Greater Loads Possible with Upgraded Goodyear Sure Grip Lug

The load carrying capacity of a key size in Goodyear’s popular Sure Grip Lug industrial tyre range has been increased. The load index of the 12.5/80-18 Goodyear Sure grip lug tyre has risen from 139 (10PR) to 146 (14PR) following an upgrade to the carcass and bead construction. This increase gives the new tyre a maximum nominal carrying capacity of 3000 kilograms, a 570 kilogram per tyre increase over the previous version of the tyre.

This tyre size is a popular fitment on JCB, Komatsu, Cat, CNH and Volvo industrial machines and in particular on the front axles of Backhoe loaders. The decision to increase the load capacity was made following an in-depth analysis of available equipment in the marketplace and in anticipation of the future path of development these machines will take.

“The general trend for these types of machine is for the loading bucket fitted on the front to increase in size thus increasing the load and demands placed on the front axle tyres, commented Andy Morris, Director of Off the Road tyres for Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK. “Most current machines are fitted with 10 or 12 ply rating tyres; however, We anticipate that this trend towards higher loads will continue and have therefore decided to go one step further in load carrying capacity and launch this new tyre with a 146 load index (14 ply rating).”

Increasing the load capacity of the 12.5/80-18 Sure Grip Lug means that the tyre pressure must also be increased to 62psi / 4.3 bar. “It is essential to remember the importance of having the correct air pressure for the load and a common fault identified on industrial machines is that of low tyre pressures. Checking the pressures will ensure tyres are roadworthy, such an easy remedy can increase performance on and off the road,” Morris concluded.