Specialist supplier Kirkby Tyres “growing” Alliance, Double Coin, BKT ranges

One of the UK’s most prominent tyre suppliers for specialist application tyres, Speke’s Kirkby Tyres continues to supply Alliance, Double Coin and BKT ranges to the UK. The distributor’s product managers for the Indian Alliance and BKT brands – Ilan Goldstone and Dave Richardson respectively – told Tyres & Accessories that the brands’ continued growth in range coverage is being matched by the manufacturer’s focus on quality. Goldstone commented: “Alliance’s portfolio of tyres continues to grow not only in the industrial sector but across the whole of its product range. As a company they have identified and focused their efforts in producing some of the best performing tyres within their market sectors which has been aided by the construction of their new Indian manufacturing and R&D facility.” Richardson added that the BKT range is also expanding, with research and development “always at the forefront… On a recent trip to their factories in India it was clear to see as every batch of materials gets tested for quality every step of the way.”

Identified by Kirkby as “one of the biggest developments over the past few years”, the Alliance 550 tyre for specific application on industrial tractors, backhoe loaders and municipality equipment has been useful in maintaining productivity in challenging conditions. Its block design and all-steel belt radial construction have helped the tyre to offer better performance in harsh winter conditions, whilst still giving uniform ground pressure distribution and tread wear, explains Kirkby. In addition the steel belts provide increased puncture protection.

In addition to the 550, Kirkby also supplies the A570 in 17.5LR24 (12PR); a key telehandler tyre the distributor says has “better stability than other 17.5LR24’s available in the market”. The A650 L-3 tyre, available in sizes ranging from 15.5R25 to 26.5R25 is also available from the company, said by Kirkby have made an impact on the original equipment market. Used on telescopic handlers and loadalls, the tyre has been designed with an ‘S’ tread pattern, offering improved grip while working on a wide range of applications. Kirkby says its “low slip level”, all-steel carcass construction and hard-wearing rubber compound that increases tread life “under the most severe working conditions”, make it a good choice for construction machinery.

Also from Alliance, newly-developed R4 designs, such as the 533, have been reinforced for the industrial market. Heavy nylon construction and special tread compounds have been formulated to achieve better performance on building site. The design of the lugs helps the tyre to achieve increased traction and braking power as well as improved mileage when on the road, says Kirkby. Sizes range from 14.9-24 to 16.9-30. Other key Alliance patterns such as the 317 multipurpose, the 331 heavy duty flotation tyres used on the 9-tonne dump trucks and the 309 for container handlers are all available from stock at Kirkby Tyres.

Kirkby says the Chinese Double Coin brand is making inroads into the truck radial market, while also bringing to the table more specialist skidsteer and forklift tyres. Its REM6 Forklift is available in sizes from 8.R25 to 18.00R25, an all-steel radial tyre which has been specifically designed for heavy duty applications such as forklift trucks and terminal tractors. The REM3 Skidsteer, available in 12R16.5 and 10R16.5 is steel belted and is designed for improved tread wear, traction and handling.

One of only two distributors of the BKT brand in the UK – the other being RH Claydon – Kirkby says the brand has “come a long way since 1955 when they entered the market with a selection of crossply off-highway tyres”. Since then he BKT brand has entered speciality segments, with its Industrial/Construction range covering: forklift, wide wall forklift, industrial mining, skidsteer, compactor, industrial tractor rear, multipurpose truck, excavator, grader, earthmover and port application tyres.

The company’s Power Trax/FL252 material handling tyre is available from size 500×8 to 1200×20 in heavy duty and smooth fitments. The range has specially designed rim guards for maximum protection. BKT’s many all-terrain traction tyres which include patterns such as AS504, AS505, AT603, AT621, TR675, TR882 and Grip Star all engineered for additional traction.

BKT’s industrial tractor rear range includes the R1, which has a sturdier lug design to increase performance on road; the R3, which is suitable for road construction and other industrial applications; and the R4, which has a compound and tough nylon casing for better results in industrial and off-road use.

Kirkby also supplies BKT’s multipurpose truck tyre, the MP 567, in sizes 10.0/75-15.3, 11.5/80-15.3, 10.5/18, 12.5-18, 18-19.5, 10.5-20, 12.5-20 and 16.0/70/20. A versatile fitment, the tyre is designed for use on highways/off road and in agricultural applications.