Continental Tire the Americas rolled out a new press-on band industrial tire for North American markets.

The ContiPT18, a solid industrial tire in press-on band construction, improves forklift traction, the company said. The tire is available in the first 10 of 11 planned sizes in standard low rolling resistance compound, and will be introduced in “clean” or non-marking compound later this quarter, according to U.S. sales manager Carol Piechan.

With a new tread design, the ContiPT18 features a wide, flat profile with increased lug to void ratio. The design is a deep, aggressive lug pattern which also includes a modified rib to enhance traction and deliver improved lateral stability, Conti said.

“The ContiPT18 is one of the first industrial tires we have introduced that is specifically engineered for North American forklift usage,” Piechan said. “Forklift operators can now look to the ContiPT18 for a press-on band tire that will improve their traction on uneven and wet surfaces such as loading docks, outdoor applications and ramp inclines.”

The ContiPT18 standard compounds currently are shipping from Continental’s distribution center in Lockbourne, Ohio. Distribution will be expanded to other distribution centers in Redlands, Calif., Gainesville, Ga., and Oshawa, Ont., when the non-marking compound comes available in second quarter 2011.

Planned sizes for the PT18 are: 16x5x10 1/2; 16x6x10 1/2; 18x6x12 1/8; 18x7x12 1/8; 18x8x12 1/8; 21x7x15; 21x8x15; 22x8x16; 22x9x16; 22x12x16; and 21x9x15, which will be available in the third quarter of 2011.