BKT releases new winter tire for tractors

The company BKT is introducing new BKT Ridemax Frost tires to the market, specifically designed for use on tractors when working on snow and ice, and, as the manufacturer claims, effectively functioning even in the most challenging winter conditions.

"Winter creates a range of unique challenges that test both equipment and drivers," noted Dilip Vaidya, Senior President and Director of Technology at BKT. "The new tire is designed to overcome these challenges and provide the necessary traction and control even in the most extreme situations. Regardless of the harsh conditions, BKT products will never let operators down."

The novelty has a tread pattern specifically designed to enhance traction on snow- and ice-covered surfaces. The numerous lamellas in the tread blocks create additional edges for grip, increasing the level of safety and reducing the likelihood of skidding, while the shape of the grooves allows for capturing and holding snow, increasing the reliability of traction.

A new rubber compound is used in production, which retains elasticity even at extremely low temperatures. As the manufacturer claims, while standard compounds typically harden and lose elasticity, BKT Ridemax Frost tires retain their softness below the freezing point of water. This allows the tires to better adapt to uneven surfaces, increasing traction, and also reduces the risk of punctures and other damage.

The compound includes natural rubber, polybutadiene, and silica, which helps retain elasticity in severe frost. The addition of silica has also improved the mixture's resistance to cuts and tears, while antioxidant and other additives prevent the deterioration of the rubber's characteristics due to low temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, ozone, etc., increasing the lifespan of the tires.

In addition to everything else, the engineers have also worked on improving the operator's comfort, and the special design reduces vibration and driver fatigue during prolonged operation, the manufacturer emphasizes.

BKT Ridemax Frost tires are available in the 540/80 R38 size.