Goodyear Moving Into 63-Inch OTR Tyre Production

Demand for quality 63-inch OTR tyres from the mining sector and other related industries has remained strong despite the economic slowdown. For this reason, Goodyear has opted to throw its hat into the 63-inch size ring and announced it will begin production of these tyres during the fourth quarter of 2010. Goodyear is upgrading its Topeka, Kansas facility as part of its capital investment strategy to this effect, and preparatory work for production of the new giant tyres is already underway.

“This is a long-term strategic decision that reflects Goodyear’s commitment to deliver products for OTR customers’ changing demands,” said John P. Cavanaugh, vice president of Goodyear’s off-highway tyre business. “Goodyear’s innovative product-development and manufacturing processes make us uniquely qualified to design and construct a 63-inch tyre for the high expectations of customers.”

Goodyear believes the 63-inch radial size is a “natural extension” of the company’s existent OTR line-up, which has included 57-inch radials for close to two decades. “The Goodyear 63-inch tyre is a highly engineered product, leveraging Goodyear’s design technologies and experience in materials development, process improvements and manufacturing enhancements on large 57-inch radial tyres,” commented Cavanaugh.  “The Goodyear 63-inch tyre was created through a collaborative effort involving multi-discipline teams and will be assembled with latest generation manufacturing equipment.”   

A range of 63-inch dimensions and tread depths will be available, including 59/80R63 and 53/80R63 and E3 and E4 tread depths.