FCC

The demand for OTR tyres is at an all-time high

2025-05-27

Ashok P Chhajer, Sr. General Manager – OE Sales, (Domestic Market), Balkrishna Industries, speaks on the most significant innovations in OTR tyre technology that are improving performance and durability

How are technological advancements improving the performance and durability of OTR tyres?

Technological advancements are significantly boosting the performance and lifespan of OTR tyres through several innovations. Enhanced rubber compounding provides superior cut and heat resistance, resulting in extended tyre life. Reinforced casing designs improve structural strength, reducing damage from concussion defects. The adoption of tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) enables real-time monitoring of tyre pressure, helping maintain optimal conditions and prevent premature wear.

What are the future opportunities for OTR tyre manufacturers in India?

The demand for OTR tyres is at an all-time high, and it’s being driven by several key factors.

First, infrastructure development has taken centre stage, especially in India. The government’s increased spending on large projects has led to a surge in heavy equipment purchases, which, in turn, has boosted tyre demand.

Second, the mining sector is experiencing a major expansion. Improvements in mining sector will lead to in tyre requirements. The rising need for raw materials like coal, iron ore is pushing mining companies to invest in better equipment, including durable, high-performance OTR tyres. Coming with new machines in mining and with new tyres requirements.

Another important factor is the “Make in India” initiative. The push for local manufacturing is reducing dependence on imports, encouraging innovation, and enhancing competitiveness within the domestic tyre industry.

So, when you combine all these factors, it’s clear that the OTR tyre market is expanding.

Can you highlight the most significant innovations in OTR tyre technology that are improving performance and durability?

One of the most notable is the use of advanced radial construction, which enhances load distribution and provides better traction and puncture resistance. BKT has also focused on developing specialised tread designs that resist wear and tear, particularly in harsh conditions like rocky or muddy terrains. Another significant advancement is in tyre compounds—BKT has introduced high-performance compounds that improve heat dissipation and extend tyre life. Usage of RFID technology for tyre traceability and TPMS system for tyre pressure monitoring.

Additionally, self-cleaning tread patterns and reinforced sidewalls contribute to enhanced durability, making tyres more suitable for demanding construction applications.

What role do OTR tyres play in reducing maintenance costs and improving productivity on-site?

OEMs and end-use customers have a variety of requirements that they expect their tyres to meet. They must be able to travel over a wide range of terrain and withstand use in harsh operating environments, among other things. Hence BKT continually focuses its efforts on improving rubber compounds and tread patterns. By doing so, we ensure better performance in various applications, improve comfort for equipment operators and minimise unplanned downtime.

Maintenance of tyre care practices also plays a significant role. More importantly, we have dedicated teams of field engineers, who actively collect customer feedback and work with the R&D team on ensuring better quality products and addressing any issues. Tyres are integral to any OTR equipment design as they ensure mobility and productivity. The wrong selection can greatly impede an end-use customer’s ability to get their work done. Hence, we collaborate with OEMs both local and global, to design and manufacture high-quality tyres that cater to various regions, areas, terrains, and applications while increasing the life and experience of the tyre.

What are the key characteristics of OTR tyres used in construction and mining machinery?

Tyres that offer superior durability and reliability to ensure consistent operations in extreme conditions. High-performance tyres are essential to support heavy mining equipment while delivering high load carrying capacity, fuel efficiency, and extended life cycles. As mining companies emphasise stability, they require tyres that can minimise equipment downtime and maintain operational efficiency as well as safety. Most importantly, less heat development during operations.

Additionally, after-sales service has become a critical factor for optimum tyre performance and end users looking for partners who provide continuous support through tyre performance monitoring, maintenance support at site, and prompt issue resolution. BKT addresses these trends by offering advanced tyre solutions equipped with smart technology for real-time performance tracking, ensuring optimal performance and stability while providing the comprehensive after-sales service that mining operations require.

What are the current trends in OTR tyre design and materials?

BKT has introduced several innovations in tyre design for the mining sector, particularly in ALL-STEEL RADIAL tyres. Our latest radial OTR tyres are engineered to provide enhanced durability, better load distribution, and longer service life. We’ve also incorporated smart tyre technology that allows for real-time monitoring of tyre health, enabling operators to track pressure, temperature, and wear levels. These advancements help reduce downtime, optimise performance, and improve safety in mining operations.

How do manufacturers address the challenges of operating OTR tyres in India's rugged terrain?

BKT proposes these challenges through continuous innovation for India’s rugged terrains. It involves offering customised tyre solutions that are engineered to meet the specific demands of rugged terrains. This includes changes in rubber compounds to enhance performance characteristics such as cut resistance and heat dissipation depending on the terrain type. These terrain-specific changes ensure that the tyres deliver optimal durability and performance.