AP Loader Tyre Launch Sees Starco Move to Include Larger Range

Starco has decided to move further into the industrial segment and onto larger tyre sizes with the launch of its AP Loader XT product. In the past the company has mainly focused on handling tyres and complete wheels for the smaller end of industrial applications – but now, say company representatives “it is time to move on.” The strategy is to become an important player in the market on all industrial tyres – expanding the program from forklift and dumper tyres into the OTR segments with Starco tyres.

As the general trend in the market for OTR tyres continues to move from bias to radial products Starco has opted to develop its range of own brand Starco radial OTR tyres. The first tyres to be introduced were the treads with the most versatile applications otherwise known as the AP Loader XT – AP being short for all purpose, and XT indicating the type of tread pattern.

The new tyre, the earliest versions of which hit the first European markets in October 2009, is said to offer a particularly versatile tyre pattern designed for loaders, graders and other equipment used in construction, stockpile and truck-loading applications. Company representatives also report that it offers “excellent traction, stable and comfortable ride and steel cord protection, to avoid penetrations and punctures.”

As far as fitments are concerned, Starco AP Loader will be targeting applications like Articulated dumpers, dump trucks, loaders, graders and similar vehicles. The tyres are distributed to the aftermarket via the firm’s sales and distribution companies. For larger OEM manufacturers, the Starco AP Loader can reportedly be supplied as a “just-in-time solution” assembled on the firm’s own brand wheels.

The Starco Group is a family owned Danish company with 27 assembly and distribution companies strategically placed throughout Europe and Central Asia. The firm runs its own steel wheel factories in Croatia, China and Switzerland and has a plastic wheel and polyurethane tyre factory in the UK.

“Thanks to the efforts of over 500 employees, we are the fastest growing company in the industry. In the Starco Group we focus on the development of wheel solutions for selected customer segments as we recognise that the wheel is the foundation of every product our customers manufacture. Therefore, it is decisive that the wheel and its component parts are right for every customer, their specific needs and manufacturing process. As a dependable strategic partner no order is too large for the OEM-customer, and for the aftermarket customer no order is too small,” group marketing manager Brian Lorentzen said in a statement detailing the release.

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