Mining Magazine > Equipment > Goodyear launches 63-inch tyre

Equipment

The Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Co has announced that it plans to begin production of 63-inch, 12,000lb off-the-road (OTR) tyres in the December quarter of 2010.

“This is a long-term strategic decision that reflects Goodyear’s commitment to deliver products for OTR customers’ changing demands,” said John Cavanaugh, vice president of Goodyear’s OTR business.

The 63-inch radial tyre is a natural extension of the company’s  OTR line-up, which has included 57-inch radial tyres for nearly 20 years and will bring its product range in-line with that of its two main competitors: Michelin and Bridgestone Firestone, which until now, were the only companies in the world to make 63-inch tyres.

“The Goodyear 63-inch tyre is a highly engineered product, leveraging Goodyear’s design technologies and experience in materials development, process improvements and manufacturing enhancements on large 57-inch radial tyres,” said Cavanaugh. “The tyre was created through a collaborative effort involving multi-discipline teams and will be assembled with latest generation manufacturing equipment.”
   
As part of its capital investment strategy, Goodyear also announced plans to upgrade its Topeka, Kansas plant, where work has already begun to prepare for production of the 63-inch tyres. The tyres will be produced in a range of sizes, including 59/80R63 and 53/80R63 and E3 and E4 tread depths.