Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc. has released four Falken brand steer and drive tires. The new RI130 Ecorun, RI150 Ecorun, BI830 Ecorun and BI850 tires are backed by six-year/two-cap warranties.
“Falken’s newest technology has been built into these four key products to maximize their time in service and extend the time between tire removals,” says Richard Smallwood, CEO and president.
“For the steer axle, our new design concepts dramatically reduce the onset of irregular wear that results in early removal. For the drive axle, new tread block shape and rubber compounds work together for longer wear that remains even, increasing the useable life of the tire.”
RI130 Ecorun, RI150 Ecorun, BI830 Ecorun and BI850 all incorporate new tread designs, extreme levels of tread contour uniformity that will improve durability and provide longer service life, according to Bob Klimm, director of commercial sales for Falken tires.
“All four of these products excel in performance, durability, and safety. Backed with a six-year/two-cap warranty, these four tires will please both long haul and regional truckers,” says Klimm.
A description of the four new TBR products follows.
The RI130 Ecorun (line haul steer) features a new decoupling groove shape, which prevents rib tearing by distributing stress along the rounded base to reduce strain on the outboard rib edge and irregular wear. The RI130 is SmartWay-verified and will be available in June 2016.
The RI150 Ecorun (regional steer/all position) features micro sipes along the rib walls that reduce stress on the rib edge to provide even tire wear, in addition to a completely redesigned contact patch shape to maximize mileage, according to the company. Also, the 3D wavy tread groove stiffens the outside shoulder ribs, minimizing flexibility to control irregular wear. The RI150 Ecorun is SmartWay-verified and proven and will be available in June 2016.
The BI830 Ecorun (line haul drive) is a closed shoulder drive design equipped with wide tread blocks that minimize tread squirm, which lowers rolling resistance while promoting long even tread wear. The company says extra deep tread depths (30/32 inches) with a stone drilling defense feature at the base of the shoulder grooves allow long tire life and protection against casing damage. Lastly, the all new SmartWay verified tread compound supports the environment and aides in fuel economy by enhancing rolling resistance. The BI830 Ecorun will be available June 2016.
The BI850 (regional drive) is an open shoulder design drive equipped with an extra wide tread design (approx. 1.5 inches wider than its predecessor the BI-807D) which distributes vehicle weight over a wider surface, increasing the life of the tire. Exclusive to the BI850 is a special "Y" shape angled groove which combats stone drilling by narrowing the groove width at the base of the tread, according to the company. The BI850 is now available.
Falken markets 14 car and light-truck tire models under seven lines in nine categories and 300 sizes, while also offering a full lineup of medium truck (OTR) tires for commercial use. The full-line tire brand is manufactured by Sumitomo Rubber Industries and its North American headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., which serves as the West Coast distribution center. Distribution locations are also in Illinois, New Jersey, Texas and Florida. For more information, visit www.falkentire.com.
