German technology provider Continental has developed Agro ContiSeal, a new polymer that seals punctures to allow the vehicle to continue operating. Agro ContiSeal, as it is known as, can prevent punctures in agricultural tyres reducing downtime. The patented polymer that is applied to the inside of the tyre immediately seals any puncture caused by foreign objects. The polymer, which is still under development and not brought to the agriculture market yet, recently won the German Agritechnica innovation award.
Commenting on the product Benjamin Hübner, Product Line Manager Agricultural Tires for Continental Commercial Specialty Tires said: “A puncture can be very costly when it does occur. Agro ContiSeal enables the vehicle to continue working even after a puncture from an object up to 12mm in diameter. This will save those who choose Continental tyres with ContiSeal time and money, whilst also offering peace of mind throughout the year. We are very happy that the DLG awarded our technology.”
There is no need for a vehicle fitted with ContiSeal lined tyres to slow down following a puncture or change the tyre immediately. The sticky polymer covers the puncture and prevents loss of pressure.
“It seems like such a simple solution to a common problem, but Agro ContiSeal will help many agricultural operators to keep moving until they have time to change the tire,” Benjamin Hübner adds. The technology is still in development and not yet available on the market for agricultural tyres. Hübner: “We are currently working on bringing this technology into production soon.”
Zero or minimum tillage farming is growing in popularity as farmers seek to reduce the impact of heavy machinery on the land. However, the residual stubble, that can be left for more than a year, hardens, and represents a much higher risk to tyres. “Agro ContiSeal will offer a way to operate more reliably in stubble fields and will offer confidence to those looking to improve soil health by practicing minimum tillage methods,” Hübner concludes.
With ContiSeal for agricultural tyres, Continental transfers its expertise from the automotive industry to the agricultural sector where the technology is already successful implemented. As part of Continental’s strategy program “Vision 2030”, Continental is striving to grow in the agricultural tyre segment and to expand its agricultural tyre business.