Tyre damage is a major cost driver in mining, quarry, and underground operations, especially for large loaders working in abrasive, high-impact conditions. This guide provides a quick reference to the most suitable RUD Tyre Protection Chains (TPCs) across nine commonly used machines in Australia, helping you quickly match the right chain solution to your loader, operating environment and tyre size.

Open Cut Mining - Ultra Large Wheel Loaders

Open cut mining has one the most extreme tyre conditions in Australia. Continuous loading cycles, sharp blasted rock and heavy payloads place a huge stress on tyres.

Caterpillar 994 / 995

The Caterpillar 994 is built for high production open cut mining, operating in continuous abrasive conditions. Its successor, the CAT 995, follows a similar design with increased payload capacity and automation for higher productivity.

Komatsu WA1200

The Komatsu WA1200 is one of the largest wheel loaders, designed for 24/7 production loading in highly abrasive environments.

Komatsu WE2350

The Komatsu WE2350 is engineered for extreme mining conditions where tyre durability directly impacts uptime and operational efficiency.

Key Challenges in Open Cut Mining

• Severe sidewall cuts from sharp rock
• High tread wear under extreme load
• Heat build-up during long operating shifts
• Frequent and costly tyre replacements

Recommended RUD TPC Solutions

• Fels Crown X23
• Fels Titan X23
• Fels Granit Plus X23

RUD’s heavy duty tyre chains provide full tread and side protection for ultra-large tyres such as 60/80-57 and 70/70-57, offering improved traction and reducing downtime.

Quarry Operations - Large Wheel Loaders

Quarry environments involve mixed material sizes, abrasive rock and uneven terrain. The key consideration here is to balance traction with wear resistance.

Caterpillar 988

The Caterpillar 988 is widely used in Australian quarries where versatility and reliability are essential.

Volvo L350

The Volvo L350 is a high-capacity wheel loader designed for demanding quarry operations with variable material conditions.

Komatsu WA600

The Komatsu WA600 operates across quarry and construction sites where inconsistent surfaces lead to challenging tyre wear.

Key Challenges in Quarries

• Abrasive and variable rock conditions
• Reduced traction on uneven ground
• Accelerated tread wear
• Machine stability under load

Recommended RUD TPC Solutions

• Fels Gigant Plus X19
• Fels Imperial X19
• Fels Titan X19

These chain systems are designed to balance traction and wear resistance, extending tyre life for sizes such as 35/65 R33 and 875/65 R33 while improving machine stability.

Underground Mining - LHD Loaders

Underground mining introduces unique challenges, including confined spaces, constant abrasion and limited manoeuvrability.

Caterpillar R2900G

The Caterpillar R2900G is a widely used underground loader commonly known as “bogger”, designed for tight, abrasive environments.

Sandvik LH517

The Sandvik LH517 is a compact LHD loader operating in continuous underground production cycles.

Sandvik LH621

The Sandvik LH621 is a high-capacity underground loader used in large scale operations requiring durability and reliability.

Key Challenges in Underground Mining

• Extreme abrasion in confined tunnels
• Limited turning and manoeuvrability
• Continuous loading cycles
• High tyre replacement frequency

Recommended RUD TPC Solutions

• Fels Toro X19
• Fels Titan X19
• Fels Gigant Plus X19

These chains are designed for compact but highly abrasive environments, significantly reducing tyre cutting and improving traction for sizes such as 29.5 x 29 and 35/65 R33.

Why RUD Tyre Protection Chains?

Across all mining and quarry environments, RUD TPCs deliver consistent operational benefits:

• Full or partial tread protection depending on application
• Reduced tyre cutting and abrasive wear
• Improved traction in loose or uneven conditions
• Lower cost per operating hour
• Extended tyre service life in extreme environments

By matching the correct chain type to the machine and the site, RUD tyre protection chains can reduce downtime and improve overall fleet efficiency.

FAQ - Tyre Protection Chains

Which tyre protection chains are best for ultra-large open cut loaders?

For machines such as the CAT 994/995, WA1200 and WE2350, heavy-duty options like Fels Crown X23, Titan X23, and Granit Plus X23 provide maximum impact resistance and full tyre coverage.

Which tyre protection chains suit quarry loaders like the CAT 988 or Volvo L350?

For quarry operations, Fels Gigant Plus X19, Imperial X19, and Titan X19 are recommended due to their balanced traction and wear protection.

Which tyre protection chains are used in underground mining?

For underground loaders such as the R2900G, LH517, and LH621, Fels Toro X19, Titan X19 and Gigant Plus X19 are commonly used for high-abrasion environments.

How do tyre protection chains extend tyre life?

They reduce direct tyre exposure to sharp rock, minimise abrasion and help control heat build-up, increasing service life.

Are tyre protection chains necessary in mining operations?

In most mining and quarry environments. Without tyre protection chains, tyres are exposed to high-impact damage, rapid wear and higher operating costs.

Interested in our tyre protection solutions? Call us on 07 3809 1300 or enquire here.

Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.

Off-The-Road (OTR) tyres are essential for loaders and haul trucks operating in mining and quarrying environments. However, sharp rocks, abrasive haul roads and harsh site conditions can cause punctures, cuts and rapid tyre wear, leading to costly downtime and reduced productivity. Tyre Protection Chains (TPCs) help protect tyres, improve traction and extend service life in demanding conditions.

Tyres are exposed to sharp-edged rocks or metal debris. Even water is detrimental to a tyre because a dry tyre, when subject to water, is more susceptible to punctures (See the comparison pictures of a dry tyre that is hard versus a wet tyre that can be cut by a knife). All these contribute to unplanned downtime and loss of productivity. In addition, the disposal of end-of-life tyres is an environmental challenge, with Australia discarding over 130,000 tonnes annually (Source: Tyre Stewardship Australia).

Operational Impact of OTR Tyres

OTR E2 tyres possess a Shore A Hardness of approximately 60. They are designed to optimise flexibility, load distribution, and cushioning for heavy-duty applications. However, this softness renders them vulnerable to damage in the harsh conditions prevalent in Australian mines, from the Pilbara's open-cut iron ore mines to Queensland's underground coal seams. Tyre wear is influenced by operator skill, weather conditions, equipment maintenance, and haul road conditions.

The huge size of mining machinery, such as haul trucks capable of transporting hundreds of tonnes or front-end loaders with large buckets, also imposes stress on the tyres. A single OTR tyre can exceed four meters in height and can weigh several tonnes. Whether bias or radial construction, exposure to jagged rocks and abrasive surfaces can lead to rapid degradation.

A single OTR tyre costs tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. When a tyre is punctured or damaged, in addition to the immediate financial loss, unplanned downtime for repair or replacement impacts profitability. Common damage types include tread cuts, sidewall damage, chunking and bead failures, frequently aggravated by poor haul road conditions, overloading and incorrect inflation.

The Role of Tyre Protection Chains

Tyre Protection Chains (TPCs) are an ideal solution to protect tyres against damage and punctures. RUD manufactures TPCs from high-alloy, hardened steel, forming a close-mesh protective barrier that covers the tread and sidewalls. This robust mesh absorbs impacts from sharp objects and prevents catastrophic failure or premature wear.

RUD supplies 65% of the world's TPCs. By adopting new technology from long-established welding, forging and heat-treating methods, RUD has developed superior tyre protection and traction chains. The high-quality steel undergoes heat treatments and forging processes, enhancing wear resistance and durability. RUD TPC links ensure optimal grip and traction, even in challenging, wet, and slippery conditions. The additional chain weight is outweighed by the benefits of extended tyre life and improved machine uptime.

Benefits of Tyre Protection Chains

Implementing TPCs delivers measurable benefits for any mining or quarrying operation, positively impacting safety and reducing financial costs.

Enhanced Safety: RUD TPCs improve safety by providing superior traction and preventing machines from losing traction on loose or steep surfaces. They are a safety measure against sudden tyre failures (blowouts and rapid deflations), which can be catastrophic. Reduced tyre-related breakdowns also minimise personnel exposure during emergency repairs, aligning with Australian safety regulations on the site, particularly those identified in Recognised Standard 13.

Reduced Operating Costs: Tyres represent a large operating expense. TPCs extend tyre life, translating into fewer tyre purchases, reduced disposal costs and decreased labour for maintenance and replacement. By safeguarding against damage, TPCs enable mines and quarries to achieve the full lifespan of OTR tyres.

Increased Productivity and Machine Availability: TPCs impact productivity by reducing unplanned downtime. Tyre-related downtime for haul trucks or loaders can disrupt production. By ensuring machine availability and optimal performance, TPCs can minimise costly interruptions.

The Last Word

OTR tyres are fundamental to mines and quarries, but their potential for damage requires protection. TPCs are critical to safeguarding the tyres, enhancing safety and maintaining production. They are an investment that can reap benefits due to reduced costs, increased uptime, and a safer working environment.

For more detailed information, click the links below:

• Benefits of RUD Tyre Protection Chains in mining
• How Quality Tyre Protection & Chains Helps Productivity - RUD Australia

Interested in our tyre protection solutions? Call us on 07 3809 1300 or enquire here.

Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.