The XDR Wide Body Truck carries 12 tonnes per tyre at a recommended 9 bar, with a casing fully reinforced with steel cords
Wide body trucks have become a common sight in mines and quarries, yet the tyres they run on have historically come mostly from Tier-3 suppliers. Michelin now wants a share of that market. Its new MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck is the first tyre the group has developed specifically for this generation of vehicles, and it targets the problem mining fleets care about most: a tyre failure under load.
A fast-growing vehicle class
According to Michelin, wide body trucks offer an attractive balance between payload capacity, safety and acquisition cost, which explains their growing adoption in mining operations around the world. The manufacturer developed and launched the new tyre in less than two years, combining intensive field analysis with a short development cycle.
“Wide body trucks are playing an increasingly important role in mining operations,” said Kevin Maleterre, Director of Michelin Beyond Road. “With the MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck, we are applying our expertise in mining applications to this new generation of vehicles, with a clear aim: to help our customers combine safety, productivity and the development of their fleets.”
Built around safety
In mining, a tyre failure can have serious consequences for people, equipment and the continuity of operations. Michelin’s response is a casing fully reinforced with thick steel cords.
That construction allows the XDR to carry 12 tonnes (26,786 lb) per tyre at a recommended pressure of 9 bar (130 psi). Michelin says these recommendations are significantly lower than those typically seen in this segment, which helps reduce the risk of a blowout.
The tyre is designed to sustain heavy loads at speed and for intensive duty cycles. Michelin highlights strong traction, particularly on soft or muddy ground, while a robust tread compound is intended to resist damage, maintain grip and deliver long service life.
What it means for fleets
For mine and quarry operators, the pitch is total cost of ownership. Fewer tyre failures mean less unplanned downtime and lower maintenance costs, higher equipment availability and more material moved per shift. Michelin also positions the tyre as part of the evolution of mining fleets towards more efficient and increasingly electrified haulage solutions.
The MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck will be launched worldwide on 1 November 2026 in its first size, 16.00 R25. Additional sizes are planned.
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