A Winnipeg-based regional carrier running 300–400 km prairie haul routes faced brutal Manitoba winters below -30°C, where all-season drive tires lost grip, wore unevenly, and failed early. After switching its drive axles to the Forlander 11R22.5 winter tire SW518D-A, the fleet completed a full winter season with confident ice traction, even wear, zero casing failures, and a projected 15% cut in annual tire costs.
I. Introduction
Shandong Forlander Tyre Co., Ltd. has built a strong reputation in the global commercial tire market. One of its leading export products is the 11R22.5 winter tire — the SW518D-A — a deep-block pattern developed for severe snow, ice, and cold-weather hauling. In Canada, where winter can last half the year, Forlander has treated prairie markets such as Manitoba as the proving ground. This case study follows a Winnipeg-based regional carrier that switched its drive axles to the SW518D-A and completed a full winter season.
II. Client Background
The client is a well-established carrier headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, running regional haul routes of 300–400 km. Its fleet works year-round, hauling general freight, agricultural goods, and construction materials. Manitoba winters are among the harshest in Canada: temperatures regularly drop below -30°C, and highways are covered in packed snow and black ice for months. Finding a reliable tire in Canada for these conditions was critical.
III. Previous Challenges
Before switching to Forlander, the carrier relied on all-season Commercial drive tires that lost grip quickly in winter. Traction on ice was weak, tread wear was uneven, and several casings failed before reaching 250,000 km. Rising cost per kilometer and driver safety complaints pushed the fleet to search for a dependable commercial truck winter tires solution.
IV. Forlander Tire Solution
The carrier fitted the Forlander 11R22.5 winter tire SW518D-A on its drive axles. Key features include a 21 mm ultra-deep tread, a 225 mm wide footprint, and a 56 kg heavy-duty casing. With a load index of 146/143M, it supports up to 3,000 kg per tire at 130 km/h. The independent block design delivers aggressive bite in snow, while the closed shoulder prevents irregular wear.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Tread depth | 21 mm |
| Tread width | 225 mm |
| Weight | 56 kg |
| Load index | 146/143M (3,000 kg single / 2,725 kg dual, speed rating M = 130 km/h) |
V. Performance Results
After one full winter season (~120,000 km), the SW518D-A exceeded expectations. Trucks started, stopped, and held lanes confidently on ice, even at -35°C. Wear was even with minimal irregular wear, and the 21 mm tread retained substantial life for a second season. No sidewall cuts, belt failures, or casing issues occurred. The fleet projects a 15% reduction in annual tire costs.
VI. Client Feedback & The Future
The maintenance manager called them “the best winter tires we have ever run in Manitoba.” Drivers said the truck feels planted in deep snow. The carrier plans to convert remaining Commercial drive tires to Forlander and is evaluating its steer-axle lineup. A seasonal supply agreement for 2026–2027 is under discussion. For Canadian fleets, the message is simple: this winter truck tire is proven where it matters most.
