FORT MILL, SC - Captivating drivers of severe service vehicles, General Truck Tires has grabbed the market this month by introducing its first all-position wide base tire for NAFTA, the Grabber OA Wide Base in size 445/65R22.5.

Fleets operating in severe service and construction applications, such as fire service, waste hauling and concrete mixing, need confidence that their tires can handle heavy loads and stand up to off-road conditions. The Grabber OA (Off Road, All Position) Wide Base, designed for super single fitment for steer and trailer positions, addresses these needs with a high carrying capacity and reinforced shoulder to add protection against curbing and abrasions. The tire's 21/32nds of tread depth, coupled with a cut- and chip-resistant tread compound, also assures these demanding customers that they can depend on this tire for long lifetimes, said Clif Armstrong, director of marketing for truck tires.

"The Grabber OA draws on nearly a century of tough General tire heritage to bring advanced durability to our on/off road customers," said Armstrong. "Now by adding wide base sizes to our product portfolio, these drivers can depend on the Grabber OA Wide Base to handle even higher payloads and help them operate quickly and efficiently in severe conditions."

The Grabber OA Wide Base carries up to 12,800 pounds in a super single fitment. The deep grooves in the tread elements and an aggressive pattern help improve traction on soft soil and muddy roadways. The thick undertread also resists casing penetrations from stones and other debris often found in off-road applications, allowing for multiple retreads. While the 445/65R22.5 size will be available for orders this month, additional sizes (385/65R22.5 and 425/65R22.5) are scheduled for introduction in 2011.

For more information on the Grabber OA Wide Base product and a dealer locator, visit the General Tire Web site at www.generaltire.com.