QUINCY, Ill. (March 18, 2014) — Titan Tire Corp. is rolling out a line of low sidewall (LSW) tires for specific end-uses, such as articulated dump trucks, graders, backhoes and skid-steers.
Titan claims the LSW's larger rim diameter/lower sidewall design improves equipment stability and performance, especially as vehicle makers continue to offer more powerful equipment with larger loading capacities.
“The LSW design is a fundamental shift in the way tire and wheel assemblies are built for construction equipment,” said Johni Francis, Titan's OTR product manager, “but we feel strongly that this is the way the industry should be moving,
“The trend toward larger buckets and more powerful equipment has necessitated a departure from standard tire design, and as the only manufacturer of both wheels and tires, we're taking the lead on this movement.”
Titan claims the LSW design offers a number of specific benefits for equipment in these targeted end-use categories, including:
- Increased bucket loads due to less machine-sway and resulting material loss;
- Smoother ride and less bouncing on bumpy terrain;
- Increased lateral stability around curves and hillside conditions; and
- Improved handling and improved breakout force.
“Our testing has shown time and time again that LSW assemblies outperform standard assemblies, which is why we've invested in the development of LSW options for nearly every equipment category,” Mr. Francis said.
Titan plans to expand the range of LSW fitments throughout 2014, he said, with LSW options available for its LDR 250, DTH4, DTE4, 007 MFT and CMR 100.
The specific new Titan-brand products are:
- MXL, STL3 and LDR 50 for radial wheel loaders and articulated dump trucks;
- Grizz LSW G9F for bias graders;
- Grizz LSW G2E (front) and Industrial Tractor Lug (rear) for backhoes; and
- HD 2000 II LSW for skid-steers.
The MXL features an aggressive E-3/L-3 tread for optimal traction and torque transmission; it's offered in 20.5R31.5 as an alternative to the standard 20.5R25 size.
The STL3 features an E-3/L-3 non-directional tread pattern and center-riding rib and cut- and wear-resistant compounds; it's available in 29.5R34.5 as an alternative to the 29.5R25.
The LDR 150 features an L-4 extra-deep tread and wear-resistant compound for rock-damage resistance and long life in harsh settings; it's available in size 58/80R63 as an alternative to the 58/80R57.
The Grizz LSW G9F features a G-2 tread, available in four LSW sizes ranging from 330-851 to 395-851.
The Grizz LSW G2E (front) has a 12-ply rating and comes in size 320/60D24 as an alternative to the 12.5/80-18. The Industrial Tractor Lug (rear) has extra wide lugs and a low profile for improved rear stability; it's available in size 19.5L-28, as an alternative to the 19.5L-24.
The HD 2000 II LSW features deep lugs, a heavy sidewall and a large rim guard for durability; it's available in sizes 10-19.5 and 12-19.5, alternatives to the 10-16.5 and 12-16.5 sizes.