QUINCY, Ill.-Titan Tire Corporation, a subsidiary of Titan International, Inc., has introduced its second generation 007 MFT mining tire product line, offering enhanced durability, a more aggressive tread pattern, improved heat dissipation and the ability to carry a larger payload.

"We spent considerable time in the field listening to mine operators about their tire needs and used that input to help design the second generation 007 MFT product line," said Dan Steltmann, vice president of research and development. "The biggest issue facing mine operations was overall tire durability related to minimizing internal heat generation, as well as enhanced sidewall and belt durability. We incorporated those features into the redesigned 007 MFT product line."

The second generation 007 MFT features a new belt package that provides a more durable design. Overall tire durability was also improved with changes to the compounds in the tread and base, which helps reduce overall heat generation and improves the cut, chip and wear characteristics of the tire. Titan also removed the steel from the sidewalls of the tire, providing for a more durable carcass, while the lower sidewall flange features a new compound and profile for added durability. The tire's new narrow profile eliminates potential interference issues with haul trucks.

A non-solid center tread design helps reduce internal heat generation and allows the heat to more easily dissipate, reducing tire running temperatures by approximately 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This reduction in running temperature allows the end user to run haul trucks longer distances and at a higher speed, while still maintaining an operating temperature that is within the tire's capabilities.

Titan also incorporated sipes into the tire lugs, which provides additional traction and significantly improves the heat dissipation, or cooling, that the tire exhibits. The lighter construction of the second generation 007 MFT helps reduce overall heat generation and allows for a larger payload. 

A tire pressure monitoring system is also available from Titan. The system monitors the internal temperature and pressure of each tire, and using Bluetooth technology the system shares the information with the driver and the mining management system. Mine operation personnel can monitor tire performance and make route changes as needed to maintain efficient operation of the mine and help balance haul truck workloads. Titan is offering the tire pressure monitoring system with any purchase of six Titan 007 MFT 59/80R63 tires before August 1, 2010.

"The second generation 007 MFT tires have been designed to end-users' needs and the modifications have been verified through finite element analysis," said Steltmann. "We also validated the tire's performance using our industry-exclusive radial fatigue testing machine. We put these tires to the test to help ensure their performance in the field."

Sizes offered include 59/80R63, 53/80R63, 40.00R57 and 27.00R49.

Titan International, Inc. (NYSE: TWI), a holding company, owns subsidiaries that supply wheels, tires and assemblies for off-highway equipment used in agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer (including all terrain vehicles) applications. For more information, visit www.titan-intl.com.