Catering for the need

By Colin Windell

The changing face of automotion in the form of alternative drive energy such as hybrid and electric, are also driving changes in other areas and Goodyear is launching a new range of truck tyres that cater for those options as well as conventional diesel.

Goodyear is launching new KMAX S and KMAX D 17.5" and 19.5" steer and drive axle tyres in response to customer calls for robustness, versatility, good performance in all weather conditions and at low cost per kilometer. 

High mileage has been the specific development goal for these tyres while at the same time prioritising strong traction, precise steering and high levels of durability for vehicles operating over long distances in regional distribution and urban traffic.

They will replace the Goodyear RHS II steer tyre and RHD II (+) respectively and compared with the previous products the advantages that help reduce operating costs include high mileage performance in all applications, functional versatility in a wide range of services along with durability in adverse service conditions. 

"The new tyres we are launching extend our successful KMAX high mileage range to meet the needs for customers operating lighter trucks with 17.5" and 19.5" rims.  These are extremely robust and versatile tyres, ideal for all road conditions and vehicles.  They also consider the development of new vehicles and technology that is increasingly seeing hybrid and electric power being introduced," says Benjamin Willot, Director Goodyear Marketing Commercial Tyres Europe. 

"KMAX tyres are for operators whose vehicles are predominantly involved in distribution where high mileage is the main economic requirement.  In combination with the wide range of fleet support services and solutions that Trentyre, supported by Goodyear offers, these products ensure peace of mind and profitable business." 

The KMAX S steer tyre tread pattern features a 4-rib design on 245/70R17.5 and 265/70R17.5 sizes, and a 5-rib design on all others.  Precise handing is a feature of these tyres thanks to a high net-to-gross ratio and inter-rib stiffeners.  The multi-radius saw-tooth shoulder groove designs provide improved robustness and a life-long aggressive design ensures even wear in all working conditions throughout the tyre life.  Good braking performance is maintained through all wear stages. 

The directional tread pattern on the KMAX D drive tyre improves traction thanks to its directional pattern with optimised low angle V-shape. Open grooves and blades assist with traction on all surfaces and shoulder tie-bars reinforce the ribs to provide tear resistance in high torque applications.  Optimised stiffness and an improved late life traction ratio come from progressive centerline humps. 

Both the KMAX S and KMAX D feature premium high abrasion-resistant tread compounds for extended mileage, cool running and rolling resistance. 

 

New Tyres
17.5" sizes
Size	Design	LI 1S	LI 2D	SS1	LI 2S	LI 2D	SS2	Intro
205/75R17.5	KMAX S	124	122	M				April
215/75R17.5	KMAX S	128	126	M				April
225/75R17.5	KMAX S	129	127	M				April
235/75R17.5	KMAX S	132	130	M				April
245/70R17.5	KMAX S	136	134	M				May
265/70R17.5	KMAX S	139	136	M				Aug
205/75R17.5	KMAX D	124	122	M	126	124	G	April
215/75R17.5	KMAX D	126	124	M				April
225/75R17.5	KMAX D	129	127	M				April
235/75R17.5	KMAX D	132	130	M				April
245/70R17.5	KMAX D	136	134	M				May
265/70R17.5	KMAX D	139	136	M				Aug

 

19.5" sizes
Size	Design	LI 1S	LI 2D	SS1	LI 2S	LI 2D	SS2	Intro
245/70R19.5	KMAX S	136	134	M				July
265/70R19.5	KMAX S	140	138	M				Aug
285/70R19.5	KMAX S	146	144	L	144	142	M	May
305/70R19.5	KMAX S	148	145	M				Jan 19
245/70R19.5	KMAX D	136	134	M				July
265/70R19.5	KMAX D	140	138	M				Aug
285/70R19.5	KMAX D	146	144	L	144	142	M	May
305/70R19.5	KMAX D	148	145	M				Jan 19