Michelin North America Inc. has begun testing what it claims is the world's largest off-the-road tire in real operating conditions in the oil sands of Canada.
The 59/80R63 XDR radial stands more than 13 feet tall, is about 5 feet wide, weighs more than 5 tons and can support more than 100 tons per tire, the Greenville-based company said. Michelin developed it in collaboration with farm equipment supplier Caterpillar Inc. for the new 797B, the world's largest haul truck, with a payload of up to 400 tons.
The XDR features an extra-deep tread design, which is designed to allow for lower heat generation without compromising tire life, the tire maker said. Michelin will introduce two versions of the tire, one for harsh conditions, the other for high-speed use.