FTL Technology Ltd

In agricultural environments, tire pressures can be adjusted to suit field operations to increase floatation and help to reduce soil compaction.

This relates to farming tractors, combined harvesters, trailers, sprayers and forage harvesters.  

Operating a vehicle on incorrect pressure shortens tyre life and unnecessarily increases soil compaction, which reduces crop yield.

Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS) can deliver optimum performance in agricultural vehicles.

CTIS has been used in the industry for several years now, allowing farmers and users of the vehicles to control and adjust the air pressure in tyres, to increase traction and spread the weight.

This means the vehicles accommodate varying, challenging terrains and conditions quickly; resulting in increased production and reduced soil compaction.

Soil compaction is a serious issue for many farmers. When soil is compacted, it loses the ability to store air and water, which are crucial for seed germination and crop growth.

Why are CTIS so beneficial?

• By decreasing the tyre air pressure, the surface area of the tyre in contact with the ground increases – making driving on softer terrains much easier.
• Likewise, increasing the tyre air pressure decreases the tyre surface area in contact with the ground, making driving on harsher terrains much easier.
• Incorrect tire pressures can have a significant negative impact on the vehicle’s operational ability including increased tyre wear, fuel consumption, ground compaction and increased driver fatigue.
• There are many links between poorly optimised tire pressures and poor vehicle performance.

What is the right configuration for agricultural vehicles?

CTI Systems are available in two main configurations, internal and external.

These two systems share many components such as a UEPCU (Universal Electrical and Pneumatic Control Unit) OCP, (Operator Control Panel), air tanks and wheel connection hoses.

But there are also significant differences between the systems.

For agricultural applications, the typical solution would be an External CTI system. The key advantages of an External CTI system include:

• Ease of retrofitting
• Ease of removal
• Do not require the axles to have an internal air passage

How can they improve your agricultural vehicles?

• Your tyres could last up to 15% longer
• Keep your downtime to an absolute minimum
• Peak performance across all terrain in all weathers
• Average cabin vibration levels up to 10% lower
• Save between 1% and 4% on fuel costs
• Better wheel slip - incorrect pressures can result in up to 40% of engine power lost through tyre slip
• Reduce vehicle maintenance costs
• Better preservation of the top 200mm of a road surface
• Reduction in risk of vehicle breakdown - just two tyre bursts in five million kilometres of CTIS-assisted travel for one client

FTL Technology has an outstanding track record of improving the operational performance of vehicles through custom Central Tire Inflation Systems. Working alongside vehicle and axle OEMs, as well as retrofit providers, we have supplied and installed CTI components for clients across the globe.

We do not have a one-size-fits-all approach; using our vast technical expertise and experience, we develop unique CTI solutions to solve every problem.

If you would like to speak to the expert, please contact our Director Warwick Lockwood who has been working in the field (no pun intended) for over 27 years now.

Please give him a call on 0113 252 1061 or email him directly at WLockwood@idexcorp.com.