VF900/60R42 : Continental introduces largest tractor tyre

Continental has launched its largest tractor tyre to date, the VF TractorMaster in size VF900/60R42. With a diameter of 214.7 centimetres, the tyre is larger than a door frame and weighs 450 kilogrammes. It has a load index of 189 (10,300 kilogrammes). Continental has developed the tyre size specifically to carry the weight of agricultural machinery producing more than 300 horsepower.

Rising costs and the pressure to transport increasingly larger loads in a shorter time mean that the demand for powerful agricultural machinery is growing. “This development not only demands top performance from machines, but also from their tyres,” comments Benjamin Hübner, product line manager for Agricultural Tires at Continental. “That is why we develop and test our agricultural tyres in close consultation with our customers.” The need to work more efficiently and cost-effectively is driving the trend toward large machines, and in response to this demand Continental therefore launched five new VF TractorMaster sizes last year: 650/60 R 34; 650/65 R 42; 710/75 R42; 650/65 R 34; 710/60 R 34.

Smooth transition from field to road

Thanks to VF technology, the tyre can be driven with 40 per cent more load at the same tyre pressure as a standard tyre or 40 per cent less tyre pressure at the same load. In addition, tyres with VF technology operate more fuel-efficiently than conventional tractor tyres. “The VF TractorMaster combines efficiency and soil preservation. The VF technology allows for a smooth transition from field to road without having to adjust the tyre pressure. At the same time, the impact of heavy machinery on the soil is minimised by a wider tread surface when working in the field,” adds Hübner.

Continental says it is “striving to continuously expand” its agricultural tyre business as part of the company’s Vision 2030 strategy. The expansion of the portfolio and the realignment of the Agricultural Tires business field, headed by Ivonne Bierwirth since August 2022, underscore the company’s growth strategy.