Tyres for Demanding Environments

As construction and mining operations push equipment harder and longer, tyre engineering is emerging as a critical productivity and safety enabler,

- writes Upendra Kasbekar.

At construction sites, quarries and mining zones, tyres are often the most underestimated contributors to uptime. While engines, hydraulics and electronics dominate conversations around performance, it is the tyre that ultimately transfers power to the ground, absorbs shock, and determines stability under load. At EXCON 2025, JK Tyre & Industries used its presence to underline this reality, unveiling a new range of Off-the-Road (OTR) tyres engineered specifically for demanding, application-driven environments.

India's infrastructure push has brought with it heavier machines, longer operating cycles and more complex duty conditions. From aerial work platforms operating at height to underground mining equipment navigating abrasive tunnels, tyre requirements today are no longer generic. JK Tyre's latest launches reflect a deliberate shift toward application-specific engineering rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Engineering for Application, Not Assumption

A key highlight of JK Tyre's showcase was the SKY GRIP tyre, developed for aerial work platforms (AWPs), boom lifts and telehandlers. Operating at elevation places unique demands on tyres stability becomes as critical as traction, while heat build-up and surface grip directly influence operator safety.

The 355/55D625 SKY GRIP has been designed to deliver consistent performance at working heights, offering improved footprint stability and controlled movement across mixed surfaces commonly found at construction and maintenance sites. Compatibility with articulated and telescopic boom lifts allows fleet operators to standardise tyre selection without compromising safety margins.