Continental has released its first single filament bead core combine harvester tyre. The CombineMaster tyre has a unique Hexa bead construction that is safer on the road and helps reduce soil compaction in the field.
By using a bead core made of a single piece of steel wrapped around the circumference of the tyre up to one hundred times, Continental has created a combine tyre that holds its shape, even when run at very low pressures. “Tyres with a single wire bead are safer and quicker to fit, hold the rim better and transfer torque more efficiently which reduces slippage,” explains Continental agricultural tyre specialist, Richard Hutchins.
The bead is an essential part of a tyre because it keeps the tyre on the rim of the wheel. Many agricultural tyres use as many as ten individual wires to create one bead. However, multiple joins in the bead can cause weaknesses and there is a risk that the tyre can detach from the rim, especially at low pressures.
“The bead is as important as the rubber and nylon in a tyre. Our research showed a more flexible tyre with a stronger single bead construction can be run at a lower pressure which helps to reduce soil compaction. Most importantly the tyre will grip the rim even at very low pressures. This reduces the risk of the tyre slipping off the rim whilst helping to spread the huge weight of a combine,” says Mr Hutchins.
The hexagonal section of the bead is stronger and smoother than the common rectangular design which also makes it better on the road. “This is especially important for the front tyres which take more weight and torque. Our N.Flex carcass material coupled with the Hexa bead makes the CombineMaster tyre safer and more comfortable on the road,” says Mr Hutchins.
Continental’s patent pending N.Flex Technology is a heat-treated nylon that sits beneath the rubber to help the tyre return to its original shape following impacts and heavy use. “Combine tyres reach high temperatures during road use. When parked overnight the tyres cool to the shape of the parked position creating so called flat spots. When the combine is used again the operator will experience ride disturbance because the tyres are not a perfect circle. N.Flex reduces the occurrence of flat spots and provides a more comfortable ride” explains Mr Hutchins.
