New Bandag winter tread amazes test fleets

Zaventem, 06/2006 – “We have never achieved so much traction from a winter tyre. All our trucks just keep
rolling on the steepest, iciest and snowiest hills, while the chains sit rusting in their locker! We are also delighted
in terms of mileage.” This opinion about the new Bandag BDR-W tyre product from the manager of a mediumsized
timber haulage fleet is by no means unique. His is one of the many Nordic fleets that now use the new
Bandag winter traction tread in the harshest of conditions. And the vast majority of them are bowled over by the
traction performance and reliability of the BDR-W.

Until recently, Bandag’s winter traction product range featured five highly-rated treads. However, changes in
winter driving conditions in the north of Europe prompted Bandag to develop a new winter traction tread that
would be perfectly suited to the emerging requirements in this region.

A better winter tyre to replace salt and studs
Many governments have for years been debating the issues of road gritting and the use of studded tyres - two
important factors that help to keep trucks on the roads during really cold winters. But the salt used in road grit
pollutes streams and ground water, while studs soon damage expensive road surfaces.
Continuous pressure has led to a reduction in the use of both studs and salt. This may be good news for the
environment and the taxpayer, but it means that drivers are faced with two new challenges: more roads remain
covered in ice and snow because there is less gritting, and tyres with no studs actually polish the snow layer to
make it even more slippery.

For fleets that are out on the road in all seasons and weather conditions, grip and road-holding are essential.
And the Nordic countries, where tyre retread ratios are close to 90%, obviously need a superior winter tread to
keep their trucks moving.

Users are the best consultants
When Bandag was developing its new winter traction tread, it relied extensively on the expert advice of the best
consultants in winter tyre technology: the end-users in the Nordic region who battle winter conditions for almost
six months a year. In addition, research had highlighted a series of other needs and problems, which were also
tackled in the development of the Bandag BDR-W.

The BDR-W, which was designed using hi-tech computerised design tools, was an instant success in the
Nordic region when it was launched in 2005. The new tread is used by fleets on a wide variety of vehicle types,
including monster single-drive-axle 70-ton timber trucks and 25.5 metre, 60-ton road trucks.

Unique traction and road-holding, long service life
The directional tread of the Bandag BDR-W substantially improves grip and traction. At the same time, the selfcleaning
rubber blocks remain clear of snow and mud to maximise grip, while the many sipes bite like teeth into
ice and snow, devouring the miles in safety. Even the latest high-powered trucks are able to transmit all of their
impressive torque forces to the road.

Bandag has adjusted the tread mileage to a 12-month cycle in response to the wishes expressed by fleets to
fit a fresh set of drive tyres at the start of winter. The even wear pattern also ensures that performance levels
remain consistent throughout the full 12-month lifecycle of the tread.

Driving in winter requires a high level of concentration from the driver. The improved stability and lower noise
levels of the BDR-W enhance driving comfort and delay fatigue.
The BDR-W does not actually need studs. However, because some fleets still insist on them, Bandag has
designed the BDR-W tread to accommodate studding.
The BDR-W also provides vastly improved resistance to tearing. As a result, timber truck operators will be
delighted to learn that the BDR-W stands up much better to rubber chunking when chains or a Robson drive are
fitted.

Selected even before its launch
The new BDR-W is bound to be as great an ally to fleets in the rest of Europe as it has become in the Nordic
region. No transport professional can afford to risk spinning wheels on ice and this new Bandag winter tyre
product actually offers the type of performance that fleets could only dream of before.

BDR-W benefits in a nutshell
• Unique traction and road-holding on (polished) snow and ice
• Wear synchronised over 12 months
• Less driver fatigue
• Optional studs
• High resistance to wear from chains and Robson drives
For further information, please contact the Bandag Product Department