Page 30 - CTB N12 - 2015-04

PRODUCTS
Maximum Traction and Comfort with New Bandag BDR-C Retread
Hankook SmartWork AM09: High Performance on all Axle Positions for On &
Off Road Use
Hankook is expanding its commercial vehicle line-up by introducing the AM09, a versatile tyre for all axle positions that exhibits increased resistance to chippings, indents and tread breakage. With an improved self- cleaning function and an extremely robust carcass design, the successor of the popular AM06, designed for flexible application both on and off road, features increased safety, robustness and economy. Thanks to its M+S mark, the new model can also be used year round in harsh conditions off road.
High traction and optimised braking performance is achieved both on and off road as the AM09 has a tread surface that is 10% wider than its predecessor’s. This broader ground contact area not only provides even load distribution in order to prevent distortion, but also benefits traction and braking performance. At the same time, handling and performance are optimised by the tread design. The four extra wide tread grooves with zigzag design enable improved displacement of mud and water, whilst, in addition, special indents on the individual tread blocks give the tyre particularly good grip. Overall, the tyre offers outstanding handling
performance,
exceptional
mileage and good
traction on both
dry and wet
surfaces.
In addition, the
closed shoulder
design of the
AM09 increases
the tyre's driving
stability, whilst
the wide contact
area also
positively affects
its wear
characteristics,
which are more
uniform and even. Thanks to its solid construction, the shoulder design provides improved resistance against lateral stress and protection against damage to the block edges.
Mileage and fuel and economy
are achieved even under heavy loads through the innovative Hankook mixing method IMS (Innovative Mixing System), which ensures a particularly even distribution of carbon black particles and rubber molecules within the mixtures. Together with longer mixing times at lower temperatures, a significant increase of the bonding rate between the carbon black and rubber molecules can be achieved. In combination with the special tread design of the AM09, the compound generates less heat during the drive, which has a positive effect on the rolling resistance and thereby on fuel consumption as well.
Meanwhile, Hankook’s SCCT technology (Stiffness Control Contour Theor y) enables the particularly even distribution of tyre pressure even under heavy loads and minimises the deformation strain that affects the carcass. This not only positively influences the longevity of the tyre but also performance features such as like turning and braking characteristics, as well as the AM09's retreadability.
As a package, its design and technology features make the AM09 a versatile tyre for all axle positions that can do the job right all year round: durable and
efficient, safe and reliable. The new AM09 thereby complements the SmartWork group of products, which was recently already supplemented with the driving axle specialist DM09.
The Bandag BDR-C
Bandag has announced the launch of a brand-new retread for bus and coach applications designed to boost performance, durability, comfort and safety. The all-new Bandag BDR-C retreads build on revolutionar y tread technology and materials developed by Bridgestone, significantly extending the life and performance of fleet owners’ premium casings and in so doing, lowering their total cost per km.
The Bandag BDR-C is M+S marked, designating the retread’s great traction in mud and fresh or melting snow. As such, the Bandag BDR-C not only ensures a longer life but also a broader operating range, thus delivering the same safe, sure and reliable handling you would expect from a premium Bandag retread in all road conditions.
The Bandag BDR-C’s advanced compound, the dedicated design and high level of manufacturing consistency drastically reduce the risk of irregular wear, extending tyre life even further. Indeed, the Bandag BDR-C integrates Bridgestone’s innovative Tie-Bar
technology, which increases block stiffness, distributing pressure evenly while also ensuring maximum traction over the entire contact patch. Harald Van Ooteghem, Senior Manager Truck & Bus Tyres Categor y Management: “Bandag is all about helping our customers get the most out of their tyres, so they can get the most out of their fleets and their business. In that sense, extending tyre life is just a small part of the puzzle. By delivering great traction, even in winter y conditions, along with smooth, quiet, stable performance, the new Bandag BDR-C retread helps to improve safety and driver and passenger comfort, and thus help ensure the continuity of operations. “ The Bandag BDR-C retreads have been available for fitment on Bridgestone and other premium tyre casings in sizes 11R22.5, 12R22.5, 315/80R22.5, 295/80R22.5, 275/70R22.5, 305/70R22.5, 315/70R22.5, 245/70R19.5, 265/70R19.5, 305/70R19.5 as of November 2015.
30 Commercial Tyre Business