The CombineMaster and CombineMaster VF tyres from Continental will now be available with the ContiPressureCheck system, which monitors pressure and temperature to prevent downtime during harvest.
Sensors in the tyre communicate pressure information and heat build-up to the cab, enabling the operator to make informed decisions on tyre pressure. Two warning levels are integrated into the system; the first suggests that a fault has occurred but that the machine can continue to work, while the second calls for an immediate stop due to a more severe issue.
“This is a good way to improve the life of combine tyres and reduce unnecessary downtime. Operators can choose to have a handheld device or a terminal mounted in the cab. Both will feed back information on the tyre and help the operator to make adjustments that will reduce the likelihood of tyre failure,” explained Continental agricultural tyre specialist Rebecca Shedden.
As the most sensitive part of the tyre is the valve, ContiPressureCheck enables operators to see tyre data without touching the valve. The company states that this offers a safer and more secure way to monitor tyres, as well as reduce the risk of dirt ingress.
Miss Shedden explained that many tyres are replaced before the tread has worn fully. This is largely due to unknown tyre damage. “ContiPressureCheck is constantly monitoring tyre performance in real time and providing data to the operator. This helps to prevent downtime because the tyre will not be under undue stress and any fault in the tyre will be reported in time for the operator to make repairs or adjustments.”
The monitors can be retrofitted or purchased with the new generation of Continental agricultural tyres. “Continental has been manufacturing new tyres at a facility in Lousado, Portugal since 2017. These tyres are all covered by a 10-year warranty and designed to work with ContiPressureCheck, which can be specified when purchasing tyres or added retrospectively to extend tyre life and improve operational efficiency,” she concluded.
For more information go to www.continental-tyres.co.uk