CHICAGO — This week, at BIZCON 8, Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire’s (BFNAT) annual dealer conference in Chicago, Ill., the tiremaker unveiled three new truck tires. The new radial tires – the R287 steer, M726 EL drive and R195F free-rolling trailer – offer long-haul and long regional haul fleets longer tire life and lower cost per mile, according to the company.
BFNAT called the M726 EL drive tire an enhancement of the Bridgestone M726. “With a 32/321/2 deep tread, this new ‘extra-life’ (EL) version offers irregular wear-fighting innovation and a tougher tread compound,” said the tiremaker in a release today. “And, as one of the deepest drives in the industry, the tire is built to deliver remarkably high removal miles,” the company continued.
The M726 EL tire compound resists heel-and-toe wear, while the buttressed block shape reduces tearing, according to the company. The tire also features large blocks for wet traction, and sipe ends are rounded to help prevent tearing.
The new R287 steer radial offers Bridgestone’s Side Groove and Equalizer Rib features that, the company said, combat edge and wavy wear in the shoulder and main ribs. Stress-relief siping along the main ribs reduce river wear, and the stiffer tread compound offers longer overall wear. BFNAT added that the R287 has a shallower 16/321/2 tread that produces less squirm and irregular wear.
And, the new R195F has sidewall protector ribs that reduce scrub damage and enhance retreadability, according to BFNAT. The R195F’s Equalizer Rib, Defense Groove and stress-relief siping features reduce irregular, wavy and river wear as well as cupping. The R195F also offers a fuel-efficient casing that results in lower cost per mile for fleets, said BFNAT.
“Fleets today are focused on cutting expenses, especially cost per mile. With these new tires, Bridgestone dealers can offer their fleet customers proven truck-tire technology that promotes even wear, dramatically extends original tread life and lowers total life cycle costs,” said Kurt Danielson, commercial marketing director at BFNAT.
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