Compared to a standard agricultural tyre, the CompactMaster AG ensures five percent more surface area riding on the back of lug design. The tyre also has a land-sea (L/S) ratio of 30 percent, which means a larger portion of the tyre stays in contact with the ground.

“This is a reinforced tyre with a hard shell and a more flexible steel wire construction to help prevent cuts and damage, whilst offering greater stability for materials handling work,” said Benjamin Hübner, Product Line Manager Agricultural Tires at Continental Commercial Specialty Tires.

He added, “This tyre represents years of research and development by our agricultural research and development team in Lousado, Portugal. The new twisted steel belt construction has a unique Turtle Shield layer beneath the rubber to protect the tyre shoulder area from damage. The wider tread and lug widths have been specifically designed to offer better traction on a variety of surfaces and improve the self-cleaning properties of the tyre.”

 “This level of tolerance is an indication of the strength and flexibility of the tyre. The twisted steel belt provides a robust yet flexible tyre that can run at higher pressures on the road to enhance fuel efficiency, and lower pressures in the yard or field when carrying heavy loads,” revealed Hübner. (TT)

Michelin Launches Seven New Sizes For Trailxbib Tyre Range

Michelin announced the expansion of its Michelin Trailxbib tyre range with the addition of seven new sizes from June 2021.

The new sizes are – VF 500/60 R22.5 160D; VF 600/50 R22.5 164D; VF 710/45 R22.5 170D; VF 600/55 R26.5 170D; VF 710/50 R26.5 176D; VF 650/65 R30.5 181D; VF 750/60 R30.5 187D.

The Michelin Trailxbib range has incorporated various inputs from farmers to improve tyre performance elements. It comes with the Michelin Ultraflex technology, which in addition to resisting damage, ensures even weight distribution through the tyre contact patch and high levels of soil protection.

In addition, the tyres are fully compatible with remote inflation systems which allow the operator to easily adjust tyre pressures, including on trailed equipment in real-time and according to the driving surface or soil conditions.

Raymond Tavernari, Agricultural Product Category Manager, Michelin, said, "When this tyre was initially launched last year, it was the result of collaborations and discussions with our agricultural customers in many countries. We have now extended the range from two to nine sizes and this means we can now offer more of our customers the option to use the Michelin Trailxbib on more of their implements.” (TT)
 

BKT Adds New Variant To Ridemax FL 699

In a bid to expand its Ridemax FL 699 radial tyre variant, Balakrishna Industry Limited (BKT) has introduced the new 525/65 R 20.5 tyre size. The sectional width of this automobile component is 525 mm with an aspect ratio of 65 percent and 20.5-inch rim diameter. It will be an addition to its predecessor that measured 24 R 20.5.

The OEM’s relentless pursuit for innovation through an increasing focus on environmental sustainability has given rise to the Ridemax range. It is specifically designed for transport operations with tractors and trailers, in agricultural and industrial applications.

Opening the flotation range for agricultural vehicles and tank trucks, this tyre remains stable at high speeds, supports heavy loads in order to reduce transport cycles and reduces rolling resistance, thus consuming less fuel. It also features a reinforced bead which ensures a comfortable ride with safety and control.

The other varieties under this brand name include FL 693 M, FL 690, FL 690 IND, IT 696 and IT 697 (M+S). (TT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

MAXAM Tire has further expanded its off‑the‑road tyre portfolio by adding a new 45/65R45 size to the MS406 E4/L4 series. This larger variant is specifically engineered for heavy loader applications, offering operators an additional high‑performance solution that prioritises strength, longevity and cost efficiency over the long term.

The tyre’s deep E4/L4 tread pattern is designed to deliver strong traction while resisting wear and cuts, even in severe working conditions. This aggressive yet durable design helps loader fleets boost productivity, as the tyre maintains grip and reduces downtime. Over its service life, users can expect a lower cost per operating hour.

To withstand harsh job sites, the MS406 incorporates a thick undertread that provides enhanced puncture protection. Its robust casing not only endures heavy use but also supports excellent retreadability, further extending the tyre’s usable life and improving overall return on investment. A wide, flat footprint contributes to superior stability, ensuring dependable performance and operator confidence when the vehicle is under substantial loads.

With this new size addition, MAXAM Tire continues to strengthen its off‑the‑road product line, giving customers another valuable option that balances durability, traction and long‑term operating efficiency in demanding loader environments.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire North America, said, “With the addition of the 45/54R45 size, we’re continuing to respond directly to market needs while expanding access to a proven loader tyre. Our focus is always on delivering market-leading value and tyres that perform in real-world conditions while helping customers control operating costs.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the FIA World Rally Championship, will face the demanding Croatia Rally from 9 to 12 April 2026. This event marks round four of the season and takes place in and around the port city of Rijeka. Among the most gruelling rallies on the calendar, it will feature both the Ventus Z215, engineered for precise dry handling and cornering stability, and the Ventus Z210, designed to deliver superior traction and rapid water evacuation in wet and unpredictable conditions.

The 2026 route spans roughly 300.28 kilometres across 20 special stages, with the service park relocated to the historic Grobnik Circuit. The course covers four counties, including shakedown stages on the island of Krk and technical tests through the Lika-Senj highlands. Drivers must contend with extreme grip variations along the Adriatic coast, from abrasive volcanic tarmac in the mountains to smoother, dustier sections near the sea, the latter becoming dangerously slick with even light rain.

Throughout the event, Hankook will operate its Brand World marketing booth inside the service park, reinforcing its unified global premium image. The booth will offer interactive experiences such as a motorsports history zone, racing simulator, tyre fitting activities, merchandise sales and a photo zone, giving fans an immersive brand encounter. Meanwhile, intense competition is expected: while Toyota GAZOO Racing has a strong history in Croatia, both Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team and M-Sport Ford World Rally Team aim to exploit the new coastal terrain to challenge for the podium.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited has earned a total of 23 CSR-DIW awards, demonstrating its longstanding commitment to operating with ongoing responsibility towards society, local communities and the environment. In 2025, the Department of Industrial Works honoured the company under the CSR DIW to MIND for Sustainability programme, which recognises industrial factories that enhance their social and community responsibility for sustainable coexistence.

Among these accolades, five facilities received the CSR DIW Award for maintaining these high standards continuously for a decade, while another 18 facilities received the CSR DIW Continuous Award for consistently implementing responsible practices, collectively celebrating industrial organisations that serve as models for industry growing in harmony with communities under the principle of good industry coexisting sustainably.

These achievements reflect how the Sri Trang Group balances economic, social and environmental priorities, allowing the industrial sector to work alongside communities effectively and advancing Thailand’s rubber industry towards a sustainable green future. The group has steadily carried out community focused and socially responsible initiatives across six key areas, including youth development, arts and local traditions, livelihood and career support, environmental management, workplace health and hygiene as well as disaster relief and assistance for vulnerable groups.

This recognition further underscores Sri Trang Agro Industry’s role as a leading organisation that drives sustainable industrial practices while consistently creating lasting value for society, communities and the environment.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone has announced its participation in the 41st Space Symposium, the largest space conference in United States, taking place in Colorado Springs from 13 to 16 April 2026. The company’s exhibit will be hosted within the Japanese Space Industry pavilion organised by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marking its third consecutive year at the event since 2024. A key focus of Bridgestone’s presence is its ongoing development of lunar rover tyres, a project that embodies the company’s belief that ‘tyres carry life’.

Since 2019, Bridgestone has advanced research on lunar rover tyres and pursued co-creation with international partners to commercialise space mobility technology. In 2024, the company collaborated with Astrobotic Technology, followed by a basic agreement with ispace in 2025. These efforts aim to generate new value in the rapidly evolving space mobility sector.

At the symposium, Bridgestone will demonstrate tyres for small and medium lunar rovers, first unveiled in 2025, by mounting them on a mobility vehicle. Attendees can see and touch the tyres, experiencing their high traversability on simulated lunar challenges like fine sand and rocky ground. Through this showcase, Bridgestone seeks to expand its space business network and foster co-creation opportunities, ultimately supporting safe lunar mobility and humanity’s exploration goals.

The lunar rover tyre project applies Bridgestone’s AirFree technology, an exploratory business under its 2024–2026 Mid Term Business Plan. By refining this technology in the extreme lunar environment, the company aims to eventually bring those innovations back to Earth, enhancing conventional tyres and contributing to broader social value.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!