SEREGNO, Italy — Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has introduced the Ridemax Frost OTR tire specifically designed for transportation and urban maintenance applications on snow and ice.
"Winter brings a set of unique challenges that put both equipment and their drivers to the test. Ridemax Frost is designed to overcome these obstacles, offering traction, control and reliability even in the most extreme situations. No matter how harsh the weather, BKT is always by the operators' side to support their operations," said Dilip Vaidya, senior president and director of technology at BKT.
The Ridemax Frost tread design, formulated to provide improved traction on snowy and icy surfaces, features multiple sipes on the tread blocks for additional contact points with the surface and ensuring consistent and safe grip, as well as significantly reducing the risk of skidding, the tire maker said.
The tread has the ability to entrap snow in the grooves that further improve traction and grip, BKT said.
Ridemax Frost is made with an advanced elastic compound that maintains its elasticity even at extremely low temperatures, BKT said, noting that unlike standard compounds, which tend to stiffen and lose elasticity, Ridemax Frost preserves its elastic properties even below the freezing point. This feature enables the tire to better adapt to uneven terrain, providing optimum traction and reducing the risk of punctures or damage.
The compound consists of natural rubber enriched with polybutadiene and silica, polymers chosen for their strength and ability to maintain elasticity in severe cold conditions, BKT said.
Silica reinforcements increase the hardness of the rubber, improving resistance to cuts and tears on rough or icy terrain. Antioxidant and anti-zoning additives protect the rubber from degradation caused by low temperatures, UV rays and ozone and extends the overall tire lifespan, the company said.
In addition to technical performance, Ridemax Frost's design improves operators' riding experience by reducing vibration and driver fatigue.
"By combining advanced technologies and high-quality materials, this tire is the answer to modern market needs, where extreme climatic conditions require specialized and reliable solutions," BKT said.
