Bridgestone has launched an underground mining tire range that it says has been designed to “thrive in some of the harshest working conditions on earth.”
The company’s latest VMNT, VMDL and VMMS tire products have been engineered specifically for underground mining applications, and have been designed to reduce penetrations by enveloping rocks rather than allow them to cut into the rubber, while still maintaining grip and operator comfort. The result is enhanced protection against damage in environments where standing water and moisture can make already abrasive surfaces even more destructive.
All three tires feature the first application of Bridgestone’s Subterranean technology for underground trucks, enabling operators to carry heavier loads without increasing inflation pressure, while also reducing the risk of cuts, penetrations and costly downtime.
The range forms part of Bridgestone’s ‘Moving More with Less’ philosophy, combining increased carrying capacity, durability and safety in a package designed to help operators maximize productivity underground.
The VMNT tire for underground haulers offers revolutionary load-carrying capacity and longer wear life without the need for extra inflation pressure; and the VMDL for load/haul dump machines features a unique lug pattern designed to deliver traction through the tire itself.
The VMMS adopts an innovative smooth grooveless appearance, with traction generated through the rugged terrain rather than the tread pattern. The tire also features reinforced cut-resistant sidewalls to further enhance durability underground.
The range is available in sizes including 26.5 R25, 29.5 R29 and 35/65 R33.
Bridgestone’s Rob Cole, key account manager – off road tires, UK and Ireland, said, “These tires are specifically designed for the harshest terrains that you’ll ever come across. Underground mines are among the most demanding and challenging environments imaginable.
“The beauty of these tires is that they can carry 15% extra load capacity without increasing the pressure. Traditionally, the thinking in this sector was to make the casing stronger and simply put more air into the tire to carry more load. In reality, that can be counterproductive in these conditions.
“If a tire fails underground, it can fail with a tremendous amount of force, costing operators huge amounts of money in downtime and, more importantly, potentially endangering life.
“The machines themselves are getting heavier, so the tire beads have also been strengthened to help carry more load safely and effectively. What Bridgestone has developed here is a tire range capable of handling the severe realities of underground mining, while helping operators move more with less.”
Recent news, Nexen tires selected for Kia Seltos in Europe and North America
