Michelin North America introduced a new loader tire with improved casing protection, a reinforced casing ply and a patented reinforced bead zone.
The new Michelin XTXL E4/L4 replaces the Michelin XLD D1 with sizes 26.5R25 XTXL E4/L4, 29.5R25 XTXL E4/L4 and 35/65R33 XTXL E4/L4.
The Michelin XTXL E4/L4 offers operators several key performance benefits, according to MNA, including 10% improved tire life over the Michelin XLD D1; a 15% increase in load-carrying capacity; nearly 20% more torque from the wheel to the ground compared to the Michelin XLD D1; and up to a 20% decrease in out-of-service tires due to an enhanced puncture-resistant crown and 10% stronger sidewalls than its predecessor.
The XTXL E4/L4 also features Michelin’s patented B2 technology, which reduces rim slip thanks to a new flat bead wire, which strengthens the clamping force on the wheel and increases its contact surface with the rim, compared to the previous-generation Michelin XLD D1 tire, the tiremaker said.
The tire also benefits from more solid steel cables, increased metal mass, thicker sidewalls and a new steel belt offering increased protection against punctures in the tread area. It has a greater load capacity of nearly 36 tons for the 35/65R33 tire size, than the previous tire, thanks to its cable-reinforced carcass, MNA said. The shoulder design helps the tire to cool more quickly, while the central zone and its large, beefy lugs are cut resistant to improve both damage resistance and traction capability. Wide grooves and channels provide traction and grip on graded and loose ground conditions.
