Bridgestone Launches New Vortech Rubber Tracks for Compact Tracked Loaders

Tokyo (March 9, 2017) - Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced the company will debut its new Vortech line of rubber tracks at the 2017 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Conference in Las Vegas, Nev., March 7-11, 2017. Designed specifically for compact tracked loaders, Vortech rubber tracks feature a responsive track design and powerful H-shape tread pattern to deliver both workability and a smooth driving experience.

Vortech

Vortech on Vehicle

The Vortech line was designed as a result of Bridgestone’s continued focus on knowing the customer best and recognizing pressing customer needs. The all-new Vortech rubber track system from Bridgestone reflects customer desire for improved driver efficiency and workability intracked compact loader applications. By optimizing the internal structure and tread pattern of the tracks, Vortech lowers the bending resistance*1 that occurs when rubber tracks rotate, enabling more fluid vehicle movement. As a result of this unique design, Bridgestone Vortech rubber tracks contribute to the driving efficiency improved by 26 percent*2 and subsequently more fluid vehicle movement.

Vortech rubber tracks from Bridgestone also employ a new H-shaped tread pattern to expand the edge portion of the tracks, which grips the ground, and provides higher levels of traction for powerful performance. Vortech tracks help improve driving performance in compact tracked loaders in a variety of environments - from gravel to sediment, and other ground types.

Bridgestone Vortech rubber tracks also utilize an ideal tread pattern and tread positioning to achieve smoother driving, which helps reduce fatigue to the vehicle operator resulting from vehicle vibration.

Bridgestone Vortech rubber tracks will be available in 450 ㎜-wide sizes.

*1. Resistance that occurs when rubber tracks bend around the wheels that their internal sides come in contact with during rotation

*2. Based on tests performed by the Bridgestone

About Bridgestone Corporation:
Bridgestone Corporation (BSJ), headquartered in Tokyo, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.