Dunlop crane tyre gets higher speed rating
Dunlop has increased the speed rating of its very popular mobile crane tyre to meet customer requests. The Dunlop 445/95R25 SP ER50 tyre is specifically designed for all-terrain cranes. These vehicles often travel long distances by road so operators require tyres that reliably allow the highest speeds possible. The new version of the SP ER50 sees the permissible speed factor increased to 80 km/h.
The Dunlop SP ER50 is the ideal fitment for cranes, thanks to its versatile non-directional design, tough construction and wide contact patch. The tyre was developed to meet the needs of the all-terrain crane market, which typically covers use in construction, industry, shipbuilding and ports. However it is the on-road use, particularly high speed motorway driving, which is a critical factor for operators when choosing tyres. The new tyre has a load index and speed factor of 174F (previously 177E) – this increases the permissible speed factor from 70 km/h to 80 km/h with a maximum load of 6700 kg per tyre at the higher speed.
The design of the SP ER50 ensures a high level of maneuverability on all types of terrain. The tread has a continuous zigzag central zone, which improves the footprint, prevents vibration and allows for better ride comfort. Large grooves give good traction and the wide footprint allows uniform load distribution for even wear. Very important for crane tyres, is the reinforced construction and the stability due to the closed shoulder blocks.
“These are the best tyres we have ever fitted on our cranes,” said Paul Coussens, owner of one of the UK’s leading crane hire companies Coussens of Bexhill Ltd, after testing the new ER50 tyres. “The tyres have now covered 13,250 kilometres and are showing excellent even wear. Also there have been no signs of any heat build up in the shoulder or bead areas, which is remarkable considering this particular machine regularly travels in excess of 130 miles (210 kms) without stopping to let the tyres cool down”.
“The new version of the Dunlop SP ER50 is the direct result of us responding to our customers’ needs,” said Stephan Renson, Marketing Manager of the Goodyear Dunlop OTR (Off the Road) tyre business for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “Reliability and the ability to drive these cranes long distances at maximum speed are the crucial factors that operators require – this new tyre delivers both.”