Goodyear Launches 5 New Tyres to Meet Transport Industry Needs

At September’s IAA International Commercial Vehicle Show in Germany, Goodyear presented five new tyre sizes it believes provide important solutions to the transport industry’s constantly evolving demands. In particular, Goodyear says it has addressed new trends in trailer design, which have been brought about by technological evolution and changing customer requirements. Disc brakes have improved, resulting in a greater demand for them. Operators also want the lowest possible chassis heights and ‘special transport’ trailers with 12 tonnes axle load capacity at 80 km/h.

The displayed products included two small diameter drive axle tyres and three small diameter trailer tyres, all of which were designed to provide unique benefits to transport operators and original equipment manufacturers. The new tyres are:

· Marathon LHD II 295/55R22.5
· Marathon LHD II 265/55R19.5
· Marathon LPT 265/70R17.5
· Marathon LHT 275/60R19.5
· Marathon LHT 265/55R19.5

Goodyear reports that, during the development process for its new tyres, it worked closely with fleet operators and vehicle manufacturers to design tyres providing those features considered most beneficial to today’s transport business, including increased axle load capacity, lower ride height, more payload volume and weight, the utilisation of more efficient braking systems.

Goodyear Marathon LHD II 295/55R22.5

This drive axle tyre is designed for 4×2 and 6×4 low chassis height vehicles and provides an 11.6 tonnes axle load capacity. Because the tyre diameter is 40 mm less than a conventional 22.5’’ drive axle tyre, it helps achieve a four-metre vehicle ride height, with up to three meters of cargo height. This tyre features Goodyear’s FuelMax Technology, and has generated much interest among original equipment manufacturers.

Goodyear Marathon LHD II 265/55R19.5

The second new drive axle tyre has been developed to achieve the lowest possible platform height on 4×2 and 6×4 chassis. Typically these tyres will be used on vehicles transporting high-volume goods, non-divisible loads and on car transporters. With a diameter that is 130 mm less than a 295/60R22.5, this tyre allows up to 3.2 metres load height. Typically these 19.5’’ tyres would be used on the drive axle with 22.5’’ tyres on the steer axle. When used on a bogie, these tyres give a load capacity of 16 tonnes. This new drive axle tyre also benefits from FuelMax Technology.

Goodyear Marathon LPT 265/70R17.5

This tyre is for heavy haulage and ‘Special Types’ vehicles where multiple small diameter wheels are used. The new LPT (Low Platform Trailer) tyre provides 12 tonnes axle load at 80 km/h, which is important for ‘special transport’ operations. The 17.5’’ tyre can be used on trailers with conventional axle and brake designs, for example on pivot axles with drum brakes. Axle loads of over 12 tonnes are possible if the maximum speed is reduced. Due to its large air cavity volume and robust design, the Marathon LPT offers good impact resistance, which is particularly important in this transport sector where exceptionally high stresses are normal.

Goodyear Marathon LHT 275/60R19.5

The second new trailer tyre size is designed to provide a 19.5’’ tyre with a very low diameter and a high axle load capacity. It provides 10.6 tonnes axle load capacity at 100 km/h in dual fitment and 12 tonnes at 80 km/h. This 275/60R19.5 tyre is suited for use on modern heavy haulage low chassis trailers with disc brakes and is designed as an alternative to current 245/70R17.5 or 265/70R17.5 combinations.

Goodyear Marathon LHT 265/55R19.5

This extremely small diameter tyre is designed for trailers that operate with standard loads at high legal speeds where the lowest possible chassis height is required. It has a smaller diameter than the comparable 245/70R17.5 and is suitable for disc brake-equipped trailers in both long haul and regional operations. Typical examples where these tyres would be suitable are airfreight trailers, wind turbine equipment transport and Nordic 24-metre combinations.