ATD Showcases Next Generation of Hercules Terra Trac Tires

Oct. 12, 2021

American Tire Distributors Inc. (ATD) held a ride-and-drive event recently in Moab, Utah, where it showed off the newest additions to its Hercules Terra Trac lineup.

The Hercules Terra Trac AT X-Venture and the Terra Trac AT X-Journey hit the market this past summer and tire dealers put them to the test in the mountains of eastern Utah.

ATD says the X-Journey is intended for the growing CUV segment, and the X-Venture targets SUVs and light trucks.

Hercules dealers, who drove Jeep Rubicons equipped with the tires across a variety of terrains and in rainy conditions, liked what they experienced.

Philip Biscan of Van’s Tire Pros in Alliance (Ohio) said the updates to the Terra Trac series have been getting good reviews from his customers.

"So far, our customers are loving the look of the new X-Venture," says Biscan. "They are selling themselves when someone is looking for an all-terrain truck tire."

Cody Ray Carter of Big Brand Tire in Port Hueneme, Calif., said it was noticeable during the rainy trail runs that the tusk grooves were doing their job, keeping the treads clean.

Logan Garrett of G-B Tires, Inc. in Great Bend, Kan.,  said he likes how the tires fit his market.

"With the improvements Hercules says they have made to the compounding and overall tread design, I believe it will strengthen their position in the all-terrain market. Especially if they can maintain a comparable price point to its predecessor," says Garrett. "The AT II has been a great option in our market, so I’m excited to see what the X-Venture can do to propel the Hercules name even further throughout our market."

The tires, fit wheels ranging from 15 inches to 20 inches in diameters, include 3D sipes and silica tread compounds to provide optimal responsive handling in wet weather conditions. 

They also have alternating shoulder scallops built into their shoulders for enhanced traction. 

ATD says that "tusk grooves" create an optimized void-to-rubber ratio and keep the tread area clear of mud and dirt.

Another component is Hercules' Sound Block Technology, which is a system of design characteristics that collectively change the harmonics of the tires during on-road driving via tread block placement and sound barrier nodules in the outer shoulder.

Both the Terra Trac AT X-Venture and the Terra Trac AT X-Journey are severe snow-rated and bear the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol.

Steven Liu, senior director of proprietary brands, ATD, told dealers that the updates to the Terra Trac tires are part of Hercules' long-range product plans. (The previous incarnation of the Terra Trac tires debuted in 2012.)

Liu pointed out that technology improvements and feedback from customers will help influence what the next generation of Hercules tires will look and feel like.

About the Author

Ron Ledgard

Managing Editor

Ron Ledgard is the managing editor for Modern Tire Dealer and Auto Service Professional. He previously worked for The Athletic, the Akron Beacon Journal and DK Pittsburgh Sports. He started at MTD and ASP in January of 2021. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. #H2P He enjoys the outdoors, sports, cooking (or, at least, eating food) and running (but that is a work in progress).