Titan debuts new ‘Low SideWall’ tyres in UK

Titan has launched its latest “Low SideWall Tyres” in the UK, pitching the new product as being designed for harsh environments such as quarries and mining sites.

The new LSW tyres are said to be the first tyre of this kind to launch in the UK. And the company says it has entered the market in order to deliver a “more stable and smooth ride” in the aforementioned harsh environments. In essence, the Titan LSW tyre features a lower aspect ratio and smaller sidewall than a standard tyre, resulting in an increased wheel diameter without an increase in the outside diameter of the tyre.

The concept has already proved successful in the automotive market, but Titan has reportedly adapted it for construction applications. The result, says the company, is less side-to-side movement, increasing vehicle stability.

Lindsay Hart, European tyre sales manager for Titan, said: “Our global heritage and expertise means we know that construction tyres must live or die by their contribution to overall plant productivity. On-site productivity is, of course, a crucial factor at any plant and the LSW tyre puts the driver at an advantage with increased ride quality, breakout force and handling, allowing them to perform their job more confidently. This is especially fundamental to quarry and mining sites that are often subject to harsh environment and weather conditions.”

In June this year, a Volvo A40F articulated dumptruck operated by D Wardle was one of the first construction vehicles to be fitted with the 29.5 R34.5 LSW wheel and tyre assembly in the UK, at a slate quarry in Wales. Titan approached T&C Site Services Ltd to fit the tyres and take the lead on testing them over the duration of the product trial.

In response, Lindsay Hart commented: “The expert team from T&C Site Services impressively replaced all six wheel and tyre assemblies with the new LSW tyres within an hour. Following an initial tyre pressure check, the vehicles were quickly sent back out on to site to continue working.

“Notably, early feedback received from the drivers was positive who observed markedly better stability and smoother ride around their respective worksites. Meanwhile, the plant managers were extremely impressed with the speed and ease of replacement, which ensured the limited downtime of the vehicles.”

According to product launch statements issued by the company, the launch comes at a time where the demand for innovation in construction equipment technology continues at a rapid pace and is further brought on by higher horsepower, extended lifts and larger bucket capacities.