Robust truck tyres with ‘sensible’ design features help mixed use operators keep firmly on track with costs
Operators seeking affordable yet resilient truck tyres, versatile enough to cope with today’s growing market demands for mixed usage on a daily basis, have a new option from Falken. With derivatives for drive as well as trailer and steering axles, each product offers on/off-road users Falken’s renowned blend of value and performance, all year round.
Building on the popularity of its products in the construction sector in the US, where the tyres are already available, Falken is now bringing the M+S marked and regroovable GI388 and GI378 tyres to the UK. Packed with features more typically found on more expensive tyres from the premium brands Falken’s range is also capable of handling the higher weights typically associated with Euro 6 trucks, with ratings of up to 13,000kg.
With a firm emphasis on ensuring tyre longevity and ultimately lower tyre life cost, Falken’s tyres use a robust casing incorporating heat resistant inner rubber layers topped with a low abrasion compound that can be re-grooved. Falken has also specified stone ejectors to prevent foreign objects becoming trapped in the grooves and penetrating the tyre belts, minimising the risk of corrosion that can prematurely end a tyre’s operating life. As a further line of defence, rust inhibitors are standard across the range, underlying Falken’s intention to use technology where it can add value to the operator.
To prevent damage from scuffing kerbs in tighter operating environments and to guard against less careful end users, Falken has specified sturdy sidewall protection bands. “We know from talking to operators that tyre failures are costly and our tyres are packed with sensible design features to ensure minimal downtime and extend the life of the tyre,” says Falken’s UK and Ireland director Matt Smith. “This value proposition from a trusted brand should be relevant to any operator in sectors such as construction or municipal where no-nonsense savings are key to fleet cost management.”
For all year round usage, the deep tread profile provides good traction and the circumferential serrated grooves and deep notches help progress when grip is at a premium.
The new Falken GI388 is available now in the following three dimensions:
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315/80R 22.5 156/150K
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12R 22.5 152/148K
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11R22.5 148/145K
The GI378 for steering axle tyres and trailers is initially available in the following sizes:
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385/65R 22.4 158K
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425/65R 22.5 165K
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445/65R 22.5 168K
