CARGO HANDLING: TYRE DESIGN
TYRE R&D ROLLS ON Tyre designs for cargo handling plant continue to be improved, with new emphasis on eco-friendly aspects and supporting smart tyre management systems. John Bensalhia reports
8 Continental offers V.ply tyres with high stability properties said to be essential when stacking containers three or four high
Heavy loads and large volumes of cargo can put cargo handling plant and vehicle tyres under considerable strain. The constant flow of cargo traffic means that tyres are subject to pressure, resulting in possible damage and ultimately slower operations. Julian Alexander, Product Line Manager, Port Operations Continental Commercial Specialty Tyres, says that frequent stop-start, acceleration and braking under heavy loads and shocks, when containers are loaded and unloaded, characterise port applications. As a consequence, tyres have to have a very high load capacity, with strong durability as well as puncture resistance against damage caused by foreign object debris such as discarded twist-locks and other scattered metal or wooden fragments typically found in a terminal operating environment. For load and carry applications, Alexander suggests that radial tyres are the perfect solution as they offer low heat generation and a flat tread contour, ensuring a high level of endurance and mileage over long distances. “These tyres are perfectly suited to various vehicle types when utilised in load and carry applications, such as heavy forklift trucks, empty container handlers, reach stackers, straddle carriers and terminal tractors,” he says. When loading and unloading containers around the container stack, mobile vehicles such as reach stackers, empty container handlers and RTG cranes, typically drive short distances at low speed. “We call these pick and stack applications,” says Alexander and states, “Continental offers V.ply tyres with their high stability properties - essential when
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stacking 3-4 containers high – with these the right choice for this type of application.” The design utilises a compound which reduces cracks and abrasion, two primary causes of tyre wear, which in turn contributes to extended tyre life, he further notes. MAINTENANCE – FITTING - SELECTION Paul Bould, OTR Sales Manager UK and Ireland and Dave Goddard, OTR Specialist, UK and Ireland, Goodyear, commenting on tyre performance note that tyre pressure can diminish over time and under-inflation can cause tyre damage, inefficient vehicle handling (including during traction and braking), increased fuel consumption, and raised tyre temperature, all of which will contribute towards the premature ageing of tyres.” Bould and Goddard further contend that the correct selection, fitting, and ongoing maintenance of tyres for various port vehicles and equipment are the most important factors in optimising the extended lifetime and resistance to damage during port use. “Tyres specifically designed for port handling provide tailor-made solutions for equipment such as reach stackers, straddle carriers and other plant, all of which require tyres that are built to meet the demands of each task in hand.” Bould and Goddard explain that Goodyear’s selection of radial and bias tyres is designed to enhance the efficiency of industrial handling applications in and around ports. “These tyres offer outstanding strength, resistance to cuts and snags, and long tread life, as well as helping to reduce
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