Titan has introduced the new HK 458, a crossover wheel loader tire suitable for extreme loader applications requiring aggressive traction and high levels of self-cleaning. The E-4/L-4 dual-rated bias tire combines the tread design of a forestry tire, a wheel loader tire and an ATV tire, making it ideal for muddy, challenging construction sites and agriculture applications.
“In listening to customer feedback, we recognized there was an opportunity in this market niche for an improved crossover tire that would meet their floatation needs without the hassle of changing out the wheel,” said Matt Miller, tire technology manager at Titan. “For the HK 458, we gleaned designed elements from our tried-and-true forestry and construction bias tires while incorporating our latest design and manufacturing technology. We also developed a bead design that improves the resistance indexing in high-torque applications but still fits the standard OTR wheel.”
The proven, open forestry tread pattern molded with Titan’s premium forestry compound decreases wear rates and is complemented with multiple layers of high-elongation steel belts underneath, providing puncture resistance.
“When you look at most traditional loader tires, they’re simply not meant to run in messy and mud-caked ag applications like feedlots,” added Scott Sloan, Titan Ag product manager. “A traditional loader will easily get mud trapped in the small voids between the lugs and instantly lose traction. With the HK 458, you get aggressive traction and excellent self-cleaning to maintain that traction all day long.”
The HK 458 is initially available in two sizes – 20.5-25 and 23.5-25 – and will fit a range of mid-size wheel loaders from every OEM.
To maintain product availability, Titan is using its latest automated building technology to stay ahead of demand.
