A new hybrid tractor tyre from Continental is now available in the UK and Ireland to help with the demanding road to field transitions of silage work.

The very high flexion (VF) tyre is fitted with a pressure monitoring sensor and has a tread pattern that offers comfort and durability on the road, whilst protecting the sward in the field.

“Hybrid tyres are safer, more efficient and offer better comfort to the operator. Pressure sensor technology is the future of tyre functionality because tyres can run at the optimum pressure on the road and in the field,” said Continental’s agricultural tyre specialist, Richard Hutchins.

Its tread is designed to be comfortable on the road, but still offer excellent grip in the field. The sensor in the tyre communicates pressure and temperature to a terminal in the cab which helps the operator decide on the optimum running pressure. Coupled with onboard inflation technology, tyre pressure can also be adjusted without leaving the tractor.

“Under-inflated tyres on the road increase fuel consumption, whilst over-inflated tyres in the field lead to increased soil compaction. The ContiPressureCheck sensor in the hybrid tyre helps the operator to monitor and choose the correct pressure to make the vehicle kinder to the soil and more efficient on the road,” pointed out Mr Hutchins.

The tyre was developed using computer modelling in the research and development department at Continental’s agricultural manufacturing facility in Lousado, Portugal, to design a tyre specifically designed for frequent transitioning from field to road.

VF tyres can carry 40% more load than a standard tyre at the same pressure. Alternatively, in the field, the pressure can be lowered by forty percent, even when carrying the same load. The structure of the VF tyre carcass is more resistant than standard tyres so the tyre can operate at lower pressures in the field and at higher speeds on the road.