Severe-duty Galaxy Giraffe telehandler tire launches

WAKEFIELD, Mass. — Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America Inc. has introduced the Galaxy Giraffe ND Severe Duty Service for telehandlers operating in a wide range of environments.

The tire features three-stage solid construction for operating in conditions ranging from loose soil to heavy debris and indoor surfaces. The three layers of specially engineered compounds minimize heat build-up and vibration while maximizing stability and ride comfort, the company said.

The puncture-proof solid construction of the Giraffe ND SDS also features a non-directional block pattern for balance between ride quality and comfort on pavement with forward-and-reverse traction and self-cleaning on loose surfaces.

"The three-stage construction of the Galaxy Giraffe ND SDS solid combines our durable tread compound that extends up the sidewall for extra damage protection, a rugged base compound for tight grip on the rim, and between them, a cushion core that reduces heat build-up and provides operator comfort without apertures," according to Bhavesh Sondagar, Yokohama OHTA product manager for earthmoving, construction and industrial tires.

"In many solid tires carrying loads, cracking around the apertures is a common point of failure," he said. "The special cushion core in the Galaxy Giraffe ND SDS allows us to provide a comfortable and stable ride without the need for apertures."

The new 360/85-28 Galaxy Giraffe ND provides a long-lasting option for heavy-duty operations with high load-carrying capacity, he said.

"The Galaxy Giraffe ND SDS is engineered and manufactured to minimize vibration, from its high rubber-to-void ratio and meticulously engineered large-block tread pattern to the cushion compound in the tire's core," Bhavesh said.

The dense tread pattern, wide footprint and solid construction also makes the tire more stable than R-4 telehandler tires, the company said.

"The Galaxy Giraffe ND SDS also has 20% more wearable rubber above the 60J line and better wear and heat resistance than the top competitor," Bhavesh said.

"With its big, wide, even footprint and non-directional tread, the Giraffe ND solid is an ultra-stable, top performing tire that extends the working possibilities of telehandlers through its durability, traction and extremely high load carrying capacity due to its 28-inch rim.

"This tire makes telehandlers an even more versatile tool for work outdoors and indoors, from rough construction and materials handling, scrapyards, waste/recycling facilities, and demolition sites to arenas, stadiums and commercial structures with sensitive flooring," he said.

The Giraffe ND SDS is available in the 360/85-28 size; a 315/95-28 option will be available later this year.