LAS VEGAS (September 12, 2024) — Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced its new “Smart On-site” mining solutions program, with plans to exhibit at MINExpo International® 2024, the world’s largest mining equipment exhibition held in Las Vegas on September 24-26, 2024. With this year’s show theme, “MOVE MORE WITH LESS,” Bridgestone will showcase Smart On-site and its easy-to-manage, turn-key and customizable blend of premium tire products, mobility solutions and industry leading service and support in a single transaction for mining operations.
"At Bridgestone, we believe that unlocking a mining business’s true potential lies in enhanced connectivity,” said Rob Seibert, President, Off-the-Road, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas. “With Bridgestone Smart On-site, we offer a comprehensive approach to mining operations, seamlessly integrating our products, solutions, and expertise to optimize performance and ensure sustained excellence.”
Bridgestone Smart On-site
The launch of Smart On-site marks the next evolution of Bridgestone’s vision for the mining segment, highlighting enhanced connectivity and flexibility to meet the unique needs of all fleets. The new Smart On-site program unlocks additional value for customers through the strategic integration and amplification of three core pillars:
- Amplify Value of Dan-Totsu Products: Bridgestone products provide unmatched durability, reliability, productivity, and sustainability. Each tire is fundamentally designed with specialized features and technology to help operators move more with less. Within the booth, Bridgestone will showcase two tires from its industry leading MASTERCORE lineup, the VZTB and VREV, and debut three new tires for the surface and subterranean mining segments.
- Amplify Trust: The Bridgestone service network is the largest in the industry1, offering comprehensive training and support to provide mining customers with the knowledge needed to be successful. Bridgestone deploys a team of technical sales and engineering solutions professionals equipped with a deep understanding and expertise in tires and digital solutions to assist online and on-site. In the booth, the company will showcase its full package of Engineering Solutions including heat and weight studies, in- and out-of-service inspections, GPS assessments, G-force studies, drone surveys, site assessments and consultations.
- Amplify Data Value: Advanced digital solutions enable fleets to optimize operations with data insights that maximize performance and sustainability. Bridgestone offers tire monitoring and asset management solutions for mining fleets, which provide end-to-end support that creates smarter work environments. At MINExpo, Bridgestone will showcase its advanced digital solutions, including iTrack and Toolbox, to demonstrate the power of data to drive actionable insights and decision-making.
Smart On-site programs are co-created with customers and utilize the latest operational data to establish a one-of-a-kind suite of solutions for each customer to address pain points. This comprehensive approach enables operators to work optimally and leverage real-time and historical data insights to continuously improve. Smart On-site is the latest example of Bridgestone’s commitment to enhancing the mining industry with modern technologies and data-driven insights.
Underground VMMS & VMDL Tires
Officially making their debuts at MINExpo, the all-new Bridgestone V-Steel Mining Smooth Tread (VMMS) and V-Steel Mining D-Lug (VMDL) feature technology innovations for the underground hard rock segment. The two new premium radial tires are designed specifically for load haul dump (LHD) loaders, offering underground vehicles durable options that can withstand harsh environments. For additional flexibility, each tire is manufactured with a unique tread pattern to support the different terrains of underground mining. The VMMS is encased with a smooth pattern, and the VMDL has a lug pattern.
Key characteristics of the new subterranean tires include:
- Two-Star Technology, 3-Star Capacity: The VMMS and VMDL are engineered for LHD loaders that require the load capacity of a 3-star rating, while maintaining the benefits of air pressure from a 2-star rating. Bridgestone subterranean products deliver enhanced benefits with a strengthened bead structure, enabling 15% more load capacity and an 8% larger footprint for underground vehicles2.
- Extended Wear Life: New specialized compounds within the tread of both tires help deliver 10% longer wear life and higher heat resistance3.
- Enhanced Durability: The VMMS tire features a vertical sidewall shape and wider outer belt, leading to a 24% increase in cut resistance compared to the previous model4.
In addition to innovative design features, the new VMMS and VMDL can be supported by Bridgestone’s tire management systems. The VMMS is available in sizes 26.5R25, 29.5R29, and 35/65R33, and the VMDL is available in 26.5R25 and 29.5R29.
Firestone SRG DT LD 2 Tire
In addition to the VMMS and VMDL, Bridgestone will launch the new Firestone Super Rock GripTM Deep Tread Loader Dozer 2 (SRG DT LD 2), one of the company’s largest tire products, for the surface mining segment. The SRG DT LD 2 is designed specifically for loader applications and will be available later this year. The tire is manufactured at the company’s Bloomington, Illinois tire plant in two sizes, 58/85-57 and 70/70-57, and is approved for Komatsu and Caterpillar loaders. The new tire is designed with several specialized features to enhance load performance, including:
- Longer Tire Life: the SRG DT LD 2 features an extra-heavy duty non-directional tread design, providing a 31% increase in tire life over its previous model.
- Improved Durability and Comfort: In addition to the non-directional tread design, the SRG DT LD 2 is manufactured with a new casing construction to improve cut resistance5 and provide better stability for more productivity and ride comfort.
- Reduced Tramming Time: Engineered with new compounds and construction, the tire has improved heat resistance for a 90% better tramming time6.
The Bridgestone Off-the-Road display will be at booth 8613 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. MINExpo public days are Sep. 24-26, 2024.
1 Based on the largest number of dealers in the commercial tire dealer network in U.S. found on www.commercial.bridgestone.com. As compared to the 2022 U.S. Replacement and Retreaded Medium/Heavy Truck Tire Brands with similar market share as listed in the January 2023 Modern Tire Dealer (page 34).
2 Compared load capacity on the 2024 Bridgestone Databook (p.49) at 94 PSI / 650 kPa from Bridgestone VSMS 26.5R25 40,800 lbs. (18,500 kgs) vs. the Bridgestone VMMS 26.5R25 46,700 lbs. (21,200 kgs). Results may vary. The same comparison applies to 26.5R29 (page 51) and 35/65R33 (page 53) sizes.
3 Wear performance values are based on a comparison of Bridgestone VSMS D2A 35/65R33 vs. Bridgestone VMMS L2A 35/65R33 from field data. Actual measurements may vary depending on size, patterns, specific usage, and surface conditions.
4 Cut resistance data based on a comparison of Bridgestone VSMS vs. VMMS of the same size during internal testing. Results may vary depending on the usage, load, and surface conditions.
5 Performance comparison based on Firestone 70/70-57 SRG DT LD (previous specification) vs. Firestone 70/70 SRG DT LD2 at major iron mine in Brazil on # hours operating on average. Actual results may vary by site.
6 Data based on tech bulletin BATO-OTR-TB-006-240409. Released on April 2024, data captured by ATC on Firestone 70/70-57 SRG DT LD 2 loader running at 7.5MPH for 40 minutes then 2MPH for 290 Minutes, vs previous Firestone 70/70-57 generation running 5 Miles maximum per day Technical bulletin BATO-OTR-TB-002-160719.
