06
April
2016
|
06:52 AM
Europe/Amsterdam

Goodyear Reinvents the Truck Tire: Introduction of KMAX Low Profile Truck Tires

New industry steer tire size 375/45R22.5 increases fleet efficiency

Goodyear is reinventing the truck tire with the launch of a completely new industry size: the low profile Goodyear KMAX S steer tire in the dimension 375/45R22.5. In addition to this industry innovation, the leading tire manufacturer further broadens its portfolio with another low profile tire: the Goodyear KMAX D drive axle tire in size 315/45R22.5.  The new versions of Goodyear´s high mileage truck tires play a crucial role in optimizing freight efficiency for fleet operators as they allow volume capacity of more than 100 m3 for semi-trailers. The new low profile truck tires are the result of collaboration with leading truck maker DAF on their special Low Deck tractor and initially will be available only as OE fitment for the DAF CF and XF Low Deck tractors.

The new tires are the Goodyear KMAX S steer tire size 375/45R22.5 and the Goodyear KMAX D drive axle tire size 315/45R22.5. The size 375/45R22.5 is new to the industry and has been added by the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) to the official list of sizes. The two new Goodyear low profile truck tires are an important step for the freight segment, where improvements in ton per kilometer are continually pursued, while respecting the height limitation imposed on vehicles. In order to maximize load capacity of more than 100 m3, many fleets operate megatrailers with an internal height of 3 meters. The new tire combination overcomes the issues that often make optimizing such trailers difficult if not impossible. This is another example of Goodyear leading the way by reinventing the tire.

The new KMAX D drive tire reduces chassis deck height, lowering the fifth wheel by 5 to 6 centimeters to 91 centimeters, and the innovative KMAX S steer tire lowers front axle height by approximately 2 to 3 centimeters[1]. This further allows a sufficient gap to be maintained between the tractor and trailer during maneuvering. This means that, within the maximum vehicle height of 4 meters, trailers with an internal height of 3 meters can be used, allowing volumes of more than 100 m3 for maximum transport efficiency. The tires also permit axle loads of 8 and 11.6 tonnes respectively and is an alternative for 355/50R22.5 steer tires and 295/55R22.5 drive tires. The new tires will initially be supplied to DAF for original equipment fitment and soon after as replacements.

The combination of low aspect ratio with high load index made the development of these tires a technological challenge. To do this, Goodyear employed a mixture of engineering methods and technologies. These include tuning the width of the KMAX S steer tire’s shoulder ribs along with the geometry and sequence of the sipes. A 6-rib design has been adopted and the IntelliMax Ribs (circumferential ribs that link laterally) have been specifically adapted. Specific optimization was also carried out on the V-shape tread design of the KMAX D drive tires. Both steer and drive tires feature the Interlaced Strip Technology in their construction. Interlaced Strip Technology is patented by Goodyear and is an innovative belt reinforcement in the crown area of the tire. This allows the tire to carry more load as well as giving a better wear profile for increased mileage potential.

“Goodyear is an innovative leader in the tire industry and these new tires, especially the industry first steer tire in size 375/45R22.5, are again a proof of this. We are committed driving innovations that meet our fleet customer’s needs and offer solutions that help them to reduce their Total Cost of Ownership today and in the future,” said Benjamin Willot, Director Marketing Commercial Tires at Goodyear Europe, Middle East and Africa.  “The development work not only covered the use of new technologies in the design aspect of the tires but also the production process to achieve these goals. The result will help our customers maximize payload capacities and thus improve efficiency and profitability.”

As a leader in innovation in the tire industry, Goodyear has developed many tires that are unique to the company, which help fleets maximize their efficiency.  In the case of the new Goodyear KMAX S and D tires, they have helped DAF to realize a truck that achieves its demanding needs by meeting the requirements of the TelliSys Project[2], which enables trucks to carry containers with a 3-meter internal height within a 4-meter vehicle height.

About Goodyear

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs approximately 66,000 people and manufactures its products in 49 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.

Goodyear Dunlop Europe’s range of tires for commercial vehicles, buses and coaches includes more than 400 different tires covering in excess of 55 sizes. Many of the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers fit tires from Goodyear as standard, including DAF, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Trucks, Scania and Volvo. Goodyear also supplies tires to all major trailer manufacturers. With Fleet First, which includes the TruckForce service network, ServiceLine 24h roadside assistance, FleetOnlineSolutions Internet management system and Goodyear Retread Technologies, Goodyear provides one of the broadest ranges of dedicated services in the industry.

For more information on Goodyear and its products, visit www.goodyear.com.

[1] Compared to KMAX D size 295/55R22.5 and KMAX S size 355/50R22.5

[2] TelliSys (Intelligent Transport System for Innovative Intermodal Freight Transport) is an initiative to make possible the transportation of containers with an internal height of 3 meters. It is a partnership between the IMA of the RWTH Aachen University, the European Intermodal Association, DAF, Gefco, Goodyear, Wecon and Wesob.