KUMHO TAKES THE LOAD FOR LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

KUMHO TAKES THE LOAD FOR LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 

The Portran KC53 is aimed at vehicles between 1.8 and 3.5 tonnes


Leading tyre manufacturer Kumho has launched a new heavy-duty tyre specifically designed to cope with the rigours of work in the tough light commercial van sector.

The Portran KC53 is the latest addition to Kumho's light commercial tyre line up replacing the 857 Steel Radial and is aimed at vehicles between 1.8 and 3.5 tonnes including the Mercedes Sprinter, Toyota Hi Ace, Hyundai iLoad, Volkswagen Transporter, Iveco Daily and Ford Transit.

According to David Basha, Kumho's national marketing and training manager the new Portan KC35 has been designed to cope with  the difficulties of constant stop/start urban operation.

"Commercial vehicles are subject to higher loads so operators need and demand a quality, durable tyre  that performs well across a wide range of road and temperature conditions," said David Basha.

"The Portran KC53 is ideal for a range of applications including courier work, on tradesmens vehicles and delivery operations because it's designed to handle heavy loads as well as constant stopping and starting in urban conditions."

The key to the KC53's suitability is its symmetrical, rigid tread block pattern giving it 10 per cent more durability than its predecessor through a more even wear rate with a lower rolling resistance compound.

Sloped edges on the centre tread blocks as well as symmetrical sipes through the blocks aid water channelling to three, wide longitudinal grooves and towards the shoulder of the tyre improving its wet weather handling by five per cent compared with the 857 it replaces.

It also delivers a reduction in the risk of hydroplaning both in a straight line and while cornering.

The solid centre block and reinforced belt has been incorporated into the design to  better cope with heavy payloads. Kumho has also reinforced the bead of the tyre with a ply strip on the outer edge and a flipper on the inner edge to aid in weight distribution and reduce stress spots around the tyre.

The KC53 is available in 12 sizes ranging between 14 and 16 inches.

The new Portan KC35 has been designed to cope with the difficulties of constant stop/start urban operation.


"Kumho has set out to provide quality tyres for every use from small cars right through to semi-trailers and the KC53 is a key tyre in catering to the light commercial vehicle market," David Basha added.

Since its inception in 1960, Kumho Tyres has been a model of steady growth amid dramatic changes of business landscape. Driven by innovation in management and technical development Kumho has become one of the top ten tyre companies in the world.

Over the past half-century Kumho Tyres has built the foundation for a sustainable company, which has thrived through a full range of business environments.

Kumho has succeeded in the development of superior tyres for all vehicles including high performance passenger cars, sports utilities and 4x4s as well as trucks, buses, mining vehicles and even aircraft.

Kumho produces more than 68 million tyres annually with a massive research and development program which comprises more than 600 research personnel and 300 testing machines at proving grounds in South Korea, China, Europe and North America. Kumho leads the world with the latest in tyre technology, safety and performance.

In Australia Kumho markets an extensive range of tyres for cars, 4WDs, light commercials, trucks and buses with a network centred around five state locations with the ability to distribute tyres to retailers across all areas of Australia.