New Longer Mileage Steer Radial DebutsBridgestone R287A Added to EPA SmartWaySM-Verified Technology List
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 25, 2010) - 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 truckstop operator or visit BridgestoneTrucktires.com. For information on becoming a SmartWay fleet, go to www.epa.gov/smartway.
About Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions:
Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions (BBTS), a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC, manufactures, markets and sells medium and heavy duty truck tires for the original equipment and replacement markets in the United States and in Canada through Bridgestone Canada Inc. Bridgestone, Firestone and Dayton brand truck tires are available through more than 2,500 dealers and truck stops across the U.S. and Canada. In addition, through its Bandag brand, Bandag retreading dealers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise. This combination of new and retread product offering provides trucking customers with total tire solutions.