Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions is introducing the new Greatec M825 wide base drive radial tire.
“It’s ideal for weight-conscious fleets, like bulk haulers, where the vehicle reaches its gross weight limit while there’s still cargo room left over,” says Bandag manager Chris Hoffman.
“Because Greatec M825 wide base tires weigh less than the dual assemblies they replace, these fleets may be able to convert weight saved into extra revenue-producing payload,” he suggests. “We recommend fleets also consider switching to Greatec R125 wide base trailer radials for all-around weight-saving advantages.”
The M825’s wider tread and 29/32-inch tread depth distributes weight and torque over a wider area for a longer, smoother tire life, according to Hoffman. “The stabilizing solid shoulder design combats side forces that can lead to irregular wear, and a stiff, staggered tread block design resists ‘heel-and-toe’ wear,” he says.
A rugged tread compound resists squirm while an aggressive tread pattern, which resembles the Bridgestone M726 EL drive pattern, “uses buttressed blocks to fight block tearing for even more miles of smooth wear,” Hoffman asserts.
To enhance retreadability, straight shoulder grooves and an optimized groove design reduce stone retention and groove bottom cracking. In the central tread grooves, casing-saving stone rejector platforms prevent trapped stones from pushing deeper and piercing the belt layer, damaging the belts and exposing them to rust, he adds. Thick shoulder ribs on both sides fight curbing damage, protecting the casing. “If one side wears away, flip the tire over for continued protection.”
The tire is built with a patented Waved Belt design that balances stiffness and resiliency to provide a strong, stable casing that, in turn, produces a stable footprint shape, he says, noting that a T.I.P, (Turn-In Ply) design wraps the body ply around the bead bundle to promote a stronger, more resilient bead.
It is available in size 445/50R22.5 with an L load rating.
For more information, visit www.bridgestonetrucktires.com.
