Bridgestone tire line enables "customised performance" at mining sites

Tokyo – Bridgestone Corp. has developed a line of OTR tires under the "MasterCore" umbrella that the company said can be customised to various mine sites and operations by the use of varying tread designs on a common casing platform.

The line has been initially launched globally in 63-inch rim diameter sizes, with additional patterns and sizes available to customers in 2021.

"After many years of global product development that produced advances in engineering, chemistry and material science, we are excited to introduce the MasterCore brand to mining customers all over the world," Tomohiro Kusano, vice president and senior officer, global mining, aircraft, agriculture solutions business, said.

"Each mine site is unique and requires a custom tire solution that enables operators to improve efficiency."

The MasterCore line launches with seven tread designs for differing surface-mining applications that are "optimised" for a number of performance attributes such as faster speeds, increased payload and/or maximised uptime that meet customers' specific site and haul route needs.

Bridgestone said customers that have been testing MasterCore tires throughout the past year reported the new products have "exceeded customer expectations," although the firm did not provide specifics nor performance comparisons with existing OTR products.

Among specific attributes Bridgestone lists for the MasterCore line are:

•    the use of anti-rust steel cord produced with proprietary "metal surface-coating technology" for improved adhesion between the rubber and steel cord, delivering better durability;
•    the use of rubber compounds developed for improved crack propagation, enhancing the casing integrity for more dependable performance; and
•    new tread patterns and features that reduce tire operating temperatures.

Production of the new lines is under way at Bridgestone plants in Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu, Japan, with production slated for the company's Aiken, South Carolian, OTR tire factory starting later this year.

Bridgestone did not provide details regarding the surface-coating technology nor say how MasterCore products compare in price with existing OTR products or comment on their retreadability.

Initially MasterCore products will be sold alongside Bridgestone's existing OTR tire products, the company said, but some previous-generation patterns may be discontinued as the MasterCore portfolio expands, the company said. Specific plans will be communicated to customers at the appropriate time.

The launch of the MasterCore product line is part of Bridgestone's "Dan-Totsu" (clear and absolute leader) strategy to develop advanced mining solutions to meet customer needs and deliver social value, the company said.

The new products provide "best-in-class" service delivered by Bridgestone solutions engineers and the company's iTrack solutions business.