Bridgestone has introduced the new generation high-speed radial tire V-Steel Highway Service 3 (VHS3), developed specifically for mobile all-terrain cranes.
The new model has been created with a focus on three of the most important factors for heavy equipment operators – longer service life, less downtime and lower operating costs.
Bridgestone VHS3 Is Developed for Mobile Cranes
Working with mobile cranes places tires under significant stress. They must provide stability when traveling on highways, but at the same time perform well in tough conditions off-road.
Exactly for such applications Bridgestone develops VHS3.
The new tire combines improved durability, optimized traction and a constructionthat reduces the overall weight. As a result, operators can limit unplanned downtime and use the vehicle fleet more efficiently.
Up to 12% Longer Mileage Compared to VHS2
One of the main improvements in Bridgestone VHS3 is its service life.
According to the manufacturer's internal field tests, the new VHS3 offers up to 12% longer mileage compared to Bridgestone VHS2.
To achieve this result, Bridgestone uses a new rubber compound technology. In addition, the tire's contact area is optimized to reduce uneven wear.
This is especially important for mobile cranes, as premature or uneven wear can lead not only to additional tire costs, but also to more machine downtime.
Improved Traction On and Off the Road
The longer tire life is not the only change.
Bridgestone VHS3 also receives a new tread design, developed to improve traction and stability both when traveling on highways and when working off-road.
The tread uses wider channels and elongated blocks, which contribute to better tire performance under various conditions.
Thus, VHS3 can meet the specific requirements of mobile cranes, which often have to cover significant distances on the public road network before reaching a construction site or other work location.
24 Kilograms Lighter Construction
Another significant change in Bridgestone VHS3 is the reduced weight.
The new model is 24 kg lighter than VHS2, according to Bridgestone's internal data. This is achieved through a lighter carcass construction, including an optimized belt structure.
Reducing the weight can have several practical advantages for crane fleet operators.
Firstly, the lower mass can contribute to reducing fuel consumption. In addition, it helps to optimize operating costs, without compromising the necessary strength.
At the same time, Bridgestone states that VHS3 offers increased load capacity compared to the previous model.
Real Tests in the Fleet of Sarens
The new VHS3 has already been used in real conditions by Sarens Netherlands, a company specialized in heavy transport and crane operations.
According to Bas Riepma, Fleet Manager at Sarens Netherlands, the initial results are promising.
The company does not observe uneven tire wear, and according to Riepma, VHS3 offers the necessary strength for heavy transport operations.
The lower tire weight also creates potential for improving fuel efficiency.
An additional advantage is the use of VHS3 in combination with a tire pressure monitoring system – TPMS. Through real-time information on tire pressure and temperature, operators can more easily monitor their condition and limit the risk of unplanned downtime.
What Are the Main Advantages of Bridgestone VHS3?
For mobile crane operators, the new model offers several key improvements:
- Up to 12% longer mileage compared to VHS2
- 24 kg lower weight
- Improved resistance to uneven wear
- Better traction both on highways and off-road
- Optimized stability under various conditions
- Potential for reducing fuel consumption
- Higher load capacity compared to VHS2
- Possibility to limit downtime and maintenance costs
The combination of these characteristics shows the clear direction in which specialized heavy equipment tires are developing – longer service life, higher efficiency, and lower overall fleet costs.
When Does Bridgestone VHS3 Launch?
Bridgestone VHS3 will be available on the market from September 2026.
Initially, the new crane tire is offered in size:
445/95R25 178F
This size is designed for specialized applications in mobile cranes, where high load capacity, stability, and durability are of key importance.
Higher Efficiency for Crane Fleets
With Bridgestone VHS3, the manufacturer focuses not only on the tire's characteristics but also on the overall efficiency of the fleet.
The longer service life means fewer replacements. The lower weight can help reduce fuel consumption, while the optimized tread improves performance in various road and working conditions.
For companies operating mobile cranes,such improvements can result in fewer downtimes, better utilization of equipment and more predictable costs.
Bridgestone VHS3 shows how new tire technologies for industrial applications are increasingly focusing on the overall efficiency of the machine and the fleet, rather than just the mileage of a single tire.
