Think Smaller on Haul Road Aggregate

Ken Kramer is strategic accounts manager for Michelin Commercial Sales. Michelin North America employs more than 22,300 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.

The size of the aggregate used for the haul road base makes a big difference in tire wear, says Ken Kramer, strategic accounts manager for Michelin North America.

Kramer said a site survey at one quarry recommended they reduce the size of the aggregate from 3-inch to 1.5-inch (7.6 centimeters to 3.8-centimeters). The change allowed the company to improve productivity by 2,500 hours per truck because they were able to run at higher speeds and the roads did less damage to the tires.

 This material has been voluntarily provided by Ken Kramer (Michilin). Ken Kramer (Michilin) is not speaking on behalf of Caterpillar, and the views or opinions expressed in this material are those of Ken Kramer (Michilin) and may not represent the views of Caterpillar.