Bridgestone unveils 'Smart On-site' mining program

LAS VEGAS — Bridgestone Corp. has announced its "Smart On-site" mining solutions program, a turn-key and customizable blend of premium tire products, mobility solutions, and service and support in a single transaction for mining operations.

"At Bridgestone, we believe that unlocking a mining business's true potential lies in enhanced connectivity," said Rob Seibert, president of off-the-road, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas.

"With Bridgestone Smart On-site, we offer a comprehensive approach to mining operations, seamlessly integrating our products, solutions and expertise to optimize performance and ensure sustained excellence."

Smart On-site offers enhanced connectivity and flexibility to meet the unique needs of all fleets, the tire maker said, by offering additional value for customers through the strategic integration and amplification of three core pillars:

• Amplify value of Dan-Totsu products: Bridgestone said its products provide durability, reliability productivity and sustainability. Each tire is fundamentally designed with specialized features and technology to help operators move more with less, the company said.
• Amplify trust: The Bridgestone said its service network offers comprehensive training and support to provide mining customers with the knowledge needed to be successful. Bridgestone deploys a team of technical sales and engineering solutions professionals equipped with a deep understanding and expertise in tires and digital solutions to assist online and onsite.
• Amplify data value: Advanced digital solutions enable fleets to optimize operations with data insights that maximize performance and sustainability. Bridgestone said it offers tire monitoring and asset management solutions for mining fleets, which provide end-to-end support that creates smarter work environments.

Smart On-site programs are co-created with customers and use the latest operational data to establish a one-of-a-kind suite of solutions for each customer to address pain points, Bridgestone said. This enables operators to work optimally and leverage real-time and historical data insights to continuously improve.

The system will be displayed at the MINExpo International 2024 in Las Vegas, Sept. 24-26.

During the show, Bridgestone will also unveil a pair of underground hard-rock mining tires: the Bridgestone V-Steel Mining Smooth Tread (VMMS) and V-Steel Mining D-Lug (VMDL).

The two new premium radial tires are designed specifically for load haul dump (LHD) loaders, offering underground vehicles durable options that can withstand harsh environments, Bridgestone said.

Each tire is manufactured with a unique tread pattern to support the different terrains of underground mining. The VMMS is encased with a smooth pattern and the VMDL has a lug pattern.

Key characteristics of the new subterranean tires include:

• Engineered for LHD loaders that require the load capacity of a 3-star rating, while maintaining the benefits of air pressure from a 2-star rating. The tires have a strengthened bead structure, enabling 15% more load capacity and an 8% larger footprint for underground vehicles, the company said.
• New specialized compounds within the tread of both tires help deliver 10% longer wear life and higher heat resistance.
• Enhanced durability: The VMMS tire features a vertical sidewall shape and wider outer belt, leading to a 24% increase in cut resistance compared to the previous model4.

The new VMMS and VMDL can be supported by Bridgestone's tire management systems. The VMMS is available in sizes 26.5R25, 29.5R29 and 35/65R33 and the VMDL is available in 26.5R25 and 29.5R29.

Bridgestone is also unveiling the Firestone Super Rock Grip Deep Tread Loader Dozer 2 (SRG DT LD 2), one of the company's largest tire products, for the surface mining segment.

The SRG DT LD 2 is designed specifically for loader applications and will be available later this year. The tire is manufactured at the company's Bloomington, Ill., tire plant in two sizes, 58/85-57 and 70/70-57, and is approved for Komatsu and Caterpillar loaders.

The tire is designed with several specialized features to enhance load performance, including:

• An extra-heavy duty non-directional tread design, providing a 31% increase in tire life over its previous model.
• A new casing construction to improve cut resistance and provide better stability for more productivity and ride comfort.
• New compounds and construction to improve heat resistance for a 90% better tramming time, the company said.