Firestone introduces on/off range, extends on-road portfolio

A new line-up of Firestone tyres designed for both on- and off-road use aims to provide users with high levels of durability, long wear life and good grip over a wide range of tough terrain. Upon introducing its FS822 Steer, FD833 Drive and FT833 Trailer tyres, Bridgestone Europe says the trio “bring Firestone’s renowned no-nonsense, cost-effective approach to the on/off segment.”

All three tyres are M+S marked, while the FS833 and FD833 additionally come with the 3PMSF ‘alpine’ symbol, which identifies them as winter tyres under the UNECE regulations recognised by the EU. The tyres are therefore, notes the tyre maker, suitable for use in severe winter conditions.

Technologies found in the new on/off tyres include ‘tie bars’ that result in increased block stiffness and minimised heel and toe wear. They are also built with a slim bead to reduce bead filler volume, which reduces tyre weight. The tyres can also be regrooved and retreaded.

FS833 Steer tyre

Bridgestone says a durable and reinforced compound gives the on/off steer tyre long-lasting performance, while its rib lug pattern design gives truck operators the steering and the grip they need and a robust construction minimises the risk of cutting and chipping.

FD833 Drive tyre

The deep and wide tread blocks provide a great traction to this new drive tyre, says Bridgestone, while the tread pattern is self-cleaning.

FT833 Trailer tyre

According to Bridgestone, the great on/off capabilities of the FT833 allow it to tackle any surface condition with confidence. The tyre maker adds that its durable, robust casing makes it resistant to cuts and chips, and the FT833 tread pattern has a very good resistance to irregular wear, for a long tyre life.

“We love pushing the boundaries with Firestone,” says Harald Van Ooteghem, senior truck & bus tyres category management at Bridgestone Europe. “Which is why the new on/off range is such a natural extension of the brand’s no-nonsense approach. Tough enough to go the distance, without the superfluous frills. Just great quality tyres built to go beyond the road, at a price point that will make sure you don’t go beyond the budget.”

The new Firestone range will be available in the main sizes 315/80R22.5 and 13R22.5 (FS833 & FD833) and 385/55R22.5 (FT833) from all good tyre dealerships throughout Europe as of December 2015, and will progressively replace their predecessors in the launched sizes.

Firestone to extend on-road line-up

Firestone is not only renewing its on/off range but is also extending its on-road line-up by adding new sizes, 295/80R22.5 and 315/70R22.5, to the FS422-FD622 tyres launched last year at the Reifen Essen show in Germany. These tyres aim to provide long-lasting and reliable performance, at a reasonable price.