Nitto Tire Makes Foray into Side-by-Side Tire Market

Nitto Trail Grappler sxs — Nitto Tire’s Trail Grappler Sxs

Nitto Tire introduced its first product for side-by-side vehicles, called the Trail Grappler SxS, at the 2018 SEMA Show.

The tire is a variant of its Trail Grappler mud-terrain tire for half-ton pickups, full-size SUVs and large trucks. Its design is inspired by the technology of the Trail Grapplers Nitto supplies its off-road racing teams, said Stephan Leu, director of brand publishing for Nitto.

The tire is slated to be available in early 2019. The first size of the SxS will be 30×9.5 R15LT with possible additional sizes coming down the pipeline.

At SEMA, Nitto also displayed its NT420V, an all-season UHP tire for SUVs and full-size pickups that will replace the NT420S. Leu said the tire, which will launch in 2019, will fit larger rim diameters, which has been a trend passed down from OEMS. Meant for luxury SUVs, the tire features enhanced aesthetics, including a 3-D diamond-shaped zig-zag pattern on the sidewall.

Hercules Tire and Rubber Company (HTR), a subsidiary of American Tire Distributors (ATD), recently introduced the Ag-Trac F-2, a robust tire designed for multiple farm surfaces, HTR said. This tire is offered in two 16-in. sizes for 2WD front tractor wheel positions.

According to HTR, the Ag-Trac F-2 is built to withstand the demands of farm work, with a durable construction that ensures long-lasting performance. Its design allows for traction and grip on a variety of surfaces, making it ideal for use in fields, pastures and other agricultural environments. In addition to its durability, the company said its Ag-Trac F-2 also offers precise control and maneuverability, which it said is essential for navigating tight spaces and making sharp turns in the field.