Goodyear Announces Plan to Produce 63-Inch Earthmover Tires
October 28th, 2009The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today announced that it plans to begin production of 63-inch, 12,000-pound off-the-road (OTR) tires in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Demand for high performing quality tires in the 63-inch size, used exclusively on the largest earthmoving and mining equipment, has exceeded supply globally for some time. This demand remains strong, even during the current economic slowdown, because of the economic advantages these tires deliver to customers in longer run hours and less downtime.
“This is a long-term strategic decision that reflects Goodyear’s commitment to deliver products for OTR customers’ changing demands,” said John P. Cavanaugh, vice president of Goodyear’s off-highway tire business. “Goodyear’s innovative product-development and manufacturing processes make us uniquely qualified to design and construct a 63-inch tire for the high expectations of customers.”
The 63-inch radial tire is a natural extension of the company’s full OTR line-up, which has included 57-inch radial tires for nearly 20 years.
“The Goodyear 63-inch tire is a highly engineered product, leveraging Goodyear’s design technologies and experience in materials development, process improvements and manufacturing enhancements on large 57-inch radial tires,” said Cavanaugh. “The Goodyear 63-inch tire was created through a collaborative effort involving multi-discipline teams and will be assembled with latest generation manufacturing equipment.”
As part of its capital investment strategy, Goodyear announced plans to upgrade its Topeka, Kansas, plant, where work has already begun to prepare for production of the 63-inch tires.
The tires will be produced in a range of sizes and tread depths, including 59/80R63 and 53/80R63 and E3 and E4 tread depths.
