Fuel saving capability was one of the main reasons why Continental's VF Hybrid tyre won this year's Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft (DLG) test series for agricultural tyres for use in tractors.

Its TractorMaster Hybrid was compared with another hybrid tyre from a reputable manufacturer and an IF model (improved flexion) with a fishbone tread pattern. The DLG stated that hybrid tyres had 'great potential in terms of fuel and time savings by doing the same work faster.'

Benjamin Hübner, from Continental's commercial specialty tyres division, said: “This result highlights just how the new generation of Continental tyres, manufactured at a purpose-built facility in Lousado, Portugal, since 2017, are more efficient for a wide range of agricultural work and represent a valuable investment for operators looking for agricultural advantage.”

In the test, DLG assessed the efficiency of premium branded tyres and demonstrated that the Continental tyre 'transmitted significantly higher traction to the ground, than a premium brand IF tyre with a traditional tread pattern.'

A major benefit was an improvement in fuel consumption. The VF technology of the hybrid tyre demonstrated the capacity to carry 40% more load at the same pressure as a standard radial tyre, but with the added benefit of improved fuel efficiency.

A 1.8% fuel saving against the IF tyre and a 0.4% saving over a competitor hybrid tyre, demonstrated that it was the most fuel-efficient for the work carried out in the test on the field, said Continental.

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The block tread pattern also performed better at uphill work. The test report stated: “The lugs that help transmit the drive power to the ground are stiffer on the hybrid tyre. This means this tyre develops less mould slip and this, in turn, improved grip by one third.”

In the field test, the hybrid delivered the maximum tractive performance and the fuel consumption was the lowest of all the tyres tested.

“We are pleased that the test confirmed the premium quality of our tyres. As part of our ‘Vision 2030’ strategy, we aim to further expand our agricultural tyre business. Our VF TractorMaster Hybrid is a good example of how engineering can help agriculture to reduce fuel consumption and the impact of heavy machines on the land,” concluded Mr Hübner.

Keep working with new seal system

A major award has been given to Continental for its Agro ContiSeal system which includes a new polymer that seals punctures to allow the vehicle to continue operating.

DLG awarded a silver medal to the technology in its 2022 innovation awards. The system is not yet available as it is still undergoing evaluation, by Continental said it would be available 'soon'.

It works using a patented polymer that's applied to the inside of the tyre, which immediately seals any puncture caused by foreign objects.

Punctures can be costly, but the option of having Agro ContiSeal in ag tyres enables vehicles to continue working even after a puncture from an object up to 12mm in diameter.

There is no need for a vehicle fitted with the lined tyres to slow down following a puncture, or change the tyre immediately. The sticky polymer covers the puncture and prevents loss of pressure.