allow users to optimise machine cycles and increase productivity.
The new Michelin X TRA Load tyre is available in two variants, targeted at the two main surfaces experienced by RDTs:
- X TRA Load Grip – for soft, loose, muddy ground conditions, as often experienced in mining and quarrying operations on slopes/ inclines, where the priority is high grip and traction.
- X TRA Load Protect – for hard, sharp, abrasive conditions on flat, dry surfaces, where the priority is protection and damage resistance, such as quarries and construction sites.
With the two tread compounds (A4 and B) this means a simplified range for users and easier stock management for dealers. The evolution in the Michelin offer is as below.
| THE EVOLUTION | ||
|---|---|---|
| XDTA4** | replaced by | X TRA Load Grip A4*** |
| XDTB** / X TRACTION SC | replaced by | X TRA Load Grip B*** |
| X QUARRY S** | replaced by | X TRA Load Protect A4*** |
| X HAUL** | replaced by | X TRA Load Protect B*** |
** = Two-star rating. *** = Three-star rating.
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X TRA LOAD GRIP {{image2-a:r-w:300}}For soft, loose, muddy ground conditions – as often experienced in mining and quarry operations on slopes/ inclines, where the priority is high grip and traction. An eight per cent higher payload due to reinforced casing. Increased grip due to 30 per cent more lug edges than the XDT in the contact patch to improve traction. Higher TKPH – due to a new tread pattern and cooler running tyre, comprising:
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MICHELIN X TRA LOAD PROTECT {{image3-a:r-w:300}}For hard, sharp abrasive conditions on flat, dry surfaces – where the priority is protection and damage resistance, such as quarries and construction sites. Replaces the X Quarry S and X Haul tyres. An eight per cent higher payload due to reinforced casing. Higher TKPH – due to a new tread pattern and cooler running tyre, comprising:
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Source: Michelin Group
REFERENCES: 1. Previously most 24.00R35 tyres carried a two-star (**) rating. The X TRA Load is the first carrying a three-star (***) rating. The star rating is the industry indicator of load capacity for a given dimension, as specified by the Tire and Rim Association (USA).