Trident International specialises in the design, development and supply of solid industrial tyres for construction, quarrying, underground mining, port and material handling equipment.

Trident has developed a new range of super solid tyres in a mining specific compound and pattern specifically for, wheel loaders, side discharge loaders (SDL), skid steer loaders, load haul dumpers (LHD), low platform dump trucks (LPDT), shuttle cars, roof bolters, jumbo drills, etc. The sizes range from 10-16.5 to 26.5-25.

Normally, these machines are fitted with pneumatic tyres that are prone to punctures, damage and fast wear. These result in losses associated with frequent repair and replacement, downtime, and leads to additional inventory costs. The cut- resistant compound specifically addresses the challenges faced in mining operations to provide an unparalleled level of uninterrupted service and completely eliminating equipment downtime due to tyres.

"We launched the super solid tyres especially for the underground mining equipment in the recent bC India show. This is very popular in other mining countries like the US, Australia, especially for underground mining where punctures or downtime due to tyre-related issues are a factor and with the advent of this product. There is no loss of productivity, and more importantly it ensures hundred percent safe. The equipment that goes into underground mining is worth crores of rupees. The safety standards that go into underground mining are very rigid, are very stringent. So we are a niche player, and the new launch is a niche product specifically meant for underground mining," says Shyam Gyanani, Director, Trident International.

He further adds, "Trident's Super-Solid tyres have significantly deeper treads compared to pneumatic tyres e.g. the 23.5-25 super solid tyre has tread depth of 250 mm (10 inch) increasing wear volume, and thereby life span. Features such as sidewall apertures absorb shocks when moving over irregular surfaces and debris thereby providing a soft ride."

According to him, durable construction provides customers with a reliable option that reduces expenses and time-losses incurred due to frequent tyre damage and replacement. Users benefit from a longer usage-cycle, reduced costs and wastage, and a smoother frequency of operations.

The use of solid tyres on mining and other specialised equipment is a relatively new phenomenon, which has been gaining acceptance as the benefits become more apparent. Solid Tyres are hundred per cent puncture-proof and are made from highly wear resistant rubber compounds and ideally suited short haul, high load, low speed machines working in yards and confined areas with harsh underfoot conditions. The tyres have an extra deep tread with a greater wear volume that gives them a lifespan three to five times that of conventional pneumatic tyres. These tyres also significantly improve occupational safety as there is no possibility of tyre blowout related accidents.

Shyam avers that cost continues to be a factor in the wider acceptance of the solid tyre concept, especially when one considers that on average solid tyres cost about three times the price of pneumatic tyres. It is important to note that solid tyres are puncture-proof and their life is four to five times that of pneumatic tyres. Costs associated with puncture-related issues such as machine downtime, idle operator time and operational delays are automatically eliminated. Fewer replacements mean that costs associated with re-purchase, inventory and repair are significantly reduced. Solid tyres are therefore a viable cost-effective alternative for the customer to seriously consider.

Speaking on the impact of slow down on the CE market, he says, "The economic slowdown has indeed hurt the business sentiments. The mining industry is virtually in a standstill, down by over 75 per cent. Even the material handling segment has gone down because the economy has dipped, and business is down by over 40 per cent."

He sums up, "Trident being a tyre supplier for off-highway equipment, our business too, has been impacted. But structurally we are a very resilient company, and we plan for the down cycles as much. But the long- term growth seems to be intact."

For further details contact:
Trident International
Survey # 70/a, Rashmi Indl Estate,
Wanawadi, Pune 411 040
Tel: +91-20-2683 1422; Fax: +91-20-2683 4673
Email: sales@trident-intl.com

www.trident-intl.com