Continental has launched new VF TractorMaster Hybrid with intelligent sensors for digital tyre monitoring at Agritechnica 2019
With its vision of intelligent tyres and zero accidents as well as the varied working environment of farmers in mind, Continental continuously develops digital solutions for agricultural tyres.
Consistent performance from the road to the field
The Continental VF TractorMaster Hybrid tyres are designed to give operators the technology to efficiently adjust the pressure to correspond with the task. Developed in Lousado, Portugal, in close cooperation with other European research and development units, the very high flexion (VF) tyres feature a new and unique hybrid tread pattern that is designed to offer traction in the field and be more comfortable on the road.
The structure of the Continental VF TractorMaster Hybrid tyre carcass is more resistant than standard tyres so it can operate at lower pressures in the field and at higher speeds on the road while carrying the same load. This has added importance as underinflated tyres on the road increase fuel consumption, whilst overinflated tyres in the field lead to increased soil compaction.
Increasing efficiency and safety
Continental developed a completely integrated tyre pressure monitoring system consisting of different components, which include the sensors, a yard reader station, backend management as well as a web portal and notification service.
With ContiConnect, the data gathered by the sensors will be collected by a yard reader station as the vehicle passes by the receiver in the yard and sends the data to the backend where it is analyzed and interpreted. The yard reader station is installed at the fleet´s frequent touchpoints, like washing bays, gas stations, the farm or other check-points.
ContiPressureCheck operates on individual vehicles to provide the operator with real-time tyre data. Together the technology offers a comprehensive insight into how agricultural machinery tyres are performing. The sensor in the tyre measures and communicates the pressure and the tyre temperature to help the operator decide on the optimum running pressure.
Digital solutions for enhancing farming operations
The regular control of the right tyre pressure and the temperature is crucial for safety and efficiency during daily farming operations and to save time and money. Farmers, for example, often drive long distances of 30km and more when harvesting cereals or transporting goods. Over long distances, the tyres often overheat, which affects the steering ability of the vehicle and can lead to permanent damage and even premature tyre failure.
Reducing soil compaction
ContiConnect and ContiPressureCheck can reduce soil compaction and resulting fluctuations in plant growth by ensuring a constantly low, correct tyre pressure on farming machinery through accurate and automatic measurement of tyre conditions.
The web portal allows remote monitoring of the entire fleet´s tyre performance and puts control into the hands of the fleet managers and co-workers to guarantee correct usage of tyre pressure for optimal growth conditions.
