MINExpo launch for ContiEarth tyre range

The Continental brand’s return to the OTR tyre segment has gained traction with the official launch of the ContiEarth range at MINExpo. Continental presented two versions of ContiEarth at the Las Vegas show, the EM-Master and the RDT-Master.

According to Christian Luther, product line manager for earthmover tyres within Continental’s Commercial Specialty Tires (CST) business, ContiEarth tyres “were specifically designed for the extreme conditions our customers are facing in the earthmoving sector.” CST intends to follow a customised solution approach, with every tyre line it introduces developed for an individual vehicle type, and Luther added that “the new tyres perfectly fit our growth strategy for the future, as we will continue to expand and optimise our product and service portfolio for the earthmoving industry in the upcoming years.”

When Tyrepress.com spoke earlier this year with Tracey Mortimer, Continental Tyre Group Ltd’s marketing manager for commercial tyres, about the upcoming launch of the ContiEarth range, she hinted that a further evolution of the ContiPressureCheck TPMS system for OTR tyres was on its way. This is now available, and at MINExpo Continental presented its new iTire as an “essential part of the ContiEarth range,” together with the ContiFlexBox.

The introduction of iTire products means that each tyre in the ContiEarth can be delivered with an integrated sensor already fitted. The sensor is able to constantly monitor tyre inflation pressure and temperature and can transmit the information to the ContiPressureCheck system in real time. With the help of additional components, the data can be visualised either via a handheld tool or on the display within the driver’s cabin.

“With the iTire, we prepare the path to the next service level. We want to enhance the efficiency and safety of vehicle fleets with a comprehensive tyre management system,” said Luther. In future, the ContiFlexBox will be a major part of this, enabling the collection and provision of tyre-related data from the sensor and transmitting it to a central server via Wi-Fi or GSM. This will enable the fleet operator to constantly monitor vehicle data on a dashboard and will even send alerts for quick maintenance reactions.”

Conti EM-Master & RDT-Master

As reported in March 2016, the Conti EM-Master is available in two versions; the Conti EM-Master E3/L3 is especially suited for use in muddy and soft terrain, while the Conti EM-Master E4/L4 is more oriented for use on gravel and rocky surfaces. The difference between the two tyres lies in the tread pattern – the Conti EM-Master E3/L3 features a standard tread depth and wider spacing of blocks than the Conti EM-Master E4/L4. This, according to information from Continental, results in excellent self-cleaning characteristics, powerful traction, and good manoeuvrability. The open tread design and 100 per cent tread depth of the E3/L3 tyre further offers better cooling and therefore less heat build-up, and thus contributes to a longer service life.

Compared to the Conti EM-Master E3/L3, the E4/L4 tyre version features a greater block size that has less spacing between the blocks and a deeper tread depth. The tyre thus offers greater casing protection and superior cutting resistance, minimising the risk of punctures and downtime. Continental shares that the tighter spacing between the tread blocks also results in smoother running, even on hard surfaces, and due to a high tread wear volume the Conti EM-Master E4/L4 offers an even longer service life than the E3/L3. Both Conti EM-Master E3/L3 and E4/L4 will be available in sizes 23.5R25, 26.5R25, and 29.5R25; the Conti EM-Master E3/L3 will also be produced in size 20.5R25. Recommended applications include articulated dump trucks, loaders, and dozers.

The Conti RDT-Master E4 is a rigid dump truck tyre designed for transporting extra-heavy loads. The tyre features a deep tread and a wide and flat tread radius, qualities that lend themselves to a high loading capacity and cutting resistance. The angled tread edges and open shoulder design allow for higher lateral stability, which Continental says results in better driving behaviour and maximum traction, even on curvy terrain. In addition, the tread design is said to provide excellent cleaning characteristics on muddy ground. The RDT-Master E4 will be available in sizes 18.00R33, 21.00R33, 21.00R35 and 24.00R35.