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(Nashville, Tenn., 07-12-04) Bridgestone Greatec wide base radials are now available through authorized Bridgestone dealers, truckstops and original equipment manufacturers.
“Fleets who prefer the quality and reliability of Bridgestone brand products, and who can benefit from the use of wide base radials can now outfit their vehicles with Greatec technology,” said Kurt Danielson, director of truck and bus tire marketing, Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT).
Greatec radials feature a wide base design together with a very high load capacity, enabling a single tire to replace a dual assembly on drive or trailer axles.
Vehicle height unchanged
Greatec radials are available in the 445/50R22.5 size, equivalent in overall diameter to regular low-profile radials for 22.5-inch wheels. Switching to Greatec radials does not change vehicle height, an important advantage over other wide base radials. And, the wide footprint of Greatec radials also meets requirements imposed by some state laws regulating footprint pressure as a function of tread width.
Depending on the types of tires and wheels converted, Greatec radials could reduce overall vehicle weight by 600 to 1,200 or more pounds. For a gasoline hauler, this could mean 200 or more extra gallons of fuel per load.
“In our view, the market niche for wide base radials is weight-conscious fleets, like bulk haulers, flatbed haulers or fleets that tend to ‘gross out’ before they ‘cube out.’ Such fleets may be able to convert weight saved into extra revenue-producing payload,” says Danielson.
Vehicle modifications may be necessary
Greatec radials are designed to directly replace tractor dual assemblies without need to modify axles.
On trailers, retrofit may be possible using 2-inch offset wheels, if axles and axle end components are of the proper type and in proper condition. Such a change may also require a change in the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of the axles.
Since only the original equipment manufacturer can evaluate such a change, it is critically important to consult the manufacturer before retrofitting trailers with any brand of wide base radials.
Fuel economy
In addition to directly converting vehicle weight into revenue-paying load, Greatec radials could also provide fuel economy advantages, saving approximately 2 to 5 percent on vehicle fuel consumption by comparison to conventional, non-fuel-efficient dual tire assemblies.
Actual fuel savings will vary, depending on vehicle configuration, how many axles are converted, what tires were used previously and other factors.
According to Guy Walenga, BFNT’s engineering manager, North American Commercial Products, “If you can’t take advantage of the weight savings provided by Greatec radials, you may be able to achieve similar fuel economy benefits by keeping your dual assemblies and switching to tires specially designed for fuel-efficiency. Your tire dealer can advise you on options.”
Flexibility in vehicle design
When integrated into new equipment designs, Greatec radials can provide additional benefits. Because each tire is narrower than a dual assembly, Greatec radials can be positioned farther apart than duals.
“If you’re designing a tank trailer, you may now be able to position the tank lower in the chassis, resulting in a lower center of gravity, producing greater stability in turns,” Walenga added.
Enhanced durability
Greatec radials are built using a new casing structure that incorporates what BFNT engineers call a Waved Belt™ design.
In addition to conventional radial tire belts, Greatec radials employ belts built from steel cords that are not straight, but formed into a gentle “waved” shape.
“This exclusive, patented design balances stiffness and resiliency to provide a very strong, stable casing that in turn, produces a remarkably stable footprint shape throughout the life of the tire,” Walenga concluded.
Greatec axle-specific designs
Greatec radials for drive axles have a 26/32? tread depth and a pattern that resembles that of the very popular Bridgestone brand M726 and M726 EL drive radials. The tread incorporates solid shoulder ribs to combat side forces that can lead to irregular wear and a stiff, staggered tread block design to resist “heel-and-toe” wear.
Greatec trailer axle radials have a 14/32? tread depth and a pattern similar to the state-of-the-art Bridgestone R195F trailer radial. They also feature the company’s patented Equalizer Rib™ design. This consists of small ribs that absorb irregular wear forces, helping protect the larger, main ribs beside them against river and wavy wear.
Maximum load capacity of each Greatec radial is 10,200 lb. at 120 psi and the tires may be used at a maximum sustained speed of 75 mph. Special, 14 inch-wide aluminum wheels are available from a number of manufacturers.
Another Bridgestone “Real Answer”
“For today’s fleets, higher productivity is essential to offset higher costs for labor and fuel together with new restrictions on hours of service. Fleets that gross out before they cube out can use Greatec radials to reduce vehicle weight, making more revenue-producing payload possible,” concluded Danielson.
Greatec radials are available through authorized Bridgestone dealers, truckstops and original equipment manufacturers. For more information, consult a Bridgestone tire representative, call 1-800-543-7522 or visit the Bridgestone web site at trucktires.com.
Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America.
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