BKT debuts long distance Earthmax tyre for rigid dump trucks

First published at CONEXPO-CON/AGG - March 13, 2020

The Earthmax SR 452 is designed to address the longer haul distances being made by RDTs

BKT has globally launched the Earthmax SR 452 off the road (OTR) tyre that is suited to rigid dump trucks (RDTs) hauling loads long distances.

The Indian manufacturer says the tyre is targeted at operators in aggregates, mining and sand who require long distance capability, enhanced traction and stability in uneven terrain, and excellent maneuverability.

It adds that the deep tread of the tyre (class E-4) along with a unique tread design and a squared shoulder stand enable excellent handling in addition to minimising vibration and noise.

“We are finding that trucks are making longer hauls all the time,” said Dave Gorton, BKT manager for OTR sales and services. “They are going further back into the pits and that is making the hauls longer.”

BKT has also launched the new Earthmax SR 32 wide-based radial tyre with cut and puncture resistance that is suited to the scraper vehicles that operate in North America.

Another launch is the EM 936 SUPER, showcased in size 10.00-20. This tyre provides 8%-10% more tread width for excavators and telehandlers to provide stability and comfort, even under heavy-duty conditions.

BKT vice president Doug Kershaw says the company is currently testing its largest ever product, a 51-inch (129.54cm) tyre that is planned to come to market in 2021. The company’s largest current product is 49 inches (124.46cm).

“We are growing in the aftermarket and we have plans to move into the OEM [original equipment manufacturer] market,” said Kershaw. We are still a small player in OTR and construction, where we have been operating for around 14 years in the US.”

He added that BKT’s sponsorship of the Monster Trucks events since 2014 has helped the company’s profile in the US. The company supplies tyres for the nearly 100 Monster Trucks, and in November last year extended its sponsorship of the events.

With the Monster Truck sponsorship in mind, BKT says it has developed an “extraordinarily resistant” tyre for Monster Jam Trucks: the BKT Monster Jam Tire that enables the monster trucks “to perform all sorts of jumps, flips, donuts and other breathtaking stunts, putting in impressive and amazing performance in full safety.”

The new tyre is fitted on all Monster Trucks during the more than 300 stages of the Monster Jam Show all around the globe.

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