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Conti EcoPlus HD3: New low profile tire with high load capacity for volume transport

More stringent checks to ensure compliance with the permitted overall height of volume transports pose significant challenges for transport companies and demand new vehicle concepts. The Conti EcoPlus HD3 is the German premium tire manufacturer’s first drive axle tire developed exclusively for low-liners. This 315/45 R 22.5 tire is specially designed for the requirements of … Continued

More stringent checks to ensure compliance with the permitted overall height of volume transports pose significant challenges for transport companies and demand new vehicle concepts. The Conti EcoPlus HD3 is the German premium tire manufacturer’s first drive axle tire developed exclusively for low-liners. This 315/45 R 22.5 tire is specially designed for the requirements of the volume transport segment and despite its low diameter is suitable for axle loads of 11.6 tons in dual fitment. The incorporation of the latest technology makes this low profile tire the lowest in its class, enabling the best possible use to be made of the 3-meter internal load height of the trailer without exceeding the maximum permitted total height. 

The maximum legal exterior height of four meters is a continual problem for fleet operators. The use of conventional truck tires such as the 60 series does not allow the internal load height to be fully utilized, without exceeding the maximum permitted overall height. The new Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 is designed specifically for the drive axle of low-liners. With a diameter of just 852 millimeters, it lowers the fifth-wheel height of the towing vehicle to ensure that the permitted external height is not exceeded. To develop the tire, Continental worked closely with truck and trailer manufactures who modified their vehicle concepts as a whole.

Conti EcoPlus HD3
The Conti EcoPlus HD3, size 315/45 R 22.5, for the drive axle.

The Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 has a much lower diameter than a comparable 60s series tire. In twin fitment, this tire is still suitable for an axle load of 11.6 tons because the belt ply was constructed using 0° technology. To achieve narrower sidewalls for this low-profile tire, a special carcass cord was used. This highly stable but very flexible material enables the casing to easily withstand localized high bending loads.

The low tire diameter also presents a special challenge to the rubber compound for the tread. Due to their lower rolling circumference, low profile tires naturally have a lower wear volume. The new rubber compound of the Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 guarantees optimum tread wear with low rolling resistance.

Like all of Continental’s Generation 3 tires, the Conti EcoPlus HD 3 315/45 uses a retreadable premium carcass featuring the patented AirKeep® inner liner against creeping loss of compressed air. The regroovable tread extends the life of the traction tire and makes it more economical. The side wall of the Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 features both the M+S symbol and the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol (3PMSF), making it a safe choice for snow-covered roads too.

In the coming months, the Conti EcoPlus portfolio will be extended with the Conti EcoPlus HS3, size 355/50 R 22.5. Together with the Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45, this low-profile steer axle tire is the ideal choice for tractor units and semi-trailers in volume transport.

The Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 and the Conti EcoPlus HS3 355/50 are a welcome addition to the tire family designed specifically for long-haul service and regional transport with frequent use of freeways.

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