Continental has launched a new telehandler and skid-steer loader tire, the CompactMaster AG, the first to feature its newly designed ‘Turtle Shield’ tread layer and a twisted steel belt.
“This is a reinforced tire with a hard shell and a more flexible steel wire construction to help prevent cuts and damage, while offering greater stability for materials handling work,” commented Benjamin Hübner, product line manager, agricultural tires, Continental Commercial Specialty Tires.
“This tire represents years of research and development by our agricultural research and development team in Lousado, Portugal. The new twisted steel belt construction has a unique Turtle Shield layer beneath the rubber to protect the tire shoulder area from damage. The wider tread and lug widths have been specifically designed to offer better traction on a variety of surfaces and improve the self-cleaning properties of the tire.”
The Turtle Shield comprises a tread layer and steel belt construction which work in tandem to provide durability and stability for vehicles carrying out material handling operations and a new lug design provides 5% more surface area to enhance grip and contribute to even tire wear.
The CompactMaster AG has a land-sea ratio of 30%, meaning a larger portion of the tire stays in contact with the ground. “This ratio is particularly important for traction in wet and slippery conditions, so we anticipate operators will see a marked benefit by choosing these tires for use on more challenging surfaces,” added Hübner.
With stationary turns on hard surfaces a regular occurrence for telehandlers and skid steer loaders, an increased lateral pressure is put through the tire. The twisted steel belt construction of the new tire makes it stiffer and subsequently provides greater stability during these scenarios.
The CompactMaster AG tires will be available for 24in wheels, in size 460/70R24 159B.
