A SAM Horizon 4000 is the first sprayer in the UK to use the new Continental VF (Very High Flexion) pressure and heat sensing tyres.
A feature of the VF TractorMaster 600/60 R30 floation tyres is ContiPressureCheck, a system that monitors the pressure and temperature, providing the operator with real time information on a display. The aim is to prevent tyre related issues such as underinflation or overloading to help the operator decide on the optimum running pressure.
The self-propelled sprayer is owned by James Goodley, who runs an arable farm in Norfolk. He is keen to reduce tyre pressures as low as possible to maximise the footprint and minimise soil compaction.
Launched a year ago at the 2019 Agritechnica, the VF TractorMaster 600/60 R30 162D/159E tyres fitted to the SAM sprayer are part of a larger range now available in the UK.
“My concern has always been to not run them too low, and that is where the tyre monitor comes in, because it can tell the operator if the pressure is safe and correct,” he says.
A big feature of VF tyres in the field is that pressures can be lowered by 40% compared to standard tyres. “This spreads the weight of the vehicle over a larger surface area and reduces soil compaction,” explains Continental agricultural tyre specialist, Richard Hutchins. “On the road, they enable the vehicle to carry 40% more load than a standard tyre at the same pressure.”
