New Snow Tyre from Kenda
Y Rated Retread from C-Tyres
Firestone's Launches New Backhoe Loader Tyre
New Low Profile Traction Tread from Bandag

New Snow Tyre from Kenda

Taiwanese tyre manufacturer Kenda Tires has introduced a new snow tyre, the Polar Trax KR19, which has been designed to provide good grip and traction on ice and snow as well as in wet road conditions. The new product will now be launched into the European market. Kenda says its new tyre has been produced with winter road conditions in mind.

The Polar Trax features a so-called "premium twine construction" as well as drainage grooves for more efficient water clearance. According to Kenda, handling ability has been enhanced with a special silica compound, which is also claimed to be an essential element when it comes to preventing aquaplaning. The tyre's zigzag sipes also provide traction and grip to cope with wintry road conditions .

Y Rated Retread from C-Tyres

At the recent Brityrex exhibition British retreader C-Tyres displayed its new Y rated retread, the CM3 Sport. Aimed at young sporty drivers on a budget the tyre emphasises the retreading industry's potential for accessing niche markets. On display was a CM3 Sport tyre in size 255/35 R 18Y.

Firestone's Launches New Backhoe Loader Tyre

Firestone has literally 'broken the mould' with it's latest tyre designed for backhoe loaders and small combines, which was launched at Cereals 2005. Their 18.4-26 All Traction Field and Road (ATFR) tyre has been available for over a decade and was reaching the end of its product life. Work had already begun on a replacement in the same size - the Super Traction Loader (STL) size 480/80-26 (to quote the metric designation). However, it has been launched slightly earlier than anticipated because the mould for the old ATFR tyre had became unserviceable.

The new tyre, which is available now, offers a number of improvements and benefits in use. It has a tougher construction to resist damage and increase resistance to cuts - a common problem for backhoes due to the nature and location of the tasks they are ordinarily required to perform. The profile of the tyre is much squarer than its predecessor, which results in a large ground contact patch offering improved traction. Ride comfort is improved thanks to the new lug design; three lugs are in contact with the ground at any one time, minimising the characteristic 'rumble' sensation when travelling at speed. The tyre has a load rating of 160 A8 - capable of bearing 9 tonnes on the back axle at 40kph.

New Low Profile Traction Tread from Bandag

Bandag have introduced a new tread pattern aimed at fleet managers who want to improve the return on investment of their low-profile traction tyres. The new Bandag BDA2 pattern is a long haul design, which aims to kill two birds with one stone. It gives modern low-profile tyres a second life with unaltered performance levels as well as being ideally suited to the high demands that powerful engines place on drive tyres nowadays.

Part of the secret, says Bandag, lies in the directional tread pattern, the design of which limits tread block movement dramatically thus saving energy and maintaining performance levels. In addition, extensive siping ensures excellent traction throughout the lifetime of the tread. The product also benefits from a compound that slows down tread wear, resulting in mileage gains, cool running for reductions in casing fatigue, as well as providing exceptional comfort, even when fitted to a low profile casing. The new Bandag BDA2 also features a semi-closed shoulder to shield the tyre against lateral forces and ensure even wear.