In development testing for the last six years, the new tyre — which was developed for 363t-plus trucks — is designed with new compounds and a new tread pattern that can provide excellent tyre life, increased by a minimum of 10% without any compromise on tonne kilometres per hour (TKPH). This figure is based on wear rate improvements on the new MB4/MC4 tread compounds and on field performance in 14 customer mine sites over a 29-month period comparing the tread pattern of the Michelin XDR (on predecessor and prototype tyres) to the tread pattern of the XDR2 and XDR.

The use of corrosion-isolating cables incorporated into the tyre architecture results in a 10% increase in tyre endurance, a significant advantage for these trucks, which are typically operated for up to 23 hours per day in extreme terrain.

The Michelin XDR3, Michelin’s largest-selling tyre globally, is designed for operator safety. Michelin’s tread pattern provides excellent load distribution across the contact patch and is designed to lower contact pressure and reduce wear rate. In addition, the tread pattern is designed for better endurance, thanks to revolutionary heat dissipation. This prevents overheating, which can result in tyre failure, and, in turn, leads to a threat to operator safety.

Jamey Fish, director of earthmover marketing for Michelin North America, said: “Michelin’s most popular tyre, tested on all truck brands, is designed for punishing environments such as oil sands and other surface-mining operations where safety and performance is the goal. Michelin responds to customers’ needs by providing long-lasting innovative products to solve their most demanding business challenges in the specific environments where they operate.”

The XDR3, available in the 40.00R57 size, is Michelin Earthmover Management System (MEMS)-ready and reduces rim slip thanks to a new flat bead wire, which strengthens the clamping force on the wheel and increases its contact surface with the rim. The non-directional tyre also benefits from more solid-steel cables, increased metal mass, thicker sidewalls and a new steel belt that offers increased protection against punctures in the tread area. It has a load capacity of 32.5t due to its cable-reinforced carcass. The shoulder design helps the tyre cool more quickly, while the central zone and its large, beefy lugs are cut-resistant to improve both durability and traction capability. Wide grooves and channels provide traction and grip on graded and loose ground conditions.

The Michelin XDR3 will replace the Michelin XDR2 line over the next several years.