BKT Develops Four Tires for Recycling Operations

BKT is one of the leading manufacturers of Off-Highway tires worldwide. The company has the expertise to develop customized tires for even the most demanding and toughest applications. Products like tires for loaders and material-handling machinery that is used for recycling operations have to tackle the toughest conditions as they are subject to severe strain. They are not only required to be highly durable and resistant, but are also expected to offer stability to the equipment and hence ensure a minimum level of comfort to the operator.

Similarly, at material storage sites, the vehicles that are used need to be hardy vehicles that are highly maneuverable. Thus, good tires are crucial for maximizing the functionality of the vehicles, so that they can move easily even in cramped spaces, work fast and at the same time are economical to operate based on both fuel savings and minimal downtime.

BKT rose to the challenge and thoroughly researched the details of material-handling operations, particularly on irregular and rough surfaces. Based on the results of this study, the company developed four tires for recycling operations; BK-Loader 53, Earthmax SR 43, Earthmax SR 53 and Earthmax SR 55. These tires are ideal for use in an environment where waste disposal and material-recycling operations take place.

The BK-Loader 53 tire is an aramid-belted tire that has been specially developed to equip loaders in industrial applications. Its special extra-deep tread design for optimum lateral stability and the highest level of resistance to cuts, tears and punctures make the tire highly suitable for recycling operations. The tire notable for its exceptional self-cleaning properties and high levels of grip and traction on both wet and dry surfaces. This is BKT’s brand-new product and is available in size 405/70 R 20.

Earthmax SR 43 is a radial tire for all loading and material-transport operations in storage, collection and recycling sites, as well as in caves, open pit mines and scrap yards. Its most notable feature is a reinforced sidewall that gives it high resistance and an extended life-cycle. It has a unique tread design for enhanced traction and stability, and high level of self-cleaning property for rapid ejection of debris, which is a common issue during recycling operations.  The result is puncture prevention and reduced machine downtime. Earthmax SR 43 is available on the market in size 29.5 R 29.

The Earthmax SR 53 and Earthmax SR 55 tires have all the qualities that are needed for tires used in recycling operations. The Earthmax Sr 53 can easily tackle the harsh and rocky terrain found on surfaces at metal recycling operations and at mines when used in loaders or dozers. It comes with a deep L-5-class tread that minimizes tire wear and has outstanding self-cleaning properties. The special tread compound increases the tire’s resistance to cuts and heat. The tire is available in the five sizes 17.5 R 25, 20.5 R 25, 23.5 R 25, 26.5 R 25 and 29.5 R 25. The Earthmax SR 55 is even tougher with a smooth surface and an extra deep, L5-S-class tread which makes it strong and durable. Thus, the tire can tolerate peak productivity with reduced downtime. The tire offers a combination of safety, driving comfort and stability, making it apt for loaders which are operating at severe conditions during loading and levelling operations. Currently, this tire is available in six different sizes: 12.00 R 24, 17.5 R 25, 18.00 R 25, 26.5 R 25, 29.5 R 25 and 29.5 R 29.

Thus, BKT has truly been able to use continuous research and innovative solutions to develop tires that can successful be used even in challenging scenarios. The overall goal is to achieve better results and performance and this can be attained through development of innovative and application-specific product solutions to cater to key user requirements.