Michelin XZT

Reinforced all-steel casing. The Michelin XZT utilises an all-steel radial casing with high-tensile steel cords and multiple full-width belt plies to stabilise the contact patch under high axle loads typical of mixed on/off-road service. This architecture minimises belt-edge strain and interply shear, resisting impact breaks and fatigue-related separations when operating on coarse aggregate, forestry metal and urban curbing. The result is a cooler-running, dimensionally stable casing that supports multiple retreads, reducing cost per kilometre for New Zealand fleets.

Cut and chip-resistant compound. A high-structure carbon black-rich tread with a cut- and tear-resistant elastomer blend delivers superior crack growth resistance and abrasion performance in harsh tipper, logger and quarry applications. Optimised crosslink density and oil/plasticiser balance reduce hysteretic heating at crack tips, suppressing chunking and chipping on sharp metal while maintaining cohesive strength at elevated temperatures. For operators, the Michelin XZT maintains tread integrity longer on scoria and river-run, extending service life between rotations and retreads.

Deep, self-cleaning tread. The XZT’s deep, open-element pattern with wide evacuation grooves promotes rapid ejection of stones and fines, preventing stone drilling at the belt package and preserving casing integrity. Stiffened block bases and interlocking ribs control lateral squirm to limit heel-and-toe wear on trailer and all-position axles, while the void geometry maintains biting edges for traction on wet seal, clay and unsealed roads. This balance of traction and rigidity helps the tyre hold alignment and wear evenly across mixed routes.

Low-hysteresis base layer. A dual-layer cap/base tread construction places a low-hysteresis undertread directly above the belts to act as a thermal barrier, lowering steady-state internal temperatures during highway transits between off-road sites. Reduced heat build-up mitigates skim-stock oxidation and adhesive degradation at the belt edges, enhancing endurance under sustained speed and load. In practice, the Michelin XZT runs cooler, supporting better fuel efficiency and casing longevity without sacrificing cut resistance in the cap.

Robust bead and chafer. A high-tensile, multi-strand bead bundle with a hard apex and abrasion-resistant chafer distributes clamping forces uniformly, resisting rim slip, flange wear and bead fatigue when operating at high loads and frequent low-speed manoeuvres. The reinforced lower sidewall manages shear at the ply turn-up to prevent cord fretting and air loss from bead seat deformation, even with repeated tipping-site articulations and curbing. This robust bead zone makes the Michelin XZT secure on the rim and highly retreadable, maximising uptime for mixed-service trailers and all-position fitments.