In addition to the increased tread life, the XDR2 tyre also delivers up to a 10% thicker undertread between the protective plies and tread base for better cut and impact resistance.

With a self-cleaning tread pattern, the XDR2 tyre combines full-depth blocks, a 13% larger central lug (compared to XDR) and a non-directional design to provide increased protection against aggressions and cut separations.

The evolving tread design provides an increased contact patch as the tyre wears, while sculptured cooling vents are designed to keep running temperatures low.

The XDR2 also incorporates Michelin’s C2 technology in the casing to provide an overall cooler operating temperature to maximise the potential life of the tyre without compromising operating speed or load carrying capacity.

Compared to the XDR, the steel protective plies are 60% stronger to provide a significant improvement in shielding the tyre against aggressions and separations.

The tyre also provides twice the sidewall thickness of the previous generation to resist cuts and abrasions.

“The best has gotten better,” Michelin Earthmover tyres president Luc Minguet said.

“The XDR tyre is the benchmark on haul trucks in quarries around the world, and has been for many years. This new XDR2 tyre builds on that foundation to deliver even more productivity, better performance and unquestioned value, all leading to a lower total cost of tyre operation.”

The tyres are available in a 27R49 size with additional sizes to be released.

It is ISO 14001 certified and free of aromatic oils.

This article first appeared in ILN's sister publication ConstructionIndustryNews.