Iron ore majors ramp up supply even as China faces challenges
Iron ore is one of the year’s worst performing major commodities, slumping by almost a quarter as China’s property crisis drags on.
Following the recent completion of a three year expanion and modernisation program at its Aalen, Germany, tyre protection chain (TPC) production facility, International Mining reports, RUD-Erlau has delivered and installed two full sets of the world’s largest TPCs. Called the R 75S Plus these tyre chains have gone into service in Europe and North America.In Europe the R 75S Plus are protecting all four 52/80-57 tyres on a Caterpillar 994 wheel loader working in limestone. The other machine wearing the R 75S Plus is a LeTourneau 1850 working iron ore in North America.
RUD-Erlau is proud to retain the ‘world’s largest’ title last claimed in 2004 when, in Japan, the front wheels of a Komatsu WA 1200 were fitted with a pair of TPCs providing full tread and side-wall protection against jagged rocks.
Weighing 4,800 kg apiece, the R 75S Plus has the same close-meshed structure as the recently introduced Fels X-19 TPC which, with it’s 19 mm links, promises 30% more service life in highly abrasive underground applications. www.Erlau.com
