News: New Longer Mileage Steer Radial Debuts - 05/20/2010

Bridgestone R287A Added to EPA SmartWaySM-Verified Technology List

 

Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions (BBTS), a

division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, is introducing a new long-wearing Bridgestone-brand R287A steer tire delivering superior tread wear and mileage for low-cost per mile in regional and long-haul applications. The new radial has already been approved for use on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWaySM-certified

equipment, and is California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant, too. This new tire is being displayed at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Louisville, Ky., March 25-27.“The R287A is a refinement of a successful product, the R287 steer,” said Chris Hoffman, Manager, TBR & Retread Product Marketing, BBTS. “The new tire offers superior worn appearance and longer tread life. Engineers altered the Side GrooveTM

structure of the new R287A for enhanced appearance as the tires wear.” This refined Side Groove structure acts similar to a “shock absorber,” helping prevent shoulder edge wear from spreading to the ribs. The inside of the groove is engineered to prevent stress cracking. The Equalizer RibTM feature promotes uniform rib wear and higher removal mileage by fighting initiation and spread of rib edge wear.

The R287A steer uses an enhanced cap/base compound and design for improved mileage. The top, or cap compound is formulated to wear slowly, fight irregular wear and run cooler for superior tread life. The base compound shields the casing from damaging tread heat for enhanced retreadability. A shallow 16/32” tread depth for less

tread squirm also promotes longer mileage.

The casing incorporates four full steel belts and an all-steel casing ply, and is designed to minimize heat buildup for long life and retreadability. The Bridgestone R287A is listed as a SmartWay Verified Technology. In 2004, EPA SmartWay created a long-term initiative for shippers and carriers of all sizes to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. This voluntary program helps fleets make the right choices when specifying for optimum fuel efficiency – including recommendations for both OE and replacement tires. For information on the R287A, ask your BBTS representative, your dealer or truck stop operator or visit BridgestoneTrucktires.com. For information on becoming a SmartWay fleet, go to www.epa.gov/smartway.