Sure-footed on tough EC terrain
General Tire’s formidable 4x4 range are the tyres of choice at Kariega Game Reserve, the privately owned Big Five reserve near Kenton-on-Sea.
Spanning 10,000ha of bushveld with breathtaking views and five lodges, Kariega is an idyllic destination – but the terrain is as challenging as it gets for the tyres fitted to the reserve’s 72 vehicles.
“Tyres are one of our biggest running costs as our vehicles work exceptionally hard and travel through extremely tough terrain,” Kariega manager Mike Fuller said.
“Over the years, we have tried a wide variety of brands, most of which haven’t managed to handle the harsh conditions.
“Since we switched to General Tire two years ago, we haven’t looked back.”
The toughest tests of durability are experienced by Kariega’s 22 Toyota Land Cruiser game viewers, which typically carry a full one-ton load on each trip, transporting guests across the reserve day in and day out.
In addition to the game viewers, several 4x4 vehicles are dedicated to the antipoaching unit which traverses even more precarious and less well-established trails.
For these punishing applications, General Tire’s heavy-duty Grabber X3 is the tyre of choice, its core capabilities built around extreme performance in mud, dirt and rocky terrain.
The game viewers and antipoaching vehicles are also progressively being fitted with the new 235/85 R16 tyre size matching the Land Cruiser’s original equipment specification, in place of the fully imported 265/75 R16 used to date.
The narrower tyre is now being locally produced at the Continental Tyre plant in Port Elizabeth, which means improved stock availability and lower cost.
The Grabber X3 uses General Tire’s new Duragen technology, incorporating a three-ply construction delivering outstanding durability and puncture resistance, while the specially developed tyre compound provides excellent cut and chip resistance.
The aggressive open tread pattern achieves high traction and an efficient self-cleaning action in mud, and the multiangle gripping edges and large sidewall lugs afford optimal grip in rocky conditions.
While the Grabber X3 is perfect for heading well off the beaten track, many of Kariega’s vehicles require dual-purpose use in both on the road and off-road conditions. For this the Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyre delivers go-anywhere ability.