In Edmonton’s harsh winters, tire performance is critical. For local fleets, finding a tire that balances traction, chip resistance, and ultra-high mileage is a constant challenge. This case study examines how Edmonton-based PRE* INC achieved outstanding results with Forlander’s winter tyre line on short-haul urban routes – proving that the right winter tyres Edmonton fleets can trust deliver both grip and longevity.
I. Customer Background
PRE* INC** is a well-established transportation and logistics provider operating in Edmonton, Alberta. Its fleet primarily handles demanding urban and short-haul regional delivery duties (200-300 km per trip).
Vehicles carry heavy loads on cold, snow-packed roads often abrasive with gravel and de-icing agents. Tires must withstand constant starting, stopping, turning, and road stress. The company demands high equipment uptime and safety to meet tight delivery schedules.
II. Previous Challenges
Before standardizing on Forlander models, PRE*** INC faced common winter fleet issues:
Chunking & tearing from harsh winter roads and stop-start torque
Unpredictable wear shortening tire life and increasing cost per kilometer
Poor snow/ice traction affecting delivery safety and punctuality
Downtime for replacements disrupting tight delivery windows
III. Forlander Tire Solution
PRE*** INC adopted a dual-main-model strategy from Forlander’s winter tire range, complemented by an auxiliary tire:
Forlander SW516D (11R22.5)
Position/Application: Drive axle / Heavy-duty urban freight
Designed for North American winter drive positions, load rate ≤130%. Deep tread (21mm) + zigzag siping + shoulder self-cleaning design provide excellent chip resistance and wear durability.
Ply Rating: 16PR | Standard Rim: 8.25 | Load Index: 146/143 | Speed Rating: L (120 km/h)
Forlander SW518D (11R22.5)
Position/Application: Drive axle / High-mileage routes
Special tread compound. Vertically and horizontally widened grooves. Stone ejectors. Tread width 230mm.
Ply Rating: 16PR | Standard Rim: 8.25 | Load Index: 146/143 | Speed Rating: M (130 km/h)
Forlander FR206 PLUS (11R22.5)
Position/Application: Auxiliary / All-position
18PR, load capacity 3,250 kg single. High wear-resistant compound. Transverse pattern grooves. Open shoulder design.
Ply Rating: 18PR | Standard Rim: 8.25 | Load Index: 146/143 | Speed Rating: L (120 km/h)
IV. Performance Results & Customer Data
Forlander winter tires have far exceeded typical expectations on PRE*** INC’s Edmonton fleet:
Technical Validation:
1) SW516D
21.0mm deep tread + zigzag siping disperses stress, enabling 130,000 km without chunking. Shoulder self-cleaning design supports 400,000 km life.
2) SW518D
21.0mm deep tread + special compound maintains wet/snow traction at 330,000 km. Widened grooves ensure snow evacuation; stone ejectors improve puncture resistance.
3) FR206 PLUS
11R22.5 tires 18PR high load capacity (3,250 kg single) + high wear-resistant compound provides reliable all-season backup.
VI. Customer Feedback
“In Edmonton, winter tires usually get ‘chewed up’ by short-haul heavy loads and road gravel. Forlander SW516D and SW518D changed that. The SW516D has no chunking or tearing after 130,000 km and is projected to reach 400,000 km. The SW518D has already done 330,000 km and should easily hit 360,000 km. These two tires have lowered our cost per kilometer and kept our fleet running through Edmonton’s worst winter conditions with almost no tire-related delays.“
– Maintenance Manager, PRE* INC, Edmonton**
VII. Best Winter Tires for Trucks – Technical Summary
Key metrics from this case study for best winter tires for trucks:
| Feature | SW516D | SW518D |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth | 21.0 mm | 21.0 mm |
| Tread width | 230 mm | 230 mm |
| Ply rating | 16PR | 16PR |
| Proven mileage | 130,000 km | 330,000 km |
| Projected life | 400,000 km | 360,000 km |
VIII. Future Plans
Based on verified data, PRE*** INC plans to convert its remaining drive axles to Forlander SW516D and SW518D, implement extended replacement cycles based on 360,000-400,000 km data, use the FR206 PLUS as an all-season solution for shoulder seasons, and share operational data with Forlander for future product development. Demand for reliable best winter tires Canada continues to grow, and Forlander delivers verified performance.
