RUD chains for tyres in harsh environments

The mine’s LeTourneau L-1850 loader has worked over 9,000 hours without reporting any unscheduled workshop visits for tyre repairs or replacements, RUD reports.

Tyre punctures are obviously unwelcome. The L-1850 is the only wheeled loader on site and is integral to production. Giant earthmover tyres are in short supply and are expensive to replace.

Mangoola’s three 9-10m coal seams are inter-bedded with 3-4m thick, late-Permian, tuffaceous bands concealed by 15-90m of sandstone conglomerate.

Tuff is an unforgiving mixture of volcanic rock and mineral fragments in a volcanic ash matrix formed when a combination of ash, rock and pyroclastic or tephra mineral fragments were blasted into the air by volcanic action then fell to the ground as a mixed deposit.

RUD said the L-1850 loader’s Michelin X-Mine D2 60/80-57 tyres are subject to heavy abrasion from the sandstone and tuff. The tyres also come under threat of sidewall damage from unpredictable content such as razor-sharp, unweathered shards of rock.

The Fels Crown chains are robust, tight-meshed, 22m, ribbed links that encase the tyre, absorbing abrasion and preventing the tread from powdering, RUD said. The chains also deflect sharp rock fragments, preventing sudden-death, side-wall penetration.

The Fels Crown chains were supplied, installed and supported by RUD Australia and manufactured by RUD Kettenfrabrik of Germany.
Cotnact: www.rud.com.au