John Deere 8R Series tractor drivers can now continually monitor and adjust tyre pressures with just the push of a button using a new fully integrated central tyre inflation (CTIF) system.
Available ex-factory on 8Rs fitted with independent link suspension, this in-house manufactured system is operated using the tractor’s CommandCenter display.
Using an on-board compressor, tyres can be deflated for field work to increase their footprint by nearly 25%, with a reduction of up to 3psi in ground pressure, giving two to four percent less wheel slip. Other benefits of lower in-field tyres pressures include reduced compaction and fuel consumption and increased pulling performance.
The large diameter of the air lines is said to result in fast inflation and deflation times. For example, the internal pressure of a 710/75R42 and 650/60R34 combination can be increased from 0.8 to 1.8 bar in under six and a half minutes when travelling on the road to improve driving behaviour and reduce rolling resistance and tyre wear. Less than four minutes is needed to release the pressure from the same tyres.
An external compressed air connection allows even faster inflation, for example by taking air from a slurry tank compressor. It is also possible to connect an air gun for cleaning purposes, if required. Instead of the usual standard plastic air lines, strong fabric hoses are used, which are secured to the tractor’s front and rear wheels.
The CTIS option costs £13,490 in the UK (€14,555 in Ireland).
