Tyres make winners. It was not tenths of a second, but rather about staying ahead over the long haul that counted during the test runs on the construction roads made of wood and steel. The staccato of shocks, the particularly treacherous slippery slabs in wet conditions, and the responsibility of getting up to 25 tonnes of payload to its destination quickly and safely at all times were a challenge for the drivers and put a strain on the material. Bergmann tested the C810, C815 and C828 dumpers with the aim of creating an optimised transport system for construction roads.
More energy will need to be transported from northern to southern Germany Thousands of kilometres of electricity and gas lines are being upgraded or newly built. The material flows along the expansion routes are often handled on construction roads. The Bergmann dumpers are ideal for this application scenario as they do not require a turning area thanks to their swivel seat function, and – as has long been proven in tunnel construction – they can efficiently handle transport in both forward and reverse directions. Due to the good cooperation, Bergmann decided to carry out the tyre test with Bohnenkamp as its partner. Main focus and objective: increasing work safety, efficiency, driving stability and comfort during transport on construction roads. The brand new Bergmann Water Cart, responsible for binding dust on and off the construction road, proved to be an indispensable aid during the test drives.
Test under real conditions
With the aim of optimising transport routes and times on linear building sites, various construction road systems were tested on the terrain of JOHANN BUNTE construction company in Papenburg. A construction road made of wooden beams (excavator mats) and steel plates was built. The Bergmann C810, C815 and C828 dumpers with 9-, 12- and 25-tonne payloads travelled the test track repeatedly at various speeds and with different loads. The aim was to determine whether the BKT brand tyres recommended by Bohnenkamp were up to the task and could achieve the required performance. "All theory is grey. Only driving tests under practical conditions in combination with our calculations provide a clear picture and enable us to create the most economical and safest concept for the customer. The most important environmental aspects such as ground pressure and exhaust emissions are also part of the assessment," say Bohnenkamp tyre specialists Sven van Buer and Michael Fischer.
Initially, the dumpers travelled over the dry site road at different speeds with no load. Every experience and every measured value was carefully documented. In phases 2 and 3, the tests were carried out again with loaded dumpers and on wet roads. For these scenarios, it is important to adjust the tyre pressure to the load. Sven van Buer and Michael Fischer from Bohnenkamp were on site to advise the Bergmann team.
Further tests determined the behaviour of the tyre/vehicle combinations under extreme conditions, such as when driving on the edges of the construction road, during abrupt steering movements, and emergency braking. Finally, Bergmann carried out vibration measurements. Rolling the tyres as smoothly as possible relieves the strain on drivers considerably, supports their concentration and therefore significantly enhances workplace safety and efficiency on construction sites.
The objectively optimal solution
Bergmann has always gone to great lengths when developing the ideal vehicle solution for every customer. This also includes a well-founded tyre recommendation that is not based solely on empirical values and assumptions but validated by practical tests. The results also provide a reliable basis for calculation methods used in the development of new models. This will ensure that customers get even better advice in the future. IIn BKT, Bergmann has found a tyre brand that meets its own demands of an optimal solution for the transport on construction site roads and delivers the best possible result for the customers.
Show tread: the test winners from BKT
BKT Ridemax FL 693 M (Tyre size: 560/45 R 22.5 - Vehicle: Bergmann C810)
The BKT Ridemax FL 693 M is the ideal tyre for those who often drive on road sections with trailers/tankers. Developed for 70% road use, Ridemax FL 693 M stands out for its excellent performance on the road. Properties such as comfort and self-cleaning play a central role here. The class D/E speed index of the series is synonymous with higher speeds on road journeys while also saving a significant amount of time. The low rolling resistance contributes to fuel savings, and the reinforced bead ensures greater durability.
BKT Ridemax FL 693 M in the shop
BKT Earthmax SR 30 (E-3/L-3) (Tyre size: 20.5 R 25 - Vehicle: Bergmann C815)
The BKT Earthmax SR 30 (E-3/L-3) is an all-steel radial tyre designed for dual use with loaders or articulated dumpers. Multi-layer steel belts and a rigid block profile ensure first-class traction, stability and durability. The special, cut-resistant rubber compound makes the Earthmax SR 30 the ideal tyre for a variety of tough operating conditions.
BKT Earthmax SR 30 in the shop
BKT Earthmax SR 31 (Tyre size: 23.5 R 25 - Vehicle: Bergmann C828)
The BKT Earthmax SR 31 is an all-steel radial tyre specially designed for articulated dumpers and wheel loaders. The multi-layered steel belts offer unique durability and stability, while the non-directional, rigid block profile ensures first-class traction and manoeuvrability, even on muddy ground. In addition to excellent ride comfort, Earthmax SR 31 is characterised by a special, particularly cut-resistant and heat-resistant tread compound. The radial structure also has reduced rolling resistance, which is reflected in lower fuel consumption.