Nokian Further Expands Forest Rider Range

The Nokian Forest Rider product family has been expanded with new sizes intended for large and heavy tractors. These further additions to the Forest Rider range are designed, says Nokian, for demanding and highly challenging usage conditions such as the harvesting of energy wood and building & maintaining forest roads. Suitable for tractors ranging from 200 to 500 horsepower, the new products fill a gap in the Finnish manufacturer’s existing line-up.

The use of energy wood is increasing, and new harvesting methods have been introduced, comments Nokian. Large and effective tractors equipped for forestry use place high demands upon tyres: the tyres must be sturdy and immensely durable but at the same time also sufficiently agile and flexible. Structural durability and easy rolling properties are also needed for transition drives. The design of specific tyre sizes has been governed by strict requirements – the tyres must carry heavy loads; high load-bearing capacity also means high tyre pressure. The tyres must also resist cutting and punctures on rough surfaces.

The Nokian Forest Rider features a patented side puncture protection, and its sidewall offers resistance against sharp stubs, stones and sticks. The tyre, says Nokian, delivers excellent grip and traction properties plus low rolling resistance. The tyre is designed to clean easily and cool down quickly. The large contact area and open-centre tread design are intended to make the tyre efficient off the road and also suitable for on-road driving, with road speeds of 50 km/h achievable. The new sizes include:

600/65 R 34 Front
650/85 R 38 Rear
600/70 R 30 Front

Nokian highlights Central Europe as the key market for the new Forest Rider sizes. Deliveries begin in late spring 2009.