In the agricultural sector, the guiding principle for years has been “sustainability,” a term with countless facets but one that encapsulates the need to operate comprehensively to make farming practices increasingly respectful of the environment. It is obviously difficult to disagree with this necessity, but much harder to pursue it while simultaneously accepting the idea that farms are also expected to increase production while keeping commodity prices stable, despite the constant rise in treatment and fuel costs.
Contrasting themes, therefore, which Continental sought to explore to understand how well they are embraced by operators and what their perspectives are.
Sustainability Yes, But Functional
Conducted at the end of 2023 in collaboration with the market research institute Innofact and named “Agriculture in Transition,” the study confirmed that sustainability is omnipresent and its importance has long been recognized in agriculture, along with the need to improve both the quality and quantity of products to meet market demands while safeguarding budgets. According to two out of three farmers, this balance can only be achieved by leveraging the latest cultivation technologies, particularly those impacting soil. In fact, soil protection is deemed a priority by 69% of respondents, with a significant proportion—around four out of ten—identifying reduced soil compaction as a concrete solution to this need.
This explains the appreciation for “Vf”-certified tires, which can carry about 40% more load at the same pressure as standard tires or the same load at a pressure about 40% lower. Continental responds to this demand with a wide range of products designed to equip tractors and combine harvesters, including the “Vf TractorMaster,” “Vf TractorMaster Hybrid,” and “Vf CombineMaster” product lines. These tires combine low soil compaction with superior reliability and durability, appreciated by 72% of farmers who operate with a long-term vision. For these farmers, when facing an investment, they prioritize total cost of ownership—including operating and maintenance costs—over the initial purchase price.
Superior Flexibility
In this context, the “N.flex” technology, which gives the bead and sidewall areas superior flexibility, promotes optimal distribution of load and traction forces, making the constructions particularly robust. Meanwhile, optimized bead and belt designs, along with the flexible materials used in carcass construction, ensure longer service life, increased tire efficiency, and greater resistance to punctures and wear. This translates into lower repair costs, reduced downtime, and less frequent replacements.
Title: Continental Technologies Becoming Increasingly Strategic
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