Article
Safer winter work starts with safer tires
For contractors, time is precious also in the wintertime. When roads turn icy and snow falls heavily, there is no room for delays. Heavy machinery often operates in the most demanding winter conditions before other users can even hit the road. There may be people and traffic close by, making control in all conditions critical.
Modern tractors are increasingly powerful, and to harness that power effectively, tires must deliver uncompromising grip and stability. In places like the snowy Dolomite mountain range in Italy, reliable winter tires are not just an advantage, they are a necessity for maintaining productivity and safety.
This need for winter performance is nothing new. Nokian Tyres invented the world’s first winter tire in 1934, and that legacy continues also in heavy-duty winter tires. In the 1980’s, Nokian Tyres developed the world’s first tire for heavy machinery designed to be used also in the winter, ensuring safe grip for year-round use. Today, that innovation has evolved into the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta TRI tire for tractors and loaders, renowned for its exceptional grip and durability. And while the Hakkapeliitta TRI excels in winter, it also performs reliably year-round.
Nokian Tyres uses the M+S marking on its heavy tires designed for winter service
In some countries, legislation requires tractors operating on roads during winter to use winter tires, but the definition of winter tire for heavy machinery is often unclear. To simplify this, Nokian Tyres uses the M+S marking on its heavy tires designed for winter service. The M+S designation is granted only after testing demonstrates that the tire meets defined requirements for winter use, particularly in terms of grip. All the Nokian Tyres tractor tires undergo comprehensive testing at the Nokian Tyres winter test center in Ivalo. This 700-hectare facility above the Arctic Circle provides the perfect environment for evaluating tire performance in the harshest conditions. Continuous development and testing ensure that each generation of heavy tires offers improved winter properties, setting the benchmark for safety and reliability.
There is a common misconception that winter service tires wear out quickly in summer use, but modern heavy tires are engineered for durability across seasons. A well-designed tire not only improves daily work results but can also enhance the resale value of machinery. All Nokian Tyres tractor tires are manufactured in Nokia, Finland, with sustainability and quality as guiding principles.
Ultimately, choosing the right tire for heavy machinery is an investment in safety, efficiency and peace of mind. When the tires match the conditions and the workload, the user gains smoother operations, better results and safer journeys even on snowy roads or icy city streets.
