Titan: Enhanced engineering beats the heat for more efficient mining tire

Titan is introducing a second-generation line of 007 MFT tires especially engineered to deliver a cooler and more efficient performance under rugged mining conditions.

“We spent considerable time in the field listening to mine operators about their tire needs and used that input” to assist with developing several enhancements, says Dan Steltmann, vice president of research and development.

“The biggest issue facing mine operations was overall tire durability related to minimizing internal heat generation, as well as enhanced sidewall and belt durability,” he explains. “We incorporated those features into the redesigned 007 MFT product line.”

The tires feature a new belt package along with changes to the compounds in the tread and base, which helps reduce overall heat generation and improves cut, chip and wear characteristics, according to Steltmann.

Titan also removed the steel from the sidewalls to provide for a more durable carcass, while a lower sidewall flange features a new compound and profile for added length of service, he reports, adding that a narrower profile eliminates potential interference issues with haul trucks.

The lighter construction lowers overall heat generation and allows for a larger payload, he notes.

A non-solid center tread design helps reduce internal heat generation and allows the heat to more easily dissipate, reducing tire running temperatures by some 35 to 40 degrees. “This reduction in running temperature allows the end-user to run haul trucks longer distances and at a higher speed while still maintaining an operating temperature that is within the tire’s capabilities,” says Steltmann.

Sipes have been incorporated into the tire lugs for improved heat dissipation and additional traction.

A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is available that uses Bluetooth technology to share the internal temperature and pressure of each tire with the driver and the mine’s management system.

“Mine operation personnel can monitor tire performance and make route changes as needed to maintain efficient operation of the mine and help balance haul truck workloads,” Steltmann points out.

“The second-generation 007 MFT tires have been designed to end-users’ needs and the modifications have been verified through finite element analysis,” he says. “We also validated the tire’s performance using our industry-exclusive radial fatigue testing machine. We put these tires to the test to help ensure their performance in the field.”

Sizes offered include 59/80R63, 53/80R63, 40.00R57 and 27.00R49.

For more information, visit www.titan-intl.com.