Vehicle requirements:

Automated guided vehicles, or better known as AGVs, are symbolic of the ongoing automation process in ports.

AGVs are used at moderate speeds around gradual bends, making the demands of an AGV on its tires seem quite low, but there are negative factors which have to be taken into consideration to avoid tire failures, which can disrupt the entire workflow and cause immense cost.

Ongoing technical advancement plays a major role. The quest for lower emissions contributes to the use of electrically powered AGVs, Consequently the weight of the batteries increases the vehicle’s overall weight and hence the strain on the tires.
The rolling resistance of the tires has a significant influence on energy consumption and, as a consequence, on the uninterrupted operating time of the vehicle, as well as on the number of vehicles required.

Last but not least, there is the effect of the missing human element. In contrast to a vehicle operated by a human driver, an AGV can’t avoid foreign objects and tire damage can be the result.

Load & Carry tires - Radial (>60km / day)

The Continental StraddleMaster Radial tire for load and carry applications is the perfect fit for any AGV. With its significantly lower rolling resistance any AGV fitted with StraddleMaster Radial tires is far better equipped to handle the daily demands of its operating conditions.

Pick & Stack tires - V.ply (<60km / day)

The Continental CraneMaster tires have narrow tread blocks with rounded contours which reduce stress when turning on the spot; this enables high maneuverability while minimizing the risk of tread cracks. Their wide tread area offers a stable load platform-essential when moving heavy loads at slow speeds.

The Continental TerminalMaster V.ply tires are designed with a closed shoulder, which heightens stability precision while travelling in a straight line and cornering. The three-ribbed design keeps tread vibration to a minimum, an advantage for AGVs as fewer steering corrections are required.

Vehicle requirements

Empty container handlers do not seem to be exposed to severe strain. The weight they carry is limited so why should they need a superior tire? The challenge lies in the height or, more precisely, the mast they operate with. Due to their design, empty container handlers have to cope with the extremely high reach of their loading gear. This means they carry heavy loads on their single axles even when unloaded. In addition, potholes and uneven surfaces can cause the vehicles to tilt, especially when they are driven at higher speeds or while turning around a corner.

The relative instability of the vehicle, in particular during the loading process when it makes sharp turns and the load is lifted to its maximum height, poses a huge potential accident risk.

But the tires are under strain in even seemingly ordinary conditions. The tire kissing effect also places the dual front tires under additional stress due to frequent contact between the inner-facing sidewalls. This leads to increased wear or in extreme cases to sudden tire failure with potentially fatal consequences. However, the rear tires are under more of a burden. The reason is quite simple though. When the vehicle is not carrying a load, the enormous counterweight still puts pressure on the rear tires. The fact that the vehicles are driven at higher speeds intensifies the effect of tire wear.

To guarantee smooth operation at full potential, an empty container handler needs tires with exceptional load capacity, superior damping properties and outstanding maneuverability.

Pick & Stack tires - V.ply (<60km / day)

The ContainerMaster+ has utterly strong sidewalls, improved protection against damage and a longer service life. Less internal movement, less rolling resistance, delayed aging and a better wear picture contribute to improved safety, better driving performance plus lower fuel consumption.

The massive DockMaster+ tire without any tread is ideal for reach stackers or vehicles used at limited speed or only occasionally. It is the perfect choice for a medium-speed reach stacker when outstanding longevity, robustness and puncture resistance are priorities.

Load & Carry tires - Radial (>60km / day)

Fitting for empty container handlers working to move and stack empty containers or on heavy-forklifts transporting bulky industrial goods, the ContiRT20 is the perfect tire solution. 

Vehicle requirements

Due to their specific design, heavy-duty forklifts move enormous loads on single axles. Potholes and uneven surfaces can cause the vehicle to tilt, especially when carrying heavy loads at high speeds or when maneuvering in sharp bends. Depending on the load and its dimensions, the vehicle can become instable with a high risk of accidents even in seemingly ordinary conditions.

There are other factors that can have a negative effect on the life of the tire. The twin tire kissing effect also places the dual front tires under additional stress due to frequent contact between the inner-facing sidewalls. This leads to increased wear or in extreme cases to sudden tire failure with potentially fatal consequences. Surprisingly, the rear tires are under more of a burden. The reason is quite simple though. When the vehicle is not carrying a load, the enormous mass of the counterweight still places pressure on the rear tires. And it is precisely in this situation that the vehicles are driven at higher speeds than usual.

For smooth operation at full potential, a heavy-duty forklift first and foremost relies on tires with exceptional load capacity, superior damping properties and outstanding maneuverability.

The Continental Solution

Since harbor conditions differ, Continental offers two completely different types of tires to match the needs of every customer. Both are custom-designed to meet the requirements of a heavy-duty forklift, its operator and the working environment. 

Pick & Stack tires - V.ply (<60km / day)

The ContainerMaster+ has utterly strong sidewalls, improved protection against damage and a longer service life. Less internal movement, less rolling resistance, delayed aging and a better wear picture contribute to improved safety, better driving performance plus lower fuel consumption.

The massive DockMaster+ tire without any tread is ideal for vehicles used at limited speed or only occasionally. It is the perfect choice for medium-speed vehicles, when outstanding longevity, robustness and puncture resistance are priorities.

Load & Carry tires - Radial (>60km / day)

With a tread compound developed to reduce heat build-up, our new ContainerMaster Radial is a tire for longer distance load and carry applications that can potentially be in excess of 60 km driving distance per day and comes with an intergrated tire sensor.

Fitting for heavy-forklifts transporting bulky industrial goods, the ContiRT20 is a great tire solution. Innovative tread compound with high resistance towear and tread cracking to deliver high mileage and long-term durability.

Vehicle requirements

In contrast to other harbor equipment, mobile harbor cranes do not place a burden on their tires when handling loads. However, when the crane is moved to a new location, a tire failure can disrupt the entire workflow and cause immense cost.

Although the period of use, the speed during the move and the distance are negligible, it is not uncommon that the tires of a mobile harbor crane never reach the end of their projected service life. The reasons lay in two highly destructive factors.

Due to the enormous tare weight of a mobile harbor crane, the strain on the tires is equally high. In addition, mobile harbor cranes are often moved in a straight line, which means the wear is increased by an uneven surface, rails and curbs.

Exposure to UV radiation is another negative factor. Since the mobile harbor cranes are not moving all the time, the tires can be exposed to destructive UV radiation over days and weeks. This accelerates the aging process of the rubber dramatically and leads to visible cracks in the tires surface

Pick & Stack tires - V.ply (<60km / day)

The new Continental CraneMaster tire features an exceptionally sturdy tire construction for lower rolling resistance and longer service life. In terms of damping, this design allows a CraneMaster tire to rely not only on compressed air but also on the exceptionally sturdy tire construction itself. 

Vehicle requirements

There are several tasks a reach stacker has to master all at once while stacking containers six high, it needs to move with the agility of a compact car and the steadiness of a tank.

A reach stacker handles enormous loads on single axles. Potholes and uneven surfaces can cause the vehicle to tilt, especially when it carries heavy loads at high speeds or while turning around a corner. Payloads are also often heavier than indicated. When handling such a container, a reach stacker can become unstable, which increases the risk of an accident.

The twin tire kissing effect also places the dual front tires under additional strain due to frequent contact between the inner-facing sidewalls. This leads to increased wear or in extreme cases to sudden tire failure with potentially fatal consequences. Surprisingly, the rear tires are under more of a burden. The reason is quite simple though. When the vehicle is not carrying a load, the enormous mass of the counterweight still places pressure on the rear tires. And it is precisely in this situation that the vehicles are driven at higher speeds than usual.

For smooth operation at full potential, a reach stacker requires tires with exceptional load capacity, superior damping properties and outstanding maneuverability.

The Continental Solution

Since harbor conditions differ, Continental offers two completely different types of tires to match the needs of every customer. Both are custom-designed to meet the requirements of a heavy-duty forklift, its operator and the working environment. 

Pick & Stack tires - V.ply (<60km / day)

The ContainerMaster+ has utterly strong sidewalls, improved protection against damage and a longer service life. Less internal movement, less rolling resistance, delayed aging and a better wear picture contribute to improved safety, better driving performance plus lower fuel consumption.

The massive DockMaster+ tire without any tread is ideal for vehicles used at limited speed or only occasionally. It is the perfect choice for medium-speed vehicles, when outstanding longevity, robustness and puncture resistance are priorities.

Load & Carry tires - Radial (>60km / day)

With a tread compound developed to reduce heat build-up, our new ContainerMaster Radial is a tire for longer distance load and carry applications that can potentially be in excess of 60 km driving distance per day and comes with an intergrated tire sensor.

Fitting for heavy-forklifts transporting bulky industrial goods, the ContiRT20 is a great tire solution. Innovative tread compound with high resistance towear and tread cracking to deliver high mileage and long-term durability.

Vehicle requirements

The enormous weights that harbor cranes have to carry have two sources; firstly the weight of the payload and secondly the tare weight of the crane itself. Even though the crane travels quite modest distances at moderate speeds, it is not uncommon that the tires of a harbor crane hardly ever reach the end of their projected service life. The reasons might not be immediately obvious since the tires are rarely in actual use. Nevertheless, there are some highly destructive factors that specifically affect the service life of a harbor crane tire.

Firstly, it is the turning on the spot under load and at an extreme 90‑degree angle. In contrast to other vehicles, a rubber tire gantry crane does not move when its wheels are turned – a factor that adds tremendous stress to the tires.

Secondly, and ironically so, too little usage. Constant load on the same area of the tires leads to flat spots. When the deformed carcass is moved, the wear increases exponentially.

Thirdly, exposure to UV radiation.  Other than tires of vehicles that are constantly moving, the tires of a rubber tire gantry crane can be exposed to destructive UV radiation over days and weeks. The UV radiation accelerates the aging process of the rubber dramatically and leads to visible cracks in the tires surface.

The Continental Solution

The new Continental CraneMaster range of tires makes use of the new V.ply technology that has its origin in racing tire technology. A rubber tire gantry crane fitted with CraneMaster tires is far better equipped to handle the daily demands of its operating conditions. 

The new Continental CraneMaster features an exceptionally sturdy tire construction for lower rolling resistance and a longer service life. In terms of damping, this design allows a CraneMaster tire to rely not only on compressed air but also on the exceptionally sturdy tire construction itself.

Vehicle Requirements

Straddle Carriers are the ultimate high-performance workhorses, safely combining height, weight, speed and maneuverability in the terminal yard. It is exactly these important features and the extreme operating demands that cause high levels of tire wear and frequent tire damage.

All operators of straddle carriers know when braking hard, the vehicle risks going into a rocking and swaying motion. As the slip-stick effect causes single tires to lose surface contact, the vehicle starts to make uncontrollable movements. In this situation the driver is challenged to keep the straddle carrier under control.
In the worst case the cargo could twist and the vehicle could tip over – with potentially fatal consequences for man and machine.

The Continental Solution

Driven over distance, our range of StraddleMaster Radial tires are designed with a key focus on endurance, stability and steering precison.

Vehicle requirements

Among all vehicles used in the harbor, terminal tractors clock up the highest mileage. This means that the tires on a terminal tractor have to accelerate more often, they have to brake more often and they have to corner more often than any other kind of tire in the harbor. They also have to operate in an environment that accelerates tire wear and hastens tire failure. Uneven surfaces with different and sometimes highly abrasive surfaces, potholes, bumps and foreign objects increase tire wear as well as tire failure.

No wonder that only a fraction of all tires used on terminal tractors reach the end of their projected service life. But it’s not always the environment that ends the life of a tire ahead of schedule. Since a vast number of tires just aren’t designed for use on terminal tractors, sometimes it is simply a case of the wrong tire in the wrong place.

Continental Solution

The best tire is the one that is custom-designed to meet the needs and demands of its operator and the working environment. That’s why Continental offers not less than three completely different types of tires to match the needs of every customer.

The TerminalMaster is the high-performance radial tire for heavy tasks. Reinforced bead designs make light work of heavy loads. S-shaped cross ribs excel in all weathers, producing outstanding traction, while the closed shoulder design ensures an exceptionally quiet ride. What is more, the low-abrasion tread compound delivers outstanding mileage.

The Continental Terminal Transport tire is a real all-rounder: It provides low energy consumption, excellent wet grip and traction, ride comfort and even wear count at reasonable cost. 

The ContiRV20 is a massive radial tire for use in the most demanding conditions. Its highly resistant tread compound and closed shoulder design provide for outstanding longevity.

Vehicle requirements

It doesn’t have to transmit steering forces, it doesn’t have to transmit driving forces, and all it has to do is roll. The requirements to a tire used on a terminal trailer may not be remarkably high; yet if a tire on a loaded trailer fails, the consequences can still be quite severe.

Terminal trailers have to operate in an environment that accelerates tire wear and tire failure due to uneven surfaces with different and sometimes highly abrasive surfaces, potholes and bumps. Not to mention foreign objects thrown up by the tires of the terminal truck ahead.

But it’s not always the harbor environment that shortens the life of a tire mounted on a terminal trailer. Since a vast number of tires simply aren’t designed for use on terminal trailers, it’s often merely a case of the wrong tire in the wrong place, causing it to fail way ahead of its projected service life.

Continental Solution

Since harbor conditions differ, Continental offers two completely different types of tires to match the needs of every customer. Both are custom-designed to meet the requirements of a heavy-duty forklift, its operator and the working environment. 

Load & Carry tires - Radial (>60km / day)

The TerminalMaster is the high-performance radial tire for heavy tasks. Reinforced bead designs make light work of heavy loads. S-shaped cross ribs excel in all weathers, producing outstanding traction, while the closed shoulder design ensures an exceptionally quiet ride. What is more, the low-abrasion tread compound delivers outstanding mileage.

The Continental Terminal Transport tire is a real all-rounder: It provides low energy consumption, excellent wet grip and traction, ride comfort and even wear count at reasonable cost.

The ContiRV20 is a massive radial tire for use in the most demanding conditions. Its highly resistant tread compound and closed shoulder design provide for outstanding longevity. 

Solid tires - for higher loads and maintenance free

The Continental Trailer is a solid tire with a treadles design for superior handling. The solid body eliminates the need to inflate the tire and the treadless running surface prevents the saw tooth wear, which causes vibrations. 

The SC20+ offers increased robustness and cut resistance due to its new compound. Maintenance free (puncture proof and no air pressure checking required), both tires offer outstanding resistance to damage and cuts.

The SC18 (for North America & Asia) has a low rolling resistance and low energy consumption. It’s the perfect tire for harsh applications on un-surfaced ground and is protected against cutting damage.

Click here to find more information about Continental's truck tires

To complete our product portfolio find out more about Continental's car tires.