Savings in the round
Page 9
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The latest tyre ranges from Goodyear have the potential to save operators thousands of pounds a year By Will Shiers
GOODYEAR SAID its new range of KMax and FuelMax truck tyres, launched at Commercial Motor Live this week, have superior wear characteristics and rolling resistance to the Long Haul and Regional Haul ranges they replace, with the potential to save UK operators tens of thousands of pounds a year. The KMax is claimed to last up to 35% longer than its predecessor, while the FuelMax offers a 10% improvement in rolling
resistance In financial terms, the tyre maker estimated that a European operator running 40-tonne artics, covering 150,000km a year and buying diesel at €1.35 per litre, could save €900 per truck each year by switching from Marathon to FuelMax tyres. FuelMax The FuelMax range, available for steer (S), drive (D) and trailer (T) axles, is suitable for long-haul and regional operations. A number of innovative new technologies have been used in its manufacture, resulting not only in improved rolling resistance, but also in 15% better mileage. Grip has been improved and drive-axle tyres fulfil full winter tyre requirements, and carry the three-peakmountain snowflake symbol. One of the new
design's highlights is IntelliMax Groove Technology in the steer tyre. It's a hidden tread pattern that is moulded into the tyre, and only appears as the tyre wears. Goodyear said this helps FuelMax achieve its high ratings for fuel efficiency.
To demonstrate the importance of opting for tyres with good rolling resistance ratings, Goodyear invited CMto witness a comparative test. Two identical Iveco Hi-Road artics, both running on five axles and laden to 22 tonnes, were driven around a test track. One was shod with Goodyear FuelMax rubber, while the other was using Aeolus tyres. The latter, a Chinese brand, receives the following ratings for rolling resistance (Steer = D, Drive = E, Trailer = C). At the end of the 153km test, the truck using the FuelMax tyres had consumed 2.9 litres less fuel than the one fitted with the Chinese brand, equating to a 6.6% improvement in fuel economy. Goodyear said the difference can be as much as 15% when A grade tyres are compared with F grades. According to a recent Goodyear survey, 81% of European operators are aware of tyre labelling, but only 54% said their purchasing decisions were influenced by it. However, of that 54%, two-thirds said fuel efficiency was
the most important of the three ratings (the other two being wet grip and noise). KMax To achieve a 35% improvement in wear, Goodyear has introduced a number of design features. One of these is IntelliMax rib technology in the steer tyres, which gives improved tyre pressure distribution, ensuring regular wear and high mileage. The drive-axle tyres use IntelliMax tread technology, which comprises dual layers of tread compound. The top compound is hard wearing, while the base
layer allows heat to dissipate, ensuring a low rolling resistance. Goodyear said block stiffener technology has been employed to improve handling, while wet grip performance is aided by water evacuation channels.
To prove the new tyre's wet braking ability, Goodyear conducted a comparative test on a wet surface with two identical unladen Iveco Hi-Way artics. One used Goodyear KMax tyres on all five axles, while the other was equipped with Michelin Multiway 3D tyres. All tyres were close to brand new. The trucks were driven at a steady 60km/h and the brakes applied at the same point. The truck with the Goodyears repeatedly stopped between 3m and 4m sooner than the one using Michelins. Although KMax is available now, 295/80R22.5 driveand steer-axle tyres will not be launched until November. FuelMax will be available in all popular sizes from January 2014.
Goodyear Dunlop commercial marketing manager Tyres Adam Stanton said: "You can expect a slight price increase, but this will be negligible when compared with the savings gained from buying the new product." He added that if the KMax is taken on a penceper-kilometre contract, it should work out cheaper. Both tyres are available as retreads for drive and trailer axles.