Michelin Launches the Anti-Splash Tyre
New Firestone Tyre Launched for Orchards and Vineyards
Firestone Expands R9000 Evolution Range

Michelin Launches the Anti-Splash Tyre

Michelin has launched a new concept for commercial vehicles called the Anti-Splash tyre, designed to dramatically reduce the projection of water that is created by the steer axle tyres. Official tests conducted by Michelin have shown the new Anti-Splash tyres are so effective that the height of water projection is reduced by a factor of four compared to that of a standard truck tyre.

Commenting on the technology behind the new tyres, Paul Kendrick, Michelin's Truck Product Marketing Manager, says: "The reduction in splash is made possible by the introduction of a deflector into the tyre's design, which comprises a small horizontal rib on the shoulder between the sidewall and the tread of the tyre. This is sufficient to deflect the splash back down towards the road surface rather than up onto the windscreens of passing cars. "This has a huge impact on rear-view mirror visibility for the truck driver, whilst also making it safer for motorists overtaking trucks on wet roads", he adds.

The Anti-Splash deflector is available as a world's first on the 385/55 XFA2 Energy steer axle tyre and will be incorporated into other sizes over the coming months.

New Firestone Tyre Launched for Orchards and Vineyards

A new Firestone radial tyre designed specifically to carry out work in orchards and vineyards has been launched by Bridgestone UK. The new Radial 4000 is primarily aimed at mainland European markets that have large wine industries. But Bridgestone executives say that there will be a small market for the Firestone tyre in the UK Designed for medium-to-low horsepower tractors, the R4000 has a construction and compound that allows it to perform in all kinds of conditions - from hard terrain to soft soil and from flat to hilly conditions.

The R4000 has a long tyre life and high durability because it has a higher number of lugs and a new tread compound specially developed for intensive road use. Its reinforced sidewall and bead construction gives the tyre excellent lateral stability.

In addition the tyre also has first class straight driving stability and steering accuracy because there is a 60 degree lug angle at the centre of the tyre, which has a reinforced carcass.

Firestone Expands R9000 Evolution Range

Four new additions are being launched to the Firestone Radial 9000 Evolution 65 series agricultural tyre range to extend the benefits of the leading-edge tyre to an even wider variety of farm vehicles. The new sizes - 440/65 R 24, 440/65 R 28, 540/65 R 34 and 600/65 R 34 - complete a 12 strong line-up designed for higher power tractors. All sizes are intended for operation at up to 50 kmh, with the same load capacity as at 40 kmh. A version of the 540/65 R 30 with a 65 kmh rating is also available.