Continental’s agricultural tyre specialist, Tom Godwin, has highlighted the increased risk of tyre damage from stubble in min-till systems, urging farmers to consider tyre choice and pressure adjustments to mitigate this issue.
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Challenges with Min-Till Systems
Min-till cultivation requires cereal crops to be cut lower than traditional plough systems, resulting in shorter stubbles that can protrude at sharper angles and potentially damage tyres. Godwin explains, “Lower or shorter stubbles protrude at sharper angles, with the potential to damage tyres because the stalk will not be pushed over, and can instead dig in. This can cause damage to the lug and, at low pressures, the sidewall, as it bulges under the weight of the tractor.”
To address this, Continental has developed the d.fine lug design, which offers 5% greater lug coverage to protect the tyre. Additionally, a nylon layer beneath the tread enhances flexibility. Godwin suggests running tyres at higher pressures than usual during harvest to reduce the risk of stubble damage. He notes, “Harvest is a rare example of when it can be beneficial to run tyres at higher than normal pressure, and we recommend up to 0.4 bar.”
While increased pressure can help protect tyres, it can also lead to soil compaction. Godwin advises utilising tramlines and headlands for field travel and loading to minimise this risk. “It is a tricky decision to make, but if a tractor or harvester is doing long hours, heat build-up can become an issue. We therefore suggest that utilising tramlines and headlands for field travel and loading is important to reduce compaction,” he says.
Continental offers a 10-year warranty on its agricultural tyres, including three years of stubble damage cover for tyres made since 2017 in their Lousado plant. Godwin emphasises, “Continental is the only premium manufacturer offering a 10-year warranty that includes three years stubble damage cover.”
The warranty covers all Continental TractorMaster and CombineMaster tyres, including very high flexion (VF) and hybrid tyres. Godwin adds, “Our agricultural tyres have been tested to much higher tolerances than ever before and we are confident to support this by offering our customers a 10-year warranty.”
Continental’s CombineMaster harvester tyre features a unique Hexa bead construction for road safety and reduced soil compaction in the field. The TractorMaster tyre also incorporates Continental’s patented N.Flex Technology, a nylon layer that helps the tyre return to its original shape after impacts and heavy use. This technology reduces the occurrence of flat spots and provides a more comfortable ride, even after the tyres have cooled overnight.
Godwin concludes, “Tractor and combine tyres reach high temperatures during road use at harvest time. When parked overnight, the tyres cool to the shape of the parked position, creating so-called flat spots. N.Flex reduces the occurrence of flat spots, provides a more comfortable ride and will help protect the tyre against damage.”
