The first combine harvesters have started the 2020 harvest, but while many farmers are currently collecting grains at full speed, the corn crop is not due until the end of the summer. Just in time for the start of this year’s harvest season, Continental has announced an expansion of its agricultural tire portfolio.
Following the successful launch of the first sizes of the CombineMaster tires in 2019, 10 more sizes of the agricultural tire will be launched this year including, for the first time, a version incorporating the company’s VF technology.
Both versions of the tire use the company’s N.flex and d.fine lug technology, a combination which it says provides very good flexibility with low vibration on the carcass and high resistance to wear and tear. A high core strength is achieved through the use of a hexagonal bead, which the company said allows the carcass material to wrap itself around the core better, and thus improve power transmission.
The VF version of the tire enables operation at reduced air pressure – this protects both the tire and the soil. In addition, Continental stated that the rectangular core of the tire ensures high deflection of the sidewall.
The company noted that combine harvesters places very special demands on the tires. During harvesting operations, the tires have to withstand both cyclical loads in the field and high speeds on the road. While the counterweight of the cutter bar provides relief for the tires in the field, they are confronted with significantly higher weight on asphalt.
Continental said the VF tires enable farmers to save time and fuel, as well as avoid damaging soil compaction. Whereas previously it was necessary to adjust the tire pressure to the various work steps, this is no longer necessary – the tire can be driven without the need to adjust the air pressure to the weight of the load and the ground without any adverse effects.
