The FETF’s 60% grant funding for central tyre inflation systems (CTIS) is set to enhance soil health, backed by Continental’s additional tech support for farmers.
Unlocking Soil Health: FETF Grants 60% Funding for CTIS, Backed by Continental’s Agricultural Tire Expertise
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) has made both onboard and retrofittable central tyre inflation systems (CTIS) eligible for 60% grant funding. Agricultural tyre manufacturer Continental believes this can only have a positive effect on soil health. It offers additional technology to help farmers take advantage of it.
“60% of the expected £6,933 CTIS cost will be covered by the FETF, which means the investment is just £2,773.20. This will provide benefits far beyond the cost for both machine efficiency and soil health,” says agricultural tyre specialist Tom Godwin.
The grant caveats include that the inflation system must be capable of regulating all the tyres on the vehicle. This can be achieved by the operator from the cab using a control panel linked to a pneumatic control unit. The grant does not cover cars and trucks but will apply to tractors, sprayers, loaders, and some forestry machinery.
“This will enable operators to significantly reduce soil compaction by adjusting pressure for load and ground conditions. However, load indexes can often be tricky to find and follow, which is why Continental has a phone app to help operators set up and monitor tyre pressures using a CTIS,” says Godwin.
Optimise Pressure Anywhere: Continental’s TireTech App for Agricultural Tyres
Continental’s TireTech app is available for Apple and Android devices. It contains data about all Continental’s agricultural tyres, including tractor, telehandler, and sprayer tyres, enabling the operator to select the optimum pressure for the load.
“We also offer ContiPressureCheck, a tyre sensor that fits the rim of the vehicle to monitor heat build-up and pressure. Whilst setting the pressure at the start of a job has many benefits, the true value of a CTIS can be better realised by having up to the minute tyre information because pressures can vary by more than 10 percent during a working day,” advises Godwin.
The FETF also contributes to the specification of CTIS on new machines. Some brands have developed in-built systems, such as Fendt’s VarioGrip, that can be specified when purchasing specific models. Continental offers a full range of tyres that can be specified on new machines.
“It is encouraging to see more brands offering CTIS as an option because if buyers choose to specify tyres that can deliver the full benefit of these systems, we can reduce the impact machinery has on our soils,” concludes Mr Godwin.
