Goodyear ‘reinventing the wheel’ with low-profile truck tyre06 April 2016

Goodyear has announced that it is “reinventing” the truck tyre by launching a new industry size – the low-profile KMax S steer tyre in 375/45R22.5.

The tyre manufacturer is also adding another low-profile version to its KMax D range (pictured), the drive axle tyre, in size 315/45R22.5.

The new versions of its high mileage truck tyres, says Goodyear, will optimise freight efficiency by allowing volume capacity of more than 100 m3 for semi-trailers.

The new low-profile tyres are the result of a collaboration with DAF on its low deck tractor and initially will be available only as OE fitment for the DAF CF and XF low deck tractors.

The 375/45R22.5 size is new to the industry and has been added by the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) to the official list of sizes.

To maximise load capacity of more than 100m3, many fleets operate megatrailers with an internal height of 3m. The new tyre combination overcomes the issues that often make optimising such trailers difficult, if not impossible.

The new KMax D drive tyre reduces chassis deck height, lowering the fifth wheel by 5-6cm to 91cm; the KMax S steer tyre lowers front axle height by up to 3cm, allowing a gap to be maintained between the tractor and trailer during manoeuvring.

This means that, within the maximum vehicle height of 4m, trailers with an internal height of 3m can be used, allowing volumes of more than 100m3 for maximum transport efficiency.

The tyres also permit axle loads of 8 and 11.6 tonnes respectively. The new tyres will initially be supplied to DAF for original equipment fitment and soon after as replacements.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Goodyear Dunlop UK Ltd

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