Uptime is driving the next generation of OTR tyres
Shyam Gyanani, Founder and MD, Trident International
What are the key OTR tyre products and technologies you are showcasing at bauma ConExpo India, and which applications or equipment segments are they designed to address?
Trident is focused on developing application-specific, puncture-proof tyres and tyre solutions for aerial, construction, material handling and underground mining equipment. At bauma ConExpo, the products that we will be showcasing are:
- TRAXTER® severe-duty solid tyres: Purpose-built for wheel loaders, skid steers, backhoes, telehandlers and other industrial machines operating in scrap metal processing, recycling yards, slag handling, and demolition sites. The engineered sidewall apertures absorb surface shock while delivering 100 per cent puncture-proof reliability without risk of blowouts
- TRAXTER® solid material handling (MHE) range: Heavy-duty, pneumatic-shaped solid (PSS) resilient tyres for forklifts, container reach stackers, and yard logistics equipment running long shifts on abrasive concrete and tarmac surfaces
- TRAXTER® underground mining solid assemblies: Extra-deep, cut-and-chip resistant solid tyres built specifically to endure low-seam haulage, abrasive rock, and high static loads on LHDs, shuttle cars, and roof bolters in underground coal and hard-rock mines
- TRAXTER® foam filled boom lift tyres and tyre assemblies: Ready to fit tyres and wheel assemblies in a patented non directional R4 pattern
- TRAXTER® underground mining foam filled assemblies: Bridgestone or Michelin radial tyres foam filled and pressurised with a multi component polyurethane to render them puncture proof and eliminates the need to tyre pressure checks.
- Patented SMARTIRE system: An integrated sensor technology that tracks internal rubber core temperatures and duty cycles in real time to prevent thermal compound breakdown during continuous, multi-shift fleet operations and improve operator ergonomics.
Customers are increasingly focused on tyre life, fuel efficiency, uptime and total cost of ownership. What innovations in tyre design, compounds, tread patterns and construction are helping you deliver better performance and lower operating costs?
Increased awareness and focus Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the need of the hour as tyre and fuel costs are amongst the top three operating costs for industrial equipment. We focus on developing tyre and track solutions that are 100 per cent puncture proof ensuring no tyre related equipment downtime and operator idle time and improve safety and productivity.
Since operating conditions vary vastly, we have developed application specific tread patterns and rubber compounds that offer customers tyres best suited to their needs for maximise life and uptime. Some notable highlights include:
- Non-directional R4 traction tyre for boom lifts and skid steer loaders for which we hold a US design patent
- A three lug tread pattern with a continuous centre tread pattern for forklifts that provides for a smooth ride, reduced vibration and lower rolling resistance
- Extra deep L5 smooth tyres with highly wear resistant tread for loaders used in steel plants, glass and recycling scrap industries
- Specific tread compounds for hard rock mining, soft rock mining and industrial applications
- Solid tyres with specially designed side wall apertures that absorb shocks that reduce machine maintenance and improve operator comfort
We have a fully equipped lab to conduct various tests such as abrasion resistance, tear resistance, fatigue, etc. on any new compounds. Tyres made with any new compounds or construction is first tested on in-house test rigs to evaluate heat build-up, construction design, load capacity etc. Subsequently the tyres are fitted on in-house test fleet of equipment to simulate actual on machine performance and design validation prior to customer release.
What are the key trends you are witnessing in the Indian OTR tyre market across mining, construction, quarrying and infrastructure, and how are changing equipment usage patterns influencing tyre demand?
Machines are getting faster and heavier and are working longer hours. This a macro trend across most industries as projects is becoming bigger with a greater emphasis on timely completion.
This has necessitated the development of tyres with robust construction, low-heat-buildup compounds to withstand continuous thermal and mechanical stress.
Another trend is rapid expansion of compact general purpose construction equipment especially in urban areas. So, equipment is used on both unpaved and paved surfaces requiring specific all terrain patterns for optimum performance.
How important is India as a manufacturing and export hub for your OTR tyre business? What are your plans for expanding production capacity, localisation and exports from India?
India sits at the centre of our global manufacturing and engineering capabilities. Not just at Trident but for the tyre industry at large, we having evolved from a low-cost production base into a global centre of R&D, product design development and overall excellence.
All our solid tyre and rubber tracks are manufactured at our JV factory in Jejuri near Pune. The unit is an EoU with over 75 per cent of the production exported to over 35 countries.
We will be looking to double our capacity over the next 18 to 24 months.
With the growing adoption of larger, higher-capacity and more technologically advanced construction and mining equipment, how is your OTR tyre product portfolio evolving to meet the changing requirements of these machines?
Since we address global markets, our portfolio already includes large OTR tyre sizes like 14.00-25, 17.5-25, 18.00-25, 23.5-25 etc. that we regularly supply to our overseas customers.
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