Since its release in 2014, Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI has become the tire of choice among many contractors as well as OEM manufacturers. While it makes the winter contracting – such as clearing the streets and living areas from snow – more effective, the tire retains a good performance in activities in the three other seasons as well. Over the years the size range has grown, making Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tires compatible with many compact machines in addition to tractors. Now the tire is available in new sizes further expanding its use.
It’s not a simple task to create a contracting tire that really works around the year – particularly in the snowy areas. Nokian Tyres is a forerunner in specialty tires and pioneered the winter tire in the 1930s. That is why it is only natural that the M+S block-patterned Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tire with its effective siping, all-season rubber compound and pre-marked stud locations was designed here.
“Half of the challenge was to create the best performance for winter conditions without compromising the durability in the summer”, says Tero Saari, product manager at Nokian Tyres. “Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tires are excellent on the road, which is a clear advantage in versatile contracting use. In fact, the same properties that contribute to the tires’ good winter grip also give traction on soft soil and various other surfaces.”
“Together with the tractor manufacturer Valtra, we have also achieved two world records with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tires,” said Tero Saari. “The fastest tractor on snow and ice, 130.165 km/h in 2015, and the fastest unmanned snow plowing at 73.171 km/h in 2018.”These records may sound like stunts, but they actually carry more significance than just novelty value. “In today’s contracting work, speed and stability are a necessity”, Tero says. “And make no mistake about it; the near future will see automated snow removal at least in closed areas.”
For professional use, flexibility is the key. The new tire sizes will complement the Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tire series to be compatible with even more tractors, backhoe loaders and compact machines such as compact loaders. Now the complete list of available tire sizes is as follows:
New sizes
340/80R18
400/60R18
360/80R20
400/70R20
460/70R24
500/70R24
540/70R24
600/70R34
More sizes
360/80R24
400/80R24
420/65R24
440/80R24
400/80R28
440/80R28
540/65R30
440/80R34
480/80R34
480/80R38
540/80R38
650/65R42
Whatever the future will bring – even heavier machines, faster road transports, and more extreme winter weather – Nokian Tyres will make sure the professionals have the tools to stay ahead of the winter. “That feeling when you are in control of your machine in any weather,” Tero Saari points out, “that’s the peace of mind we talk about.”