Mining operations around the globe are facing tyre shortages, specifically on the widely used 57” size. GKN Wheels developed an innovative system to allow a 63” rim assembly to be adapted to a 57” hub – this allows mining operators to retrofit the larger, more readily available 63” tyre onto haul trucks that would normally use the 57” tyres. Working with Caterpillar, GKN installed the system on the Unit Rig MT4400 haul truck.

Australian-based Downer Mining created the Bigfoot concept to alleviate the risk of short supply in the standard tyre size for the 240t haul truck. In order to take the project from concept to solution, Downer Mining approached GKN Wheels.

GKN Wheels’ North American Technical team collaborated with Caterpillar Unit Rig engineers to develop a solution that adapts to the truck without interfering with the standard components of the Unit Rig MT4400 haul truck. The technical engineering work for the rim arrangements was carried out at GKN’s dedicated Technical Centre in the US (Chicago, Illinois).