MINING TYRES
Yokohama on larger loader tyres
Large mining wheel loaders represent a specific and challenging tyre application , and IM spoke to Bruce Besancon Vice President , Marketing at Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America , Inc . about this part of the market . “ Tyres on large wheel loaders – above 33 in rim sizes – are an incredibly important contributor to efficient and profitable operation . Selecting the right large loader tyre starts with the loader itself – vehicle weight , load capacity , lift height , torque , speed – as well as a ‘ site severity survey ’ that includes an analysis of the material the loader will be handling , the underfoot material , the load , and the distance of travel . The choice between a lug tread pattern and a traction pattern will be dictated by what ' s underfoot . Hard surfaces and broken rock will point you towards a lug tread for its massive rubber surface , while loaders operating in gravel , sand or standing water can benefit from the extra grip of a traction pattern . Compound options range from cut-and-chip resistance in tyres that are not moving far – like loaders doing face work , where debris and tight turns are the hazards – to more heat-resistance compound demands for tires in load-and-carry applications . Tread depth also plays a role : extra depth can protect tires from cuts , chips and abrasion , but for longer cycles , shallower tread can help reduce heat buildup in your tyres .” He adds : “ When it comes to structure , radials tend to be excellent for heat resistance and ride comfort on long cycles , but the sturdier sidewalls of bias-ply tyres can be an excellent choice where heavy loads , high lifts and massive torque demand extra stiffness . The bottom line is this : large wheel loaders are the centre of a mining / quarry operation , so downtime is extremely costly . Tyre choice is a decision you want to take very seriously , and the best approach is to work as a team with the tire manufacturer and a professional a tire dealer who understands large loader tires and knows your operation . That can pay off again and again .”
planning but also luck . We are the last of the independent software providers in the tyre management space and this leaves us in a strong position . The development cost ( and time ) for any new system to be introduced to the industry would prove prohibitive . Even if another system appeared , achieving enough market share to run at a profit would take more than a decade , if at all . Our market share is increasing now from clients moving away from the tyre manufacturer controlled systems and we see this continuing . We also see a rise in smart tools and hand held data collection devices and we believe there will be strong growth in these areas . We have already developed a TPMS system called enTIRE PressureNET which is currently operating in Australia , Asia , Mexico , New Caledonia and Africa . We see our market share increasing in this space due to our independence and the ability to supply multiple sensor brands . enTIRE Mobile has been developed years ago and the team is upgrading this technology in line with market trends . We expect our growth to continue and accelerate both in the TMS and TPMS markets .”
Tyre recycling getting traction
Chile continues to lead the way in the tyre recycling market – the regulatory timeline starts from 2023 through 2026 , when 25 % of mining tyres must be recycled , this increases to 75 % as of 2027 , and to 100 % as of 2030 . Crucially , Peru , with its own huge mining industry and mines like Cerro Verde and Antamina , has just passed mining tyre recycling legislation , and it is widely thought that Australia will be next .
Back to Chile and you have a number of initiatives . First off the pioneering plant from Kal Tire in Antofagasta . Scott Farnham , Director of Recycling Services , Kal Tire ’ s Mining Tire Group , said that for the most part it has already been achieving the original proposed 20,000 kg / day recycling rate and on some occasions has achieved even higher . He adds : “ We continue to run various tests , changing one parameter at a time , in order to balance the energy input and