Our tyres incorporate high-tensile fabrics, steel reinforcements, and aramid belts

Prasanta Ganguly
Head OTR Marketing (Domestic Sales), Balkrishna Industries (BKT)

How do you perceive the current market demand for OTR tyres in mining and heavy equipment? What factors are driving growth in this segment?

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 roads, railways, and large-scale construction 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. The rising need for raw materials like coal, iron ore, and especially critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt—key ingredients for electric vehicle batteries—is pushing mining companies to invest in better equipment, including durable, high-performance OTR tyres.

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—rising infrastructure projects, mining expansion, and indigenous manufacturing growth—it’s clear that the OTR tyre market is on a strong upward trajectory.

What kind of advanced materials or compounds are you exploring for enhancing tyre performance in harsh mining environments?

In mining, tyres are subjected to extreme conditions—sharp rocks, uneven terrains, and heavy loads. To ensure superior performance and longevity, we are utilizing advanced materials that enhance durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Our tyres incorporate high-tensile fabrics, steel reinforcements, and aramid belts. Aramid is the same material used in bulletproof vests—it’s lightweight yet incredibly strong. This combination provides puncture resistance, increased strength, and extended service life.

Additionally, we are developing specialized rubber compounds that offer improved heat resistance and flexibility, ensuring that our tyres perform well even in the most challenging conditions, whether it’s high temperatures or abrasive surfaces.

Our focus is on materials that provide maximum durability, safety, and efficiency, helping businesses to reduce operational costs and improve productivity.

What are the recommended load and inflation pressure guidelines for maximizing the lifespan of your OTR tyres?

Proper tyre maintenance is crucial, and the best way to maximize tyre life is to follow industry - standard guidelines for load capacity and inflation pressure.

We adhere to global standards like ISO, TRA, and ETRTO, ensuring that our tyres perform optimally under the right conditions. Overloading or under-inflation can severely impact a tyre’s lifespan, leading to premature wear and safety risk.

We always recommend that customers:

•    Follow manufacturer specifications for inflation pressure based on their load requirements

•    Regularly check and adjust tyre pressure to match site conditions and temperatures

•    Use tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to prevent under-inflation and excessive heat buildup

Could you explain the significance of tread design in OTR tyres for different applications like mining, construction, and quarrying?

Tread design is the most important aspect when selecting suitable tire for earthmoving applications like mining, construction and quarrying.

Broadly there are 4 main tread designs like traction, block, rock and smooth. Each design has its own significance as per terrain, type of application etc.

OTR tyres feature specific tread patterns designed for different terrains and applications, such as rock lug, E4 deep tread, L5 block, E3 rock, etc. The tread pattern affects traction, self-cleaning properties, and performance characteristics.

•  Rock Pattern - Rock pattern tires are designed for applications in craggy conditions where there is a high likelihood of punctures and cuts caused by sharp rocks

• Traction Pattern - Traction tires are directional and rely on numerous biting edges, enough voids between the rubber to allow the tires to dig in, and enough surface area to deliver high traction, reliable braking, and long service life in terrain ranging from soft soils to improved surfaces

• Block Pattern - Block pattern treads consist of a variety of individual blocks, buttons, diamonds, chevrons, and other geometric shapes that excel on abrasive surfaces like asphalt, and concrete that would quickly grind away other types of patterns

• Smooth Pattern - Smooth tires are a common sight on compactors and rollers but also are frequently   found on machines like loaders working in applications such as mining and material handling

What advancements have been made in the retreading and recycling of OTR tyres to enhance sustainability?

Sustainability is a key focus area for us, and tyre retreading and recycling play a major role in reducing waste and conserving resources.

Retreading involves replacing the worn-out tread on a used tyre instead of discarding it.

This process:

•  Extends tyre lifespan by up to 60%

•  Reduces raw material consumption, including rubber and steel

•  Lowers overall tyre costs for mining and construction companies

•  We use a specialized pre-vulcanization tread retreading method that offers high resistance to punctures, excellent fuel efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.

•  We are also investing in recycling initiatives to repurpose old tyres into rubberized road materials, alternative fuels, and other industrial applications.

Our goal is simple: maximize tyre life, minimize waste, and contribute to a greener planet.

How do you foresee the future trends and opportunities shaping the OTR tyre market?

The OTR tyre industry is evolving rapidly, and several key trends are shaping its future.

• Technological Advancements: Smart tyres equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring will become standard, helping operators track temperature, pressure, and wear.

• Stronger & Lighter Materials: Advanced compounds and reinforcements will enhance durability while reducing weight, improving fuel efficiency.

• Demand for Larger Tyres: As mining trucks and equipment get bigger, the demand for high load capacity tyres will increase.

How do you assist customers in selecting the right OTR tyres based on load, speed, and terrain requirements?

Selecting the right OTR tyre isn’t just about choosing the biggest or most durable one it’s about understanding the specific operating conditions of the customer.

Our process begins with a comprehensive site study:

•  Terrain type (rocky, soft, wet, abrasive, etc.)

•  Load carrying capacity of the equipment

•  Operating speed and braking conditions

•  Type of material handled

For example, if a customer operates in a rocky terrain with heavy loads and low speeds, we recommend cut-resistant compound tyres.

What role do you see emerging technologies, such as AI and IoT, playing in the future of equipment?

Emerging technologies like AI and IoT are transforming the equipment landscape by enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, ultimately enhancing productivity and safety. AI-powered analytics allow for proactive decision-making, predicting tire wear or potential breakdowns before they happen, reducing costly downtime. IoT sensors embedded in tires can provide live data on tire pressure, temperature, and wear, allowing for immediate adjustments that extend tire lifespan and improve operational safety. At BKT, we’re aligning our tire innovations with these advancements, ensuring our products are compatible with future-ready equipment management systems and contribute to a safer, more efficient work environment.