Hercules Tire launches Strong Guard H-MA all-position commercial tire

Huntersville, NC – Hercules Tire and Rubber Company (HTR), a subsidiary of American Tire Distributors (ATD), announced the U.S. launch of its Strong Guard® H-MA tire, a premium mixed-service, all-position commercial tire.

The new tire is made to navigate difficult, unpaved off-road sites, but its primary use is on roads. Vehicles typically using the tire include tippers, cement mixers, concrete pumps, and low loaders used in the construction industry. It is also made for trucks used in waste management, recycling, timber, and agriculture that require a cut & chip resistant tire that can withstand the abuse of these industries. The Strong Guard H-MA is available now in some of the most requested sizes including 11R22.5, 11R24.5 and 275/70R22.5. The 315/80R22.5 will launch in June.

“The Strong Guard H-MA’s rugged design, deeper and wider tread width, and enhanced protection via the Hercules Performance Promise will help vehicles meet the demands of mixed-service applications, both on- and off-road,” said Marshall Gillespie, director of commercial merchandising, proprietary brands, ATD. “Today’s mixed services operators will benefit from the durability, traction and improved handling for heavy loads we have built into the features of this premium value tire.”

Among the new features that help differentiate the Strong H-MA from its similar tires in the industry are:

· Large siped tread blocks that create a rugged, 4-rib design offering biting traction coupled with improved handling for heavy load applications on- and off-road;

· Deeper tread depth and up to 10% wider tread width. This feature extends tread life and increases vehicle stability, including those that demand over 10,000 pounds of load-carrying capacity;

· 15% wider steel belts improve protection of the tire casing off-road and optimizes the footprint under heavy loads for speeds up to “K” 68 miles per hour.

Additional key features and benefits include:

· A Cut and chip resistant compound designed to specifically to withstand the rough terrain of mixed-service applications;

· Biting shoulder that allows the tire to dig into tough terrains for increased traction in any conditions;

· Curb protector and stone defense that protects the sidewall and casing from damage in mixed-service applications.

The Strong Guard H-MA is the newest in the line of recent launches of Strong Guard premium, mixed service tires including: · Strong Guard H-MD – drive tire with a balance of enhanced traction and handling · Strong Guard H-MX – drive tire delivering extreme traction and durability in severe applications · Strong Guard H-MW – wide base, all position tire with proprietary features to reduce squirm and fight irregular wear

Backed by the Hercules Performance Promise, the tires have an 84-month limited protection policy that includes 50 percent replacement for workmanship and materials. It also provides a casing allowance for up to three retreads.