The tires, 103ZRT and 501ZAT, are part of Yokohama’s eco-friendly, ultra-high-tech Z.environmentT line, which offers truck tires that last longer and are more fuel efficient, the company said.
Yokohama Tire debuted the first tire in the Z.environment line, the 703ZLT, at last year’s TMC, and it was a "rousing success," according to John Cooney, Yokohama’s director of commercial sales. "We feel the 103ZR and 501ZA will have the same effect." The 501ZA will be available in the early half of 2008 and the 103ZR in the later part of the year.
"The 103ZR offers a compound, tread design and casing construction that delivers longer treadwear and low rolling resistance," said Cooney. "The casings innovations actually predict changes in tire shape that occur in early stages of wear. The result is increased durability due to stabilized performance over the wear of the tire."
Other special features of the 103ZR include rock-ejector platforms that keep stones and debris out of the grooves to enhance durability; superior fuel economy due to stronger and more pliable rubber that reduces heat generation and provides low rolling resistance; and a wide tread, partnered with a 23/32 tread depth that promotes long, even wear, Yokohama said.
The 103ZR will be offered in seven sizes.
Cooney described the 501ZA as “an excellent choice for on- and off-highway use. It delivers longer treadwear and low rolling resistance, both signatures of the Z.environment line. The 501ZA’s thick undertread offers extended casing life that makes it perfect for cement and dump trucks.”
The 501ZA also provides enhanced durability due to a special compound that provides longer mileage and greater chip resistance. Plus, added stone ejectors on the outside grooves minimize rock penetration. And, like all the tires in the Z.environment line, the high-tech special 501ZA compound offers stronger and more pliable rubber for better fuel economy due to less heat generation and improved low rolling resistance, the company said.
The 501ZA will be offered in two sizes. (Tire Review/Akron)