Bridgestone is moving more with less thanks to a revolutionary new underground mining tyre range designed to thrive in some of the harshest working conditions on earth.
The company’s new VMNT, VMDL and VMMS products have been engineered specifically for underground mining applications, where abrasive rock surfaces, heavy moisture and relentless operating demands create one of the toughest environments imaginable for tyres.
All three tyres feature the first-ever application of Bridgestone’s Subterranean technology for underground trucks, enabling operators to carry heavier loads without increasing inflation pressure, while also reducing the risk of cuts, penetrations and costly downtime.
The new range forms part of Bridgestone’s ‘Moving More with Less’ philosophy, combining increased carrying capacity, durability and safety in a package designed to help operators maximise productivity underground.
Developed for demanding mine conditions, the tyres are designed to reduce penetrations by enveloping rocks rather than allow them to cut into the rubber, while still maintaining grip and operator comfort. The result is enhanced protection against damage in environments where standing water and moisture can make already abrasive surfaces even more destructive.
The VMNT tyre for underground haulers offers revolutionary load-carrying capacity and longer wear life without the need for extra inflation pressure, while the VMDL for load/haul dump machines features a unique lug pattern designed to deliver traction through the tyre itself.
Meanwhile, the VMMS adopts an innovative smooth grooveless appearance, because traction is generated through the rugged terrain rather than the tread pattern. The tyre also features reinforced cut-resistant sidewalls to further enhance durability underground.
The range is available in sizes including 26.5 R25, 29.5 R29 and 35/65 R33.
Bridgestone’s Rob Cole, Key Account Manager – Off Road Tyres, UK and Ireland, said: “These tyres are specifically designed for the harshest terrains that you’ll ever come across. Underground mines are among the most demanding and challenging environments imaginable.”
“The beauty of these tyres is that they can carry 15% extra load capacity without increasing the pressure¹. Traditionally, the thinking in this sector was to make the casing stronger and simply put more air into the tyre to carry more load. In reality, that can be counterproductive in these conditions.”
“If a tyre fails underground, it can fail with a tremendous amount of force, costing operators huge amounts of money in downtime and, more importantly, potentially endangering life.”
“The machines themselves are getting heavier, so the tyre beads have also been strengthened to help carry more load safely and effectively.”
“What Bridgestone has developed here is a tyre range capable of handling the severe realities of underground mining, while helping operators move more with less.”
The introduction of the VMNT, VMDL and VMMS tyres further strengthens Bridgestone’s off-road tyre portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to delivering innovative solutions that improve productivity, durability and safety in specialist applications around the world.
For more information about Bridgestone’s underground mining tyre range, visit https://www.bridgestone.co.uk/off-the-road/underground-mining
