HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — American Tire Distributors Inc. subsidiary Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. has launched the Strong Guard H-MA tire, a mixed-service, all-position premium tire.
Hercules said the tire is made to navigate difficult, unpaved off-road sites, but its primary use is on roads, on vehicles including tippers, cement mixers, concrete pumps, and low loaders used in the construction industry. The tire can be used in other industries such as waste management, recycling, timber and agriculture, where a cut- and chip-resistant tire that can withstand abuse is required.
The tire is available now in several popular sizes, including 11R22.5, 11R24.5 and 275/70R22.5. The 315/80R22.5 will launch in June.
Marshall Gillespie, director of commercial merchandising, proprietary brands, said the tires rugged design, deeper and wider tread width and enhanced protection "via the Hercules Performance Promise will help vehicles meet the demands of mixed-service applications, both on- and off-road."
Mixed services operators will "benefit from the durability, traction and improved handling for heavy loads we have built into the features of this premium value tire," he said.
The features of the tire include:
- Large siped tread blocks that create a rugged, four-rib design offering biting traction coupled with improved handling for heavy load applications on- and off-road;
- Deeper tread depth and up to 10% wider tread width, allowing for extended tread life and increases vehicle stability, including those that demand over 10,000 pounds of load-carrying capacity;
- 15% wider steel belts improve protection of the tire casing off-road and optimizes the footprint under heavy loads for speeds up to "K" 68 miles per hour;
- A cut and chip resistant compound designed to specifically to withstand the rough terrain of mixed-service applications;
- Biting shoulder that allows the tire to dig into tough terrains for increased traction in any conditions; and
- Curb protector and stone defense that protects the sidewall and casing from damage in mixed-service applications.
The Strong Guard H-MA is fourth recent launch of Strong Guard premium, mixed service tires. The others were the Strong Guard H-MD, a drive tire with a balance of enhanced traction and handling; Strong Guard H-MX, a drive tire delivering extreme traction and durability in severe applications; and the Strong Guard H-MW, a wide base, all position tire with proprietary features to reduce squirm and fight irregular wear
The Strong Guard H-MA comes with the Hercules Performance Promise, an 84-month limited protection policy that includes 50% replacement for workmanship and materials. It also provides a casing allowance for up to three retreads.
Hercules recently launched an Ironman-brand entry-level, all-season highway touring tire for SUVs, CUVs and light trucks.
Hercules also recently expanded into the ag market with the launch of the Ag-Trac RT 45 radial R-1W, designed for four-wheel- and mechanical front-wheel-drive (MFWD) tractors.
