“There were many who doubted Titan’s ability to produce and test this tire,” said Titan Chairman and CEO Maurice M. Taylor Jr. “Never underestimate a small entrepreneurial company. This tire has surpassed all of Titan’s expectations.”

The company said testing on the bull wheel—claimed to be the largest of its type in the world—will subject tires to loads up to 500,000 lb at speeds up to 45 miles per hour to assess their performance and heat characteristics. Ten days of testing, according to the company, is equivalent to a year of field use, and will allow Titan to determine how it will perform before it enters service.

“We thank [the project] team for all the work they’ve done, and for bringing the project in under the $8 million that was allotted,” said Taylor. “When all components are installed, which will happen by the end of May, the new bull wheel will test two mining tires at a time.”