With the introduction of the EARTHMAX Series’ all-steel radial tires, Ashok Chhajer, GM for OE Sales at BKT, discuss their unique attention to localising radial tires through their radial technology for Indian infrastructure requirements.

At bauma 2023, BKT introduced the EARTHMAX Crusher Haul, which is geared for on and off-road quarry and haulage operations, and the EARTHMAX SR 34, which is an all-steel radial tire developed for mining applications.

How significant are the high-speed radial tires that BKT has launched under EARTHMAX Series for the industry?

BKT is primarily focused on radial technology and radial tire development, and EARTHMAX is an all-steel radial tire optimised for high-speed, high-performance tires required for infrastructural development. The EARTHMAX Crusher Haul is perfect for tippers in the industrial and construction industries due to its robust steel belt structure and casing, and it has been developed to support longer hauls with the load. EARTHMAX SR 34, on the other hand, is highly durable under heavy-duty service circumstances. BKT’s newest innovation is perfect for wide-body mining vehicles and can easily carry big loads. Furthermore, these goods are designed and made in India.

What is cutting-edge technology included in the radial tire series?

We, at BKT, are an agile company with a strong focus on R&D. Research and product development form the core of our products and our team at R&D is dedicated to curating tires that ensure customer satisfaction. We noticed the Indian OTR tire landscape shifting towards the all-steel radial tires. Understanding the market demands, we are focused on designing the most effective and durable all-steel radial tires for our customers.

How do you look at the market for these products in the coming years? 

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Roads Transports and Highways, has unveiled a massive pipeline of infrastructural projects. They include not just metros but also tier two and tier three cities, as well as strategies to strengthen the transportation industry. And for all these advancements, we require equipment, and all of the equipment require tires. These projects may take more than a year to complete. And, by the time the government cranks up its efforts to develop the entire country, these projects will be either halfway or almost finished, with more added. Therefore, I predict a bright future for specialist tires  like BKT.

What are the maintenance requirements for these tires?

Tire maintenance is a different subject, yet it is imperative in the mining industry. What must be maintained is a routine tire and air pressure inspections. These two criteria are critical. Because these devices are costly, the owner should take good care of them and maintain them properly.

What are your plans to expand the value chain of Indian infra?

As the number of machines entering India increases, so will their manufacturing and tire requirements, which will become part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat. If we import the equipment and there is a need for tires with a solution, the answer is available; that is what we are including. This is why our tire product market now has over 3000 stock-keeping units (SKUs), including specialised tires.

For more details visit: https://www.bkt-tires.com/