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26th May 2005, Page 72
26th May 2005
Page 72
Page 72, 26th May 2005 — Right, front-to-back
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

All too often artic operators see a tractor or trailer as a separate entity when it comes to speccing tyres. Goodyear's view is of a 'dream team' combination r' that saves you money and boosts productivity.

When it comes to buying tyres. UK truck operators have traditionally done it purely out of habit. Yet during recent years, hauliers have increasingly turned to Europe's tyre manufacturers to help solve specific operational problems like height restrictions, axle weights and the scourge of all multi-drop operators — diminishing loads. The result. says Goodyear, is an increasing demand for 'mission specific' tyres. However,the trick is to create a set a tyres that performs beyond the sum of the individuals. And nothing illustrates this concept better than what Goodyear calls its tyre 'Dream Team '.

Tailor-made

The introduction of the Marathon LHS 50series steer-axle tyre in 2004 was the final element in a product line-up that Goodyear reckons has been tailor-made to enable 'mega cube' trailer operators in particular to optimise their vehicles' carrying capacity — but without having to accept any operating corn promises That 'Team' (which Goodyear claims "no other tyre manufacturer can offer") is based around the following three products: • The 355/50R22.5 Marathon LHS for steer axles • The 295/60R22.5 Marathon LHD+ for drive axles • And the 455/40R22.5 Marathon LHT for semi-trailers Up front, the Marathon LHS provides for a 7.5-tonne front axle capacity— but with an overall ride height that delivers a 3m internal trailer height, whilst keeping the rig under the 4m Continental height limit. Equally important, the retention of 22.5 rims on the trailer (thanks to the fitment of the Marathon455/ 40R22.5 LHT) ensures maximum braking capability and cooling.

The low profile 50-series Marathon LHS 355/50R22.5 steer tyre is a new size to the transport industry and aimed particularly at height-conscious operators of car transporters and mega trailers. Moreover, it's specifically matched to Goodyear's existing Marathon LHD+ 295/60R22.5 drive tyre as well as the recently-launched Marathon LHT 455/40R22.5 for trailers (the Marathon LHT 435/50R19.5 is also suitable).

The diameter of these tyres being 928 mm, 926 mm and 936 mm respectively, the lowest possible level and stable cargo platform height is achieved.

And as the LHS steer axle tyre has a 7.5tonne load capacity it allows for both current and future legislation while coping comfortably with changing load situations that can lead to axle overloading with a 6.5-tonne front axle. By being wider, ground pressure is reduced, which means superior road wear, ride comfort and driveability. plus the potential for improved fuel economy. The Marathon LHS's variable depth %lading' and an S-shaped block tread layout also cuts wet-stopping distances and noise — a key attribute, especially as operators come under increasing pressure to run ever-quieter trucks. Another advantage, says Goodyear, is that the 355/50R22.5 fits standard 11.75 rims as used with 385/65R22.5 tyres.

Design brief

The design brief for the unique, compatible Goodyear Marathon LHT 455/40R22.5 trailer tyre called for a tyre diameter of less than one metre in order to permit a 3m internal trailer height, while retaining a 22,5" rim, to allow maximum-sized disc brakes for greater safety. Not only does the LHT achieve these dimensional goals (it has a diameter of 936mm) but it also delivers a 10% mileage improvement compared with equivalent conventional-sized tyres. There are further cost and downtime savings through a 30% reduction in brake wear (compared to the smaller disc brake units used with the 19.5"rims normally found on low platform/'mega-cube' trailers) due to lower operating temperatures.

Jtirgen Spielmann, director of technology for Goodyear Dunlop Europe reckons:"We're extremely pleased with the results that the new 50-series steer tyre has given us."

"It's the perfect solution for the operator of high-volume trucks," says Spielmann, "as it allows maximum volume and weight utilization, whilst giving a longer life and improved fuel consumption. It also matches perfectly with 295/60R22.5 drive tyres and our unique 40-series trailer tyres.

"With this combination the front axle load capacity is 7.5-tonnes, the drive-axle 12.0tonnes and each trailer axle 9.0-tonnes, which will meet all known forthcoming legislation."