Michelin North America has introduced the Michelin X-Traction, an E4 tire designed for earthmovers operating on rocky terrain.

Size 27.00R49 will be available on July 1, and sizes 24.00R35, 21.00R33 and 18.00R33 will follow later this year and in early 2011, MNA said.

Originally available in 2004 outside North America for large mining trucks, the X-Traction was developed for rigid frame 100-ton mining and construction haul trucks using the 49-inch E4 size.

“We’re constantly monitoring the North American market’s tire needs in order to provide the industry with the best possible tire performance for the application,” said Roger Lucas, MNA vice president of earthmover tire sales and marketing. “Expanding the X-Traction tire offering into North America and with additional sizes is a prime example of this commitment.”

The new tire features a tread that is up to 13% deeper, which extends tire life by up to 15% compared to Michelin’s XDT, the tiremaker said.