Continental Says CSEasy is the Future

At the end of 2005 Continental introduced what the company describes as “a novel wheel/tyre system” which it believes could revolutionise the fitting of industrial tyres. Called the CSEasy, the tyre can be fitted on any Lemmerz-type rim without using a mounting press and using only a special, conical-shaped adapter and a torque wrench.

The advantages are obvious; no call-out delay and greatly reduced downtime as the tyre is fitted on-site straight away. “CSEasy,” says Continental, “will revolutionise Super-Elastic tyres forever.” Other benefits are said to include lower rolling resistance, greater tolerance to heat build up and enhanced load-bearing capabilities.

Industrial tyres are an important part of the Continental portfolio and the company claims to hold the number one spot on Germany and in Europe and to be among the top three companies worldwide. Continental Super-Elastic tyres have a good pedigree too, having been manufactured in Korbach, Hesse, for 40 years.

Over this time, Continental has developed a number of innovations in the industrial field, including the first SE tyre capable of being mounted on a pneumatic tyre rim – the forerunner of today’s CSE product group. Continental also produces the SIT (Snap-In Tyre) range and claims to be the only manufacturer offering a comprehensive product range in the industrial tyre sector.

CSEasy tyres in size 180/70-8, 7.00-12, 125/75-8, 150/75-8, 200/75-9 and 225/75-10 are reportedly already available, with 6.00-9 and 250/75-12 variants are scheduled to be added in October. 5.00-8 and 6.50-10 fitments will follow in January and July 2007 respectively.

The CSEasy has been tested in the field by a number of companies, with Continental analysing the results. One operator has been trialling the tyres on a fleet of around 40, 4.5 tonne forklifts with an average of 2,500 hours operation annually. The current average service life is 1,200 hours, or around six months’ average use. After six months’ use, the CSEasy has nearly 40 per cent of its tread left, thus adding greater service life to the benefits gained from ease of fitting.