
Hrishikesh Damodar, lead technology and coordination, BKT Tires.BKT Tires
Understanding what’s needed for these different environments and staying ahead of the curve is a challenge for off-highway vehicle tire manufacturers. Hrishikesh Damodar, lead technology and coordination for BKT Tires, discussed some of these challenges in a Q&A with OEM Off-Highway. He also addressed the role alternative materials play as well improving fuel efficiency, reducing carbon footprints and improving sustainability.
Question: What are the latest advancements in tire and track technologies for off-highway vehicles?
Damodar: Modern agriculture is constantly evolving and demands increasingly advanced solutions to tackle complex challenges and to ensure efficiency and productivity in the fields.
To address these needs, it is crucial to choose the right tire for the specific application. The development and implementation of very high flexion (VF) tire technology has emerged as an effective solution to meet these demands, allowing for carrying 40% more load at the same inflation pressure compared to a standard tire of the same size or operate at 40% lower pressure while carrying the same load.
For this reason, we have invested a lot in developing new solutions that significantly improve customers’ operations and satisfaction.
But our ongoing commitment in R&D also extends to the development of advanced rubber compounds that enhance the durability and wear resistance of BKT tires, even in challenging conditions, with great results in terms of flexibility and resistance.
At BKT, we also are exploring the integration of smart technologies in their products. This includes sensors embedded in tires to monitor parameters such as temperature, pressure, and tread wear, allowing for real-time data collection and improved fleet management.
Question: What roles do alternative materials play in the development of off-highway tires and tracks?
Damodar: As a responsible tire manufacturer we examine the entire manufacturing process, from the acquisition of raw materials to the tangible finished goods. The BKT’s Poddar Innovation Hub in Bhuj, India, is an example that demonstrates our commitment to excellence: From the continue improvement of the tire design, to the development of specially formulated compounds aimed at optimizing performance across various terrains and operational conditions. The heart of our research activities is the search of alternative materials, tire recycling technologies and optimizing tire designs for reduced environmental impact.
Through our R&D investment, we ensure the continuous introduction of innovative technologies and materials. For example, one key areas of focus have been the recycling and replacement of existing raw materials with more sustainable alternatives. Our Research & Development team is actively working on replacing petrochemical-based materials with bio-based options.
BKT also joined the "Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber" (GPSNR) taking a further step in promoting long-term sustainable practices, culminating in a more environmentally conscious and friendly production in line with the principles defined by GPSNR.
Question: What are the key design differences between tires and tracks for optimal performance in various terrains?
Damodar: The main design differences between tires and tracks are related to the contact surface area, to traction and maneuverability, speed and efficiency, durability, cost and maintenance. In detail, tires have a smaller contact patch which provides higher ground pressure but less traction on soft or loose terrain, performing better on hard and solid surfaces. While tracks have a larger contact area, thus reducing ground pressure and increasing traction on soft, uneven, or loose terrains like mud, sand or snow.
Traction also is one of the main differences, as tires are designed with tread patterns to optimize traction on various surfaces, such as asphalt, gravel, or agricultural fields; on the contrary, tracks provide superior traction on soft, slippery, and uneven terrains because they grip more effectively across a larger area. In terms of maneuverability, tires allow high-speed transports and are easier to drive, while tracks offer slower speed due to higher rolling resistance, making them more difficult to manage on hard surfaces, as more effort is needed to move the vehicle.
Depending on the material and tread, tires can wear out more quickly, especially in off-road conditions; while tracks are more durable in harsh environments and are less likely to puncture. Each system has its strengths, and the choice between tires and tracks depends heavily on the specific terrain and operational needs.
Question: What innovations are improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon footprints in off-highway vehicles through tire and track designs?
Damodar: There are some measures we are actively working on to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. These include the development and usage of eco-friendly compounds in the tire manufacturing process, specifically designed to ensure lower rolling resistance, thus affecting fuel efficiency. We are also incorporating recyclable and renewable materials to make our products more environmentally friendly, without compromising performance and durability. In fact, we are focusing on improving the lifespan of our solutions for a reduction in the frequency of replacements. Our sustainability approach extends throughout the entire supply chain, working closely with our suppliers and partners to ensure that materials and processes are responsibly.
Question: How is the industry addressing the environmental impact of tire and track production, use and disposal?
Damodar: To reduce the environmental impact of the tire industry, as a manufacturing company we are exploring and using more sustainable materials such as natural rubber, from renewable sources such as bio-alternatives. Innovations in tire compounds and tread patterns are helping to extend the life of tires, ultimately reducing the frequency of disposal and helping to reduce waste. In addition, we are increasing the percentage of reclaimed rubber and recycled carbon black in specific categories of our tires. By doing so, we are enhancing the sustainability of our products. Another area of significant research is the use of rice husk-based silica, an innovation that holds great promise for the future of tire manufacturing. We also are exploring the potential of filaments produced from reprocessed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in polyester cords, further contributing to the circular economy. These efforts are just a small part of a broader push towards sustainability, which includes creating more eco-friendly products, extending product life, and embracing circular economy principles.
Question: How do tire and track requirements differ across industries, such as construction, agriculture, forestry and mining?
Damodar: Each sector has unique challenges that influence tire and track design, performance, and durability, all these related to the specific application needs. Construction tires need to be able to work in harsh environment carrying heavy loads, so their main features are robustness and resistance. Also, they need to provide excellent grip and stability even on unstable grounds, resulting in efficiency and security. These requirements are almost similar of those of mining tires, that need to support massive weights in harsh conditions and on uneven surfaces. Moreover, they need to withstand high temperatures due to prolonged heavy load operations. Finally, agricultural tires are engineered to minimize soil compaction and to preserve crops. Given the large distances often travelled in fields, agricultural tires ensure lower rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency and lowering operating costs, which results in more efficiency and productivity.
Question: How do extreme weather conditions, such as heat or freezing temperatures, affect tire and track performance in off-highway vehicles?
Damodar: Extreme weather conditions, such as heat and freezing temperatures, can significantly impact the performance and longevity of tires and tracks. These weather conditions affect the rubber compounds, traction, durability, and safety, which are critical for the performance. For example, at freezing or sub-zero temperatures, rubber compounds become stiffer and less flexible. This results in reduced grip, as the tire or track is less able to conform to the surface it is operating on. In extreme cold, it can also lead to poor traction, making it difficult for vehicles to operate safely and efficiently.