Tires are the foundation of every working fleet, and different classes of vehicles require different types of tires to get the best performance possible.

Work Truck magazine rounded up a selection of some of the latest releases in the high-speed linehaul, mixed service, and P&D tire categories. 

High-Speed Linehaul

Michelin Linehauls Target Fuel Efficiency

Michelin Americas Truck Tires launched the Michelin XDA Energy+. The dual drive-position tire is designed for linehaul applications. It features Michelin’s “FuelSaver” compound formula for ultra-low rolling resistance and is compliant with the EPA’s SmartWay program and the California Air Resources Board’s requirements.

Michelin is backing the tire with a limited guarantee of $400 per truck in fuel savings.

It is available in size 275/80R22.5 load range G. The XDA Energy+ also features wide circumferential grooves for water evacuation; grooved, angled walls to help resist stone retention; and TW6 OzoneShield technology, which the manufacturer claims will help protect the sidewalls against weathering.

TBC Brands Go the Distance

TBC Brands LLC offers the Sumitomo ST788 SE steer tire, a SmartWay-verified, long-mileage tire specifically designed for linehaul and long-distance fleets that require superior mileage and a lower cost per mile in their tire programs.

The ST788 SE features micro-sipes throughout the tread area and teardrop-shaped decoupling grooves designed to improve wear, retreadability, and durability, the manufacturer claims. It is available in four main sizes: 11R22.5, 11R24.5, 295/75R22.5, and 285/75R24.5. In addition, the 295/75R22.5 and 285/75R24.5 sizes are available in Load Range H (16PR).

Mixed Service Tires

Pirelli Doubles Down on 85s

TP Commercial Solutions has launched two Pirelli-brand truck tires: The TG:85 is an on/off drive tire, and the FG:85 is an on/off road steer all-position tire. Both come in 11R22.5 and 11R24.5 sizes.

The TG:85 is an on/off road drive tire for mixed-use vehicles operating in demanding tread-wear conditions, used mainly in the drive position. The tread design features robust shoulder blocks and a massive central rib to resist tears; and also wide, deep transversal grooves for optimum road holding and grip on slippery surfaces.

The FG:85 is an on/off road all-position tire, dedicated to mixed-use vehicles operating on roads, construction sites, and under-aggressive tread-wear conditions. The tire structure is engineered to enhance retreadability with a durable casing, specially formulated tread compound, Spiral Advanced Technology for Truck (SATT), and Bead Wrapped Chafer increased resistance.

Tires for Multisurface

Loaders for Heavy Work

Michelin North America Inc. added two sizes to the XHA 2: The 17.5R25 size is targeted for small-wheel loaders, while the 775/65R29 size is targeted for medium-wheel loaders.

The XHA 2 17.5R25 claims a reduced risk of flats and damage due to an increased volume of rubber and a deeper, 2/32-inch tread depth on the crown. The sidewall compound and shoulders are designed to be resistant to impacts, splits, and cuts, and offer more protection with enhanced reinforcement. The XHA 2 17.5R25 replaces the outgoing 17.5R25 XHA.

The XHA 2 775/65R29 fits the Caterpillar 972M loader. It offers the advantages of a low-profile design, which the company claims has the same diameter as a 26.5R25 size, excellent stability, and improved flotation due to the wider footprint, which also provides reduced wear and improved traction on all types of surfaces, according to the company.

P&D Tires

Forklift Tires with Added Stability

Global Rubber Industries Pvt. Ltd. (GRI) released Globestar WT, a wide, solid, industrial forklift tire designed to provide high load-carrying capacity, extensive tire life, and improved stability. Features consist of a tread compound made of high-quality raw materials, including natural rubber, designed to provide high abrasion resistance and extensive durability, low heat buildup, high chipping and chunking resistance, and effective cushioning for the driver and the machine.

The Globestar WT treads help improve traction and stability in a wide variety of surface conditions. The tire’s lug depth, lug gaps, and circumferential lateral grooves were designed to ensure the tire runs with minimum noise and outstanding lateral guidance. The tread width also provides higher contact area and lower tire distortion when turning and in sharp cornering situations, according to the company.

BKT to Launch New P&D Line

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) FL 637 is designed for spreaders, trailers, and tank trucks. BKT says the directional tread design stands for excellent traction, whereas the steel-belted structure ensures increased durability along with higher load capacity.

Excellent flotation properties, low rolling resistance, and first-class self-cleaning properties make FL 637 an extraordinary solution for the combined transport in the fields and on the road, according to the company.