How can Greatec radials help us?

Do you have a weight problem? That is, do you typically "gross out" before you "cube out"? If so, Greatec radials might be a "real answer" for you.

In what way?

When you switch from duals to Greatec radials, you immediately shed that second wheel and that second tire on each axle end. To be sure, you replace the dual assembly with a bigger tire and a bigger wheel, but you still drop a lot of weight.

How much?

It depends a bit on what you're using now. But, let's say you're using Bridgestone M726 EL drive radials and R195F trailer radials, and you switch to Greatec drive and trailer radials. The chart on this page shows you how much weight you could save.

The weight you save by switching to Greatec radials can be converted into revenue-producing payload.

Why the differences in weight savings?

It depends on whether you're using steel or aluminum wheels. If you are already on aluminum wheels, you won't save as much from that change. If your tractors are on aluminum, but your trailers are on steel, that changes things again.

So who stands to benefit most from changing over?

In Bridgestone's view, people who are already limiting their loads because of weight. That would include bulk haulers of all kinds, including both liquid and dry commodities.

If you're hauling certain types of produce, say fresh lettuce, for example, this might help you squeeze in a few more crates.

Or if you're hauling soft drinks or beer, you could benefit by increasing your payload, while still staying under 80,000 pounds gross.

Can you be more specific?

Here's another chart, with some estimates of common cargoes and the extra amounts you might be able to carry

What kind of fuel economy can we expect?

Like all wide base radials, with Greatec tires, you have only one set of sidewalls flexing on each axle end. Since a lot of fuel consumption comes from flexing tire sidewalls, switching to Greatec could save you from about 2 percent to 5 percent on fuel consumption.

Is that more than with other fuel-saving techniques?

No, it isn't, and that's why Bridgestone does not recommend switching to Greatec radials as a way to save fuel. There are conventional tires that can be used in dual assemblies that can give you that much savings, and don't require you to buy all new wheels.

Are there other benefits
to Greatec radials?

Overall, you may see your tire management costs decrease a bit, because you'll be handling half as many tires, half as many wheels, etc. You'll have fewer parts to inventory, mount, balance and maintain.

Switching from dual assemblies to Greatec wide base radials decreases your parts inventory and simplifies routine maintenance.

How long will
Greatec radials last?

All wide base radials put the same load that used to be on a pair of duals onto a single tire that is not as wide as duals. For that reason, you can expect a bit faster wear with wide base tires.

Greatec trailer radials have a bit deeper tread than conventional trailer radials, which should offset this a bit. Overall, you can expect roughly similar mileage with wide base radials.

Can Greatec radials be retreaded?

You should consult your local retreader on this, but basically, wide single radials, like Greatec radials, can be successfully retreaded.

Greatec radials feature an exclusive Waved Belt™ design that gives their casings outstanding durability, and Greatec beads are reinforced with four layers of nylon and one layer of steel, to protect and strengthen them for long life.

How are they on ride and handling?

Many drivers report superior ride and handling with Greatec radials.

For one thing, the way Greatec radials are positioned on the axles moves their tread centerline out a bit from the centerline of a dual pair.

That means the "track" of the vehicle is a bit wider, for a lower center of gravity, resulting in superior handling and stability.

In addition, this tire positioning allows Greatec radials to ride well in the road grooves created by vehicles with dual tires. Many drivers report that with Greatec radials, they don't feel the tires jumping into and out of road ruts the way dual pairs sometimes do.

Because Greated rqadials are positioned a bit outboard from the centerline
of dual pairs, they provide excellent road feel, handling and stability.

What patterns are available?

As you can see from the photos in this article, Bridgestone has created Greatec radials in patterns that closely resemble the very popular M726 EL for drive axles and the R195F for trailer axles.

These proven tread patterns have a great track record for even wear, solid traction and long tread life.

Where can we get Greatec radials?

Greatec drive and trailer radials are available from your authorized Bridgestone dealer right now. And, they're available through truckstops nationwide. Ask your dealer or Bridgestone representative if Greatec radials are right for you.