The new program works through the real-time exchange and analysis of vehicle data from Komatsu’s large machinery management system, ‘Komtrax Plus’, and tyre data from Bridgestone’s advanced tyre monitoring system for mining vehicles, ‘Bridgestone iTrack’.
By utilising this data to provide insights on the proper use of tyres, the program enables customers to improve fuel efficiency of mining trucks and use its premium tyres safer, longer, better, and more efficiently.
Based on the results of this field verification, the two companies plan to co-develop additional unique services that would not be possible without collaboration.
Through this collaboration, Komatsu and Bridgestone aim to solve the challenges in severe mining operations by combining expertise. Tyre failures and vehicle stoppages caused by external factors can negatively affect efficient mining operations because of operational downtime and unplanned tyre replacement.
By integrating vehicle and tyre data, Komatsu and Bridgestone strive to quickly identify the causes of failures and implement appropriate measures and preventative actions to minimise downtime. Through the partnership, several key factors that significantly impact fuel efficiency will be analysed, including:
- Unique features of the mining site (such as slope and road surface).
- Vehicle usage conditions (such as driving route, speed, and load).
- Tyre specifications (pattern and material).
Komatsu and Bridgestone will analyse this data to help fuel cost reduction.