The world record for fastest tractor was recently achieved by multiple world rally champion Juha Kankkunen. He reached a top speed of 130.165kmh (80.88mph) in a Valtra T234 tractor, which was equipped with Hakkapeliitta TRIs in sizes 440/80 R28 and 540/80 R38. The run was carried out on an allocated 50-meter section of track on an airfield in Vuojärvi, Finland.
“I have done speed tests before with several cars. This was the first time with a tractor, and we immediately achieved a world record! The tires and tractor worked really well, even though the weather was challenging,” said Kankkunen.
Nokian Tyres expanded its winter tire selection to tractors when the Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI was launched in the spring of 2014. The Hakkapeliitta TRI’s unique tread pattern, winter rubber compound and siping are said to maximise grip and traction. The diagonal siping creates grooves on the tread blocks, increasing the number of edges that grip the driving surface and improving longitudinal and lateral grip.
“Testing to the extreme is at the core of our activities and it requires unique skill. We wanted to show the true performance of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI. When a tractor is driven that fast on a winter road, it requires excellent grip, stability and handling properties. These were our targets during the development of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI,” said Tero Saari, project manager, R&D, Nokian Tyres.
April 8, 2015
