GREENVILLE, S.C. (Aug. 4, 2009) Michelin has introduced the newest size of its XHA2 loader tire that debuted at the Intermat trade show in April. The latest size, 23.5R25, is ideal for machines in the construction industry that operate on infrastructure and utility sites.
“We’ve seen great success for the XHA2 tire in its quarry size that became available in May,” said Roger Lucas, vice president of sales and marketing, Michelin Earthmover Tires. “Quarries, and some construction sites, around the world are already experiencing the capabilities of this tire. With this new size, even more equipment for construction sites, government projects, infrastructure sites and utility work will now be able to benefit from the many advantages that the XHA2 tire offers.”
A testimonial video of MICHELIN XHA2 tire users is available on the Michelin web site at www.michelinearthmover.com/html/tires/XHA2.html. The testimonials, from sites across Europe and the U.S., outline each customer’s experience with the new tire.
The tire is designed to accomplish three goals- reduce hourly operating costs, ensure that work continues smoothly and safely, and improve operator working conditions. Along with the latest 23.5R25 size, the 26.5R25 size became available in May. Two remaining sizes are scheduled to be introduced in 2010- the 29.5R25 and 20.5R25 sizes.
The increased durability of the MICHELIN XHA2 tire allows vehicles to remain up and running, which keeps the site’s productivity high. To achieve this result, Michelin integrated three technologies into the tire:
¢ Additional rubber has been incorporated in the tread, making the tire even more damage-resistant.
¢ The sidewalls have been strengthened with a special protective rib and anti-scrape shields.
¢ Michelin has developed a sidewall rubber compound that resists expansion of cuts and splits into the air chamber to help reduce costly flats.
The MICHELIN XHA2 tire lasts at least 5 percent longer than its predecessor, the MICHELIN XHA tire, which is currently the benchmark tire on major worksites around the world, including quarries, cement plants, construction sites and infrastructure projects.
In addition to its durability, the MICHELIN XHA2 tire provides another advantage: its superior traction helps get the job done faster. The 9 percent deeper tread (compared to XHA tire) improves traction and makes the tire self-cleaning- expelling earth caught between tread blocks- while reducing temporary losses of grip. This optimized traction reduces rolling resistance and therefore fuel consumption. The MICHELIN XHA2 tire’s patented tread design dramatically reduces vibrations that can be felt by operators and damage mechanical components. Additionally, the tire reduces the vibrations caused by heavy loads and frequent changes of direction thanks to its larger contact patch.
The MICHELIN XHA2 tire also features a casing that further enhances its value. This robust underlying structure makes the tire easier to retread, thereby generating additional cost-savings for companies. It also benefits society as a whole since a retread tire produces less waste and requires fewer raw materials.
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelinearthmover.com) employs more than 22,600 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.
