Continental’s VF Hybrid tyre has come out on top in the German Agricultural Societry’s (DLG) test assessing the efficiency of premium agricultural tyres for tractors. The brand’s 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 the hybrid tyres had great potential in terms of fuel and time savings by doing the same work faster.
Continental’s Benjamin Hübner said the result highlights how the new generation of Continental tyres, manufactured at a purpose-built facility at 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, the 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 standout benefit was the improvement in fuel consumption. The VF technology of the hybrid tyre demonstrated the capacity to carry 40 per cent more load at the same pressure as a standard radial tyre, but with the added benefit of improved fuel efficiency. A 1.8% per cent fuel saving against the IF tyre, and a 0.4 per cent saving over a competitor hybrid tyre, demonstrated that the Continental VF TractorMaster Hybrid was the most fuel-efficient for the work carried out in the test on the field.
The block tread pattern also performed better at uphill work. The test report stated that 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, which in turn improves grip by one third.
“In the field test, the hybrid tyre delivered the maximum tractive performance, and the fuel consumption was the lowest of all the tyres tested,” Mr Hübner said, “and we’re 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.”
