Yokohama has released new tires for telehandlers

Yokohama Off-Highway Tires (YOHT) has introduced the new Galaxy Giraffe ND SDS (Severe Duty Service) tires, designed for telehandlers and suitable for operation in a wide range of conditions. The tire features a puncture-resistant, solid-cast construction, while the non-directional tread pattern is designed to provide a balance between good ride comfort on hard surfaces and high traction in combination with rapid self-cleaning on loose surfaces.

According to Bhavesh Sonagara, product manager at YOHT's American division, the tires have a three-layer construction - the top layer is made of a high-strength compound that reduces the risk of damage; the bottom layer is optimized for durable bead seating; and an intermediate cushion layer reduces heat generation and improves ride comfort, eliminating the need for sidewall holes. "When transporting heavy loads, cracks around the holes in the sidewalls often cause solid tires to fail," he noted. "At the same time, the special cushion layer allows us to provide a high level of comfort and stability without holes."

He also said that the tires were designed to minimize vibrations, which is facilitated by the increased contact patch and the tread design with massive blocks. In addition, the dense pattern, wide contact area, and solid construction improve stability.

"The Galaxy Giraffe ND SDS tires feature a 20% increase in the volume of wearable rubber up to the control line of wear (60J) and improved wear and heat resistance compared to the key competitor," added Sonagara. "Thanks to the large and wide contact patch, as well as the non-directional pattern, the Giraffe ND expands the capabilities of telehandlers, as it provides excellent stability and traction, as well as very high load capacity. With these tires, telehandlers become even more versatile equipment for performing tasks both outdoors and indoors, in construction and loading/unloading operations, in landfills, waste processing plants, demolition sites, as well as in stadiums and commercial premises with sensitive surfaces."

The tires have been released in size 360/85-28, and by the end of the year, the 315/95-28 size will also be available.