CONTINENTAL has a new telehandler and skid-steer loader tyre . The CompactMaster AG tyre is the first to be designed with a new Turtle Shield tread layer and twisted steel belt . “ This is a reinforced tyre with a hard shell and a more flexible steel wire construction to help prevent cuts and damage , whilst offering greater stability for materials handling work ,” explains Continental agricultural tyre specialist , Richard Hutchins .

“ This tyre 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 tyre 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 tyre ,” he adds .

The new tyre is capable of operating at speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour . “ This level of tolerance is an indication of the strength and flexibility of the tyre . The twisted steel belt

provides a robust yet flexible tyre that can run at higher pressures on the road to enhance fuel efficiency , and lower pressures in the yard or field when carrying heavy loads ,” he says .

Compared to a standard agricultural tyre pattern , the new lug design of the CompactMaster AG

tyre provides five percent more surface area . “ This lug design further enhances grip and will also contribute to the tyre wearing more evenly , which can improve the hours and mileages the tyre will deliver ,” says Mr Hutchins . The tyre also has a land-sea ( L / S ) ratio of 30

percent which means a larger portion of the tyre 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 tyres for use on more challenging surfaces ,” he adds .

Telehanders and skid-steer loaders also have to make stationary turns on hard surfaces which increases the lateral pressure that is put through the tyre . The twisted steel belt construction of the CompactMaster AG tyre makes it stiffer which provides greater stability . “ Lateral turns are common in the tight spaces these vehicles operate in , so we have designed a tyre that is more resilient and robust to soak up the strain the vehicle puts on it ,” he says .

Continental CompactMaster AG tyres are available for 24-inch wheels , size 460 / 70R24 159B .

BOSS ORV is delighted to announce they have been appointed as the sole UK and Ireland distributor for all Air-Rops products . Air-Rops offer a range of rollover solutions for the outdoor power equipment industry . ROPs on ATVs has always been a contentious issue but BOSS believe that in certain applications , and after a thorough risk assessment , they do

offer additional protection for the operator . Air-Rops have the advantage over traditional ROPs of not raising the centre of gravity of the machine as it sits lower than the operator when not deployed . The first Air-Rops product BOSS ORV has introduced is the AR Quad safety bar , for ATVs and agricultural machinery .

The AR Quad uses Air-Rops technology in a fully automatic Roll Over Protection System . They base the technology on state-of-the-art automotive components , including safety electronics and proven and reliable airbag gas inflators . The AR Quad electronic control unit continuously monitors the behaviour of the quad and warns the rider with acoustic and visual signals when the vehicle is about to reach a state where stability is compromised . The system automatically evaluates the rollover condition until a tilting state is reached and , only when the tilt takes place , activates the rollover bar . The electronic control unit operates the inflator , and the gas is fully released , extending the bar and the mechanism locks . The system only operates when the rider enters and cannot avoid the full tilt . The final position after deployment of the ROPS is limited to a maximum 90 °, preventing full rollover which not only helps minimise personal injury it also reduces damage to the quad .

The universal AR Quad design fits most ATVs with independent suspension using

bolts on the luggage carrier and towbar . Installation is easy as the system comes fully assembled and only requires the ATV dealer to perform simple electrical and mechanical actions . It requires no scheduled maintenance and is reusable after a rollover . It just needs inspection and approval by an ATV technician , and the gas generator can be replaced to return the bar to its original condition . Because it sits low behind the rider and is compact , you don ’ t notice the AR Quad when you are driving , only when it is needed . The system is SGS Certified and CE marked , adhering to the strictest environmental and regulatory standards . Anyone using a quad should seriously consider having an AR Quad fitted , it could one day save your life .

Air-Rops will only be available through specialist approved dealers and regional distributors and unlike other ROPs will not be available by mail order or directly online . This is to ensure that every unit is correctly installed and able to be monitored by the supplying dealer .

For all enquiries , you can contact sales @ bossorv . co . uk and visit www . bossorv . co . uk