(Photo: Bridgestone)
Bridgestone claims market leadership in the mining and construction tyre sector, and with the mining sector namedropped alongside electric vehicle tyres for particular attention in its recently announced 800 billion yen ($5.38 billion) round of medium-term investment over the next three years, the global tyre manufacturing signalled its intent to continue to strengthen in this segment. Bridgestone can claim an impressive grip of the off-road tyre market in more ways than one.
Its portfolio of premium tyres is keeping some of the most rugged fleets moving, with a full range of tyres for loaders, the VLT/VLTS for earthmoving applications, the VSNT for underground mining and the VCHP/VPCS for industrial applications. And, of course, the VREV/VRDU for super-sized dump trucks. It all adds up to a portfolio to be reckoned with, with OTR major accounts manager Rob Cole one of the most familiar faces in the business along with a dedicated team of OTR specialists.
Cole, who recently celebrated his 35th anniversary with Bridgestone, said: “The rockier the road, the better our tyres perform, and we’ve been able to evolve over the years to remain at the forefront of the sector.
“Whether it’s rigid trucks, articulated dump trucks, graders, wheeled loaders, fuel bowsers or loading shovels, our tyre portfolio is geared up to meet every need. And the best is yet to come. Our tyre technology keeps on evolving with state-of-the-art patterns and designs to keep drivers safe and vehicles moving.
“From concept right though to creation, it takes years for an OTR tyre to be brought to life. Each tyre is a highly engineered product which has to meet the unique challenges and demands of our customers. We run on so many varied, abrasive and uncompromising surfaces, and our tyres have to deliver – which they have been doing for many, many years.”
Rob Cole also acknowledged an ever-evolving industry and the issue of fleet electrification, which will become more and more relevant in the mining and construction industries in the years to come. Bridgestone is already seeing a shift in tyre technology in this area which can be seen in some of its radial casings.
Rob added: “They are now rated 3 and 4 casings to withstand the extra weight of the batteries. This is more prevalent for underground mining machines and shows that that the tyres – and the technology within them – are continuing to move.”
A major string to Bridgestone’s bow is its round-the-clock support for its all-terrain crane fleet customers, with a partnership approach - combined with its premium tyre range - a cornerstone of its OTR business.
Rob added: “Time is money on any industrial site. That’s why our tyre reporting platform is also a vital part of our offering. We’re able to check the condition of our customers’ tyres before sending reports to the fleet manager. Tread depth profiles and pressures are stored – and action
Managing Director - RubberGem
8moThere are several tyre recyclers out their claiming that the tyre waste they process will be used in roads. Well the WA market only needs 3,000 tonne per year, which is a fraction of the OTR waste generated annually. The truth is the majority of this waste will end up overseas and burnt as fuel, commonly know as Tyre Derived Fuel. The recyclers don't like to mention this as it sounds bad, so they push the rubber in roads concept.