Technology: ContiTech chassis system concept for compact loaders

Hanover, Germany – Continental Corp. has developed a new chassis system concept for compact loaders which it claims will make driving conditions “significantly more comfortable.”

In addition to reduced vibration and noise, the system offers better safety and efficiency by ensuring “less fatigue and greater attentiveness while working”.

Offering higher operating speed, the system is also claimed to offer longer lifetime compared to its conventional set-ups, giving it an improved price/performance ratio.

In terms of technical specifications, ContiTech said the solution reduces vibration level by as much as 7dB while halving ‘sound intensity’.

The solid-rubber tracks, according to the company, ensure that compact loaders do not sink into soft ground and offer good traction in challenging conditions.

Conventional drive systems have two tracks tensioned around a track suspension system mounted on the chassis.

The metal-on-metal track drive can generate substantial noise levels and vibration leading to a jerky drive for the operator and a restricted operating speed.

As well as noise and vibration issues, the concept also addresses premature wear, which happens in conventional systems due to high localised stresses.

“Our vision for a new complete drive system with drive lugs made of solid rubber reduces physical stresses on drivers. That protects their health and improves their working conditions,” ContiTech said in a release.