Goodyear adds to heavy load range
After the increased demand for tyres with heavier load carrying capacities, Goodyear, the leading tyre manufacturer, introduced a 14 ply rated 12.5/80-18 Sure Grip Lug in March. The tyre was up-rated from the original 10 ply rating to 14 ply rating to fulfil the new heavier load demands from machinery manufacturers.
As of August 2008 the Sure Grip Implement 12.5/80-18 will also be increased from 10 ply rating to a 14 ply rating, offering support to heavier machine loads.
Goodyear is the first tyre manufacturer to feature a 14 ply rated tyre with competitors only offering a 12 ply maximum.
The Sure Grip Implement tyre is designed for soft underfoot conditions where traction and properties are required.
This increase gives the new tyre a maximum nominal carrying capacity of 3000kg which is an increase on of 1140kg across the axle.
This tyre size, which is an original equipment fitment at CNH and Manitou, has been developed to strengthen the range of heavy load tyres that Goodyear offers. The range was brought about following an in depth analysis of the machines in the market place and in anticipation of future developments of industrial machines. The construction of the Sure Grip Implement is upgraded to 6 plies and extra strong bead to offer more support than ever before.
The tyre is also a popular fitment on JCB, Komatsu, CAT and Volvo industrial machines. "The general trend for these types of machine is for the loading bucket fitted on the front to increase in size thus increasing the load and demands placed on the front axle tyres. Most current machines are fitted with 10 or 12 ply rating tyres; however, we anticipate that this trend towards higher loads will continue and have therefore decided to go one step further in load carrying capacity and launch the second addition to the heavier load range with a 146 load index (14 ply rating)." said Andy Morris, Director of Goodyear Farm tyres.
Increasing the load capacity of the 12.5/80-18 Sure Grip Implement means that the tyre pressure must also be increased to 62psi / 4.3 bar. "It is essential to remember the importance of having the correct air pressure for the load and a common fault identified on industrial machines is that of low tyre pressures. Checking the pressures will ensure tyres are roadworthy, such an easy remedy can increase performance on and off the road" concluded Andy.
