GRABBER HD
Grabber HD is a rubber designed and built specifically for serious SUVs and pickups. No wonder these great tires were made in the USA. Indeed, it is in this country that a huge number of cross-country vehicles are operated. Moreover, this is not only about compact crossovers. In the American province, large SUVs are driven every day and this technique needs special tires, such as the Grabber HD.
About tires in general
Grabber HD is an all-season rubber designed for SUVs and light trucks. General Tire claims that these tires in the Grabber range are a versatile solution for everyday use. That is, these tires, being installed on a car, can be used with equal success on off-road and on asphalt. Again, let's not forget about the all-season nature of using Grabber HD.
When designing tires for the Grabber range, General Tire has conducted tests in different climates throughout the North American continent. The tires ran over sand and gravel in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada and across the snowy expanses of Alaska. And everywhere these tires met the standards of all-season use!
By the way, another confirmation that these tires can be used in winter is the pictogram in the form of three mountain peaks with a snowflake.
Despite the weakly pronounced tread pattern, this rubber perfectly clings to both dry asphalt pavement and rolled snow. How is this versatility achieved?
Production materials and design of the vice-rector
The versatility of Grabber HD tires is achieved by the rubber compound and tread pattern. Of course, technology also affects the driving performance of rubber, but about them a little later.
The composition of the rubber is selected in such a way that it is both tough and provides sufficient friction. For this, polymer storage and silica particles are added to the rubber base, among other things. Polymer fillers increase the density of the rubber. Silica inclusions increase the friction of the rubber against various surfaces, which is necessary for an acceptable grip.
The tread pattern is designed in such a way as to provide an active grip on the road surface. In addition, the special arrangement of the tread grooves ensures effective water drainage from the contact patch of rubber with the road surface. Water diversion is even more efficient thanks to variable furrow depth. This feature of the tires eliminates the possibility of aquaplaning, which has a positive effect on handling wet asphalt.
Continuing the theme of the tread features, we note that the grooves are not made perpendicular to the tire, but with a slight bevel in the direction of wheel rotation. This provides additional traction and a shorter braking distance.
Technologies used
The Grabber HD tire is not only a special rubber composition and a special tread pattern but also numerous technologies that make the use of these tires more efficient and comfortable.
- Duragen technology. The tire is equipped with a high-strength tread working layer. As a result, Grabber HD tires demonstrate high resistance to local loads, punctures, and cuts, which significantly extends the product's service life.
- Reinforcement of the central rib (StabilyTread). The Grabber HD tire is equipped with metal belts along the center rib. Reinforcement has two functions. First, the steel belts in the tire design reduce rolling resistance. Secondly, the reinforced tire wears out evenly, which prolongs its service life.
- Sidewall reinforcement. The sidewalls of the tires are fitted with composite inserts. These inserts, with a slight increase in tire weight, reduce the likelihood of damage when the sidewalls rub against curbs.
- Acoustic comfort. Almost all modern tires in the Grabber range are quieter than tires from other manufacturers. This is due to the fact that a layer of less porous rubber passes from the inside along the entire perimeter of the central rib. This layer literally absorbs and dissipates vibrations, which are usually the source of noise and acoustic discomfort.
- Effective determination of tire wear. For this, colored markers (indicators) are located on the surface of the central rib. As these indicators wear off, you can determine the degree of tire wear. Again, given the fact that there are several indicators and they are all distributed over the tire surface, judging by the uniformity of their wear, it will be possible to determine the need for balancing.
Benefits of Grabber HD tires
All the benefits are in one way or another related to the operation of the Grabber HD.
- Confident quick start without slipping, both on dry hard surfaces and on the ground.
- Short braking distances even on wet asphalt. This is very important when driving a heavy SUV in urban areas.
Durable tire and, as a result, fewer breakdowns and other mechanical damage.
- Fuel economy, according to the manufacturer - by 10-20%, depending on the quality of the road surface. This advantage comes from low rolling resistance and good grip.
- Better handling. Since there is no aquaplaning and better tread grip, the tires provide better directional stability.
- Long service life. On average, a Grabber HD tire lasts 1.5 times longer than an all-season tire in the same price segment.
- Reasonable cost, taking into account numerous advantages.
Are there any disadvantages? Be aware that these tires will not be easy to acquire outside of the North American continent. For the rest - some advantages!
What transport they are suitable for
Grabber HD is a model that is available for sale in a wide range of standard sizes. Therefore, these tires can be installed on various American and European cars belonging to the class of SUVs, pickups, and minibusses.
The size variety is more than enough and you can buy this excellent rubber not only for traditional American cars but also for the popular Mercedes-Benz G-class or modern Land Rover models. The wide range of standard sizes and the possibility of using it on cars of different brands is explained by the fact that General Tire is now part of the German concern Continental AG. And soon General Tire tires can be found more often outside the United States and Canada.
Feedback on application
Most of the Grabber HD tires are used in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. And therefore, if you ask for feedback, then first of all to the citizens of these countries. Immediately, we note that all buyers, if not delighted with these tires, are at least happy with them. Moreover, these tires are used in different climatic zones. These tires have performed well in hot Mexico, and in the temperate climates of the United States, and in cooler Canada. That is, another confirmation that Grabber HD tires are truly all-season.
Let's summarize
There are many off-road tires on sale. But we draw your attention to the fact that it is General Tire products that are the optimal combination of high quality and affordable prices. Isn't that what you wanted when you went to the tire store? Again, let's not forget that the tires presented in the Grabber line are recommended to their customers by American TOYOTA dealers, which is, as it were, an indicator. Therefore, we recommend buying!