Efficiency and versatility guide the development of heavy tires

The efficiency and versatility of machinery and equipment are currently the most decisive factors in the development and use of heavy tires. Environmental aspects have also become increasingly important, and digitalization creates new opportunities. The close cooperation between the tire manufacturer and the customer is emphasized, since tires are always a major investment for them.

Machines are continuously improving in efficiency, which allows them to perform the same tasks quicker than before while using fewer resources. In order to strengthen the end client's bottom line, this needs to happen as efficiently as possible without significant increases in fuel consumption. Tire manufacturers also support their customers during this change. Tire sizes are also growing, since forwarders, for example, are constantly carrying higher loads, which results in higher weights as well. A large rear tire can easily waste energy if the tire manufacturer has not been paying attention. Energy consumption can be affected by reducing the tire’s rolling resistance and by ensuring that it rolls energy-efficiently on roads as well as on fields, for example. This, in turn, is affected by the tire’s material choices, structure, and tread, among other things. A well designed premium tire can fairly quickly make up for its higher purchase price through lower fuel costs.

More with less, efficiently and productively

The requirement for efficiency often leads to client companies growing bigger and bigger, while smaller companies exit the market. In many sectors, the combination of “Father, Son, and machine” used to be enough. Nowadays, entrepreneurs have several machines and in agriculture, for example, they usually handle large land areas.

Modern machines are based on state-of-the-art technology and are also completely different from traditional solutions in terms of their user interface. Efficiency is also required from machines because access to labor has been reduced and its cost has gone up, even in countries with traditionally cheap labor. It may also be difficult to find a competent workforce to operate the high-tech machinery, which is why manufacturers are introducing various user assistance systems in their products. The same is also expected from tire manufacturers. Cooperation between the tire manufacturer and customer may include various solutions and services, such as cooperation for product development, the transport and installation of large tires, the fitting of chains on forestry tires, troubleshooting, wheel storage, and various types of training.

Versatility is a growing trend for machines

A tractor may also be used at airports or as a truck substitute at gravel pits, or a normal forwarder may be turned into a planting machine. A versatile tire allows the machine to be used in as many ways as possible and under different conditions. In addition to geological differences, this also refers to variations in the weather and changes in the climate. For example, summers in Central Europe have become significantly hotter, which sets new requirements for a tire. At the same time, machine speeds have increased and, for farming in particular, transport distances have become longer. This challenges the tire manufacturer to achieve the same load capacity at a higher speed, in addition to which the on-road characteristics of tires must be considered. More than before, customers expect one tire type to do many different things as widely as possible. This requires innovation and experimental development from the tire manufacturer. Tire development is usually done together with the customer. At the same time, many customers need tires that work in the best possible manner for a specific purpose and under specific conditions, such as forestry tires.

Digitalization creates new opportunities

Tire pressure monitoring is a commonly available feature. Nowadays, users want to collect and track many other things during use. A puncture should no longer surprise anyone, as it can be predicted by using the data collected from the tire. Measuring the load and ensuring the ideal tire pressure required for it at various speed ranges is an interesting field of study. A tractor, for example, may have various different accessories attached to it, such as an additional tank, snow plow, sanding bucket, mower chopper, or trailer. They all have different loads, which a professional operator should be aware of in order to determine the correct tire pressure and to enable efficient driving. Pressure regulation systems are becoming more commonplace on tractors, for example, but their optimal use requires support and knowledge from the tire manufacturer. Using the correct tire pressure allows the farmer to maximize traction and reduce the surface pressure exerted on the soil. Similarly, using the correct, higher pressure on roads reduces rolling resistance, which, in turn, reduces fuel consumption. 

Read more about smart pressure and temperature monitoring system Nokian Tyres Intuitu smart tires and mobile app

Sustainability is an important part of tire development.

The durability of tires determines their replacement intervals. This may be influenced by means of tire and material technology. Choosing the correct tires for each purpose will, for its part, prolong their service life. It can also be extended by retreading truck tires, for example. Retreading may be performed several times, and it adds many years to the tire’s service life. During retreading, the tire is fitted with a new tread without compromising on its safety characteristics.

While driving, tires should not damage fields, forests, or the environment in general. In addition to producing better crops, the efficient harvesting of fields and forests ensures that only one pass is required. Legislation also aims to prevent the soil compaction caused by driving or other damage to the forest floor.

Many equipment manufacturers also want to include tires in the scope calculations of their end products. Tire suppliers must be able to meet the sustainability requirements of their customers and supply information on the tires and their operation for the purpose of various calculations.