How central tyre inflation systems improve farmers’ productivity

Central tyre inflation systems have been around for over 10 years. They offer operators the ability to adjust tyres pressures quickly and on the move to a predetermined set point.

This ensures that the machine in question is able to perform to its best, maximising productivity and reducing tyre wear, compaction and downtime. 

Can’t operators achieve the same result manually? Are the results really that impressive? Aren’t there pipes sticking out of the machine?

Manual vs automated adjustment

Fendt introduced their VarioGrip central tyre inflation system over 10 years ago.

One of the first things levelled at them was that the system was achieving the same as a person could do manually. 

Ultimately this is true, but in practice it is unlikely an operator will always do as they should. 

Time pressure, weather windows and a manager wanting to get on leads many to find a ‘one pressure fits all’ solution and then crack on.

This brings out the worst of both worlds; additional compaction in the field, reduced productivity, increased tyre wear on the road and in the field along with increased fuel consumption. Bad news.

Over 85% of Fendt tractors available with VarioGrip are now fitted with it.

Users report being able to ensure they get the best from their machine in the field and on the road without losing time when the operator goes from one pressure to another.

Small changes can be made ‘on the fly’ in order to maintain output regardless of the conditions.

© Fendt

Study results

An independent study by the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in Soest, Germany found some staggering results when testing two machines against each other, one equipped with VarioGrip and set to the correct tyre pressures and the other set to an in-between pressure. The following results were reported:

• Up to 8% lower fuel consumption in the field
• Up to 2% lower fuel consumption on the road
• Up to 3% increase in speed at the same engine output
• Up to 8% increase in work rate
• Potential savings of up to £43,500.

Read the full results.

But what about the pipes?

Fendt’s VarioGrip system is completely integrated into the tractor meaning no unsightly pipes.

The compressor, valve block and rotary valves are all kept in board, reducing the chance of damage and ensuring maximum reliability and dependability. 

Summary

With ever-changing weather windows, machines with ever greater flexibility and the need to drive efficiencies wherever possible, it is clear to see why VarioGrip is so popular and why it’s use is growing year-on-year.

© Fendt

Next steps

For more information on Fendt VarioGrip head to the website.

Fendt VarioGrip is available on Fendt 700 Vario Gen7, Fendt 800 Vario, Fendt 900 Vario and Fendt 1000 Vario tractors. To find out more about these models and others in the Fendt range visit the Fendt website.