How to understand earthmover tyre markings?

It is essential to understand how to read the sidewall of a construction, quarry or mining tyre in order to make informed decisions, from tyreselection to maintenance. Check out our guide to find all the information you need to understand the markings on earthmover tyres.

How do you read earthmover tyre markings?

Reading earthmover tyre markings involves identifying several important components that convey essential information about the tyre's specifications and capabilities.

First, the tyre size provides details about the tyre's width and rim diameter, ensuring it is compatible with your machinery. The load index indicates the maximum weight the tyre can safely support, crucial for preventing overloading. The speed rating, indicated by a letter, refers to the maximum speed at which the tyre can be safely driven when in use.

Additionally, the construction type, usually noted as either bias-ply or radial, informs you about the design and performance characteristics of the tyre. Key details about the tread pattern might also be included, indicating suitability for specific terrains like mud or gravel.

Manufacturer information typically presents the brand and model of the tyre, serving as a reference for warranty and service needs, while the date of manufacture helps track the tyre's age and durability. Lastly, other certifications on the tyre may indicate compliance with safety and industry standards.

Learning to interpret the sidewall markings on construction, quarry, or mining tyres can provide important information about the tyre’s specifications and capabilities. This knowledge will help you to select the right tyre for your machinery (dump truck, loader, mining trucks, ...) and operational needs.

Earthmover tyre markings and meaning

Discover where to find the different tyre markings about your earthmover tyres and their meaning:

Basics Earthmover Tyre Markings Explained

Let’s take the example of the Michelin X TRA DEFEND to learn more about the basics of tyre markings:


  1. Nominal section width of the tyre (in milimeters): 775

  2. Tyre series: aspect ratio = 0.65

  3. Construction type: R = Radial

  4. Rim diameter (in inches): 29

  5. Tyre load capacity: **

  6. Type of use: loader (L) with deep tread (4) and Earthmoving transport (E) with deep tread (4)

  7. Radial tyre

  8. Vehicle compatibility: tyre for a loader and earthmoving vehicles

  9. Tubeless tyre:  mounting without inner tube

  10. Manufacturer information: Michelin

  11. Tyre range name: Michelin X TRA DEFEND

Advanced Earthmover Tyre Markings Explained

Now let's take the example of the Michelin X-CRANE 2 to review certain elements and discover three other markings: 


  • Construction Tyre: Radial

  • Nominal section width of the tyre (in mm): 445

  • Tyre series: aspect ratio = 0.95

  • Rim diameter (in inches): 25

  • Tubeless tyre

  • Brand: Michelin

  • Tread Pattern: X-CRANE 2


12. Load index of the tyre: 178

13. Reference speed symbol of the tyre: F

14. Regroovable

Now let's take the example of the Michelin XDR 4 to review certain elements and discover one other tyre marking: 


  • Construction type: Radial

  • Nominal section width of the tyre (in inches): 59

  • Rim diameter (in inches): 63

  • Tubeless tyre

  • Brand: Michelin

  • Tread Pattern: XDR 4 

  • Identification code: E4 (earthmover transport, deep tread)

  • Load capacity: ***


15. Tyre Compound: MC4

Now that you have a complete understanding of earthmover tyre markings, find the right tyre for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Michelin experts answer your questions.

Earthmover tyre markings

To read earthmover tyre size, look for a format like "35/65 R 33," where the first number (35) indicates the tyre width in inches and the last number (33) represents the rim diameter in inches.

The numbers on earthmover tyres indicate several key specifications such as tyre width, rim diameter, identification code, helping to determine compatibility with machinery and load capacity, as well as providing information on construction type and performance characteristics.

Earthmover tyre dimensions represent the tyre's size specifications, including width, aspect ratio and rim diameter, which are crucial for ensuring proper fit on equipment and determining load capacity and performance characteristics. Read our article to know more.

Need more advice?

Discover all Michelin earthmover experts advice.

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