MINING TYRES
Otraco facilitates field feedback, trial implementation, and integration but does not assume design authority.
Once the design is finalised and approved, precision manufacturing and engineering certification is carried out by independent, qualified third-party engineering firms to ensure compliance with all applicable industry standards prior to product release. The specialised tooling range is delivered with Otraco’ s materials and workmanship warranty.
“ Our specialised tooling products are sought after by clients for safety improvements and productivity benefits. One recent example is our stud press, which saves operator time and helps to prevent shoulder and elbow injuries. It’ s now in use across multiple mining operations,” said Walter Frate, Lead Product Designer and Senior Project Engineer.
With the introduction of hybrid size tyres for Caterpillar 793F haul trucks in 2016, Otraco identified an issue with achieving a successful seal during the tyre fitment process on double-gutter 32-in rims. This issue posed a significant operational problem for mining operators, due to considerable downtime during tyre changes, resulting in increased costs. Furthermore, the lack of a reliable method for achieving a seal in this scenario raised safety concerns for site teams, who were forced to rely on trial and error to complete the tyre change. To solve the problem, Otraco’ s team developed a specifically designed sealing clamp to achieve an air-seal for tyres mounted on double gutter and OVM / integral gutter type rims. Launched in 2016, the sealing clamps secured the outer facing bead seat band against the outer O-ring, enabling tyre handlers to manipulate and secure the inner bead seat band against the inner O-ring to achieve an air-seal. The specialised tooling enabled tyre fitters to inflate tyres safely and efficiently, without the need to employ alternative methods.
Yokohama buys former Eurotire factory in Romania
The Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd recently announced that it has acquired the fixed assets( land, building, and OTR tyre production machinery) of a closed plant located in Romania for US $ 35 million through its off-highway tyre( OHT) subsidiary Yokohama TWS Romania SRL.
The plant in Drobeta-Turnu Severin was previously operated by Eurotire which filed for insolvency in 2018 and finally went bankrupt in January 2025 but had previously supplied radial mining and construction tyres from the facility both for its own brand and in collaboration with other companies including Continental AG, which produced ContiEarth tyres there.
The acquisition is a follow-up to Yokohama’ s acquisition of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’ s OTR business, a strategic investment aimed at achieving‘ Hockey Stick Growth’ during Yokohama Transformation 2026( YX2026), the company’ s medium-term management plan for fiscal years 2024 – 2026. The purpose of the acquisition is to increase the group’ s production capacity of mining & construction machinery tyres in Europe.
The acquisition is a key part of Yokohama Rubber’ s effort to expand its OHT product lineup and its production and supply capabilities in all OHT categories, including tyres for mining & construction machinery, as it seeks to strengthen its market position and competitiveness in the OHT business and enhance its corporate value.
Nitin Mantri, Co-Chief Operating Officer and Head of OHT division of The Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd told IM:“ The acquisition of Goodyear’ s OTR business reflects a strategic commitment to growth. It expands our OHT portfolio in mining, construction, and other non-agricultural sectors while unlocking new synergies across product development, sales, manufacturing, and ESG. During this integration phase, we are actively analysing market trends and gathering customer feedback to shape future strategy. We are using these insights to guide localised production planning, including how we utilise our newest facility in Romania.”
Techking’ s tyre solutions for sustainable mining
Under the global net-zero goal, the mining industry is accelerating its transition to electrification. With nearly two decades of specialisation in the mining sector, Techking Tires told IM that in response to industry transformation and growing environmental expectations, it is leading the way in developing tyre technologies and products specifically designed for electric mining equipment. And the electrification of mining places is placing more demands on tyres. For example, electric mining trucks need tyres with enhanced instant grip due to higher torque outputs. Their continuous high-load operation calls for exceptional stability and wear resistance. Furthermore, the unique drive systems of electric equipment require stronger bead design and improved tread wear performance.
In response, Techking says it has proactively advanced its new energy tire technology. Addressing the three core traits of electric mining trucks- high torque, rapid acceleration, and heavy weight- it has achieved a breakthrough in enhancing the durability of belt ply rubber compounds used in mining and construction tyres. This significantly extends tyre lifespan under extreme conditions.
Additionally, Techking’ s proprietary low rebound structure technology reduces rolling resistance, helping to lower energy consumption and operating costs for electric mining trucks. These innovations have passed an authoritative appraisal by the China Construction Machinery Association, which confirmed the overall technology as‘ internationally advanced.’
These technical achievements have already earned strong recognition from clients across the industry. At bauma China 2024, Techking signed a strategic partnership with YiMu Intelligence, an emerging leader in electric mining truck development. Prior to the agreement, Techking’ s ETOH and ET668 tires had already been successfully fitted on YiMu’ s 200-ton EM200 all-electric mining truck. During the exhibition, YiMu’ s EMSUNTOUR brand showcased additional electric equipment, including a 42-ton underground truck and a 6 m ³ battery-electric LHD, all equipped with Techking’ s electric mining tyres.
Wide body mining truck tyres were a major focus for Techking at bauma China
Techking’ s innovations are also making a global impact. At bauma 2025 in Germany, Techking’ s application-specific tire solution debuted alongside LiuGong’ s first all-electric rigid mining dump truck, the DR50C-E. The showcased tyre, designed with an optimised tread pattern and innovative compound, delivers enhanced traction and slip resistance performance while maintaining exceptional wear resistance. Even under the harsh conditions of European mining sites, it ensures consistent performance- positioning it as an important enabler in driving the green transformation of the European mining industry.
To date, Techking’ s electric mining tyres have been adopted across a wide range of equipment from leading global OEMs such as XCMG, SANY, SDLG, Tonly, and LiuGong, as well as from emerging new energy players like YiMu Intelligence, Breton Technology, and Seazon Motor- forming a comprehensive ecosystem of electrified mining OEM tyre partnerships.
International Mining | JULY 2025 47