Cooper Tire has expanded its Work Series line of tires with the introduction of two new tires in 19.5-inch sizes for Class 4 to 6 trucks and vans. The All-Steel Drive (ASD) features an open shoulder and steel-belted construction, while the All Steel All Position (ASA) features steel belts and a less-aggressive tread.
Both tires are available in 225/70R and 245/70R sizes. The company rolled out the new tires at February’s annual meeting of the Technology & Maintenance Council in Atlanta.
The tires are targeted toward the growing final-mile marketplace and include an extra strip of rubber on the sidewall that helps to protect against curbing.
“More and more vans and delivery trucks are on the road in final-mile deliveries, and those operations continue to grow exponentially,” said Gary Schroeder, executive director of Cooper’s global truck and bus tire business.
The ASD features an 18/32 tread depth and four ribs, with shoulder tie bars offering stability. Special compounds help to protects against scrubbing, curbing, and rapid starts and stops. Chevron-shaped grooves offer biting edges for traction, while grip in wet conditions is supported by the tire’s 3D zigzag siping interlocks.
The tires also will perform well in vocational fleets on utility vehicles, bucket trucks, and ambulances. To work with EMT and ambulance operations, the 225/70R size tires have an N-speed rating– the highest in the industry.
Its counterpart, the ASA, features a tread depth of 17/32 and a five-rib pattern. While designed for the steer position, it can be used as a drive tire where extra traction isn’t required.
Stone ejectors work with the curb bar to resist common urban hazards, while aisle sipes at the edge of the tire are meant to control irregular wear.
