Combining track and tyre

The concept offers less damage to the soil, increased traction and potentially higher operating speeds, but in most cases, the configuration of the systems doesn’t lend itself to the orchard or vineyard sectors, where narrow rows and often sloping terrain cause issues.

Trelleborg has addressed the problem of protecting the topsoil and reducing damage to tree roots or vines with its PneuTrac hybrid system, said to offer the advantages of rubber tracks, with reduced overall width and less lateral slippage.

The design of PneuTrac sees the traditional tyre sidewall changed to Cup Wheel Technology, with the ability to carry loads, flexibility and importantly an increase in footprint of around 10% for a similar sized conventional tyre, which helps to reduce soil compaction.

Progressive Traction technology sees an innovative tread lug design, with a wide lug base increasing traction by up to 6%, stability, particularly on slopes, improved self-cleaning capability, a 60% improvement in handling and steering, as well as a 160% increase in comfort over tracks.

Trelleborg notes that PneuTrac is around 20% lighter than typical track systems and is efficient over the whole contact area, unlike tracks, which deliver the best results at the rear of the assembly, ensuring there is a more even distribution of traction and a reduction in soil damage.

One impressed user of PneuTrac tyres is Ross Tanner of Tanner Spraying, contractors based in Katikati. Having run the system on his New Holland tractor since 2022, Ross comments, “the PneuTrac tyres mean I can go places I couldn’t go to before and with much less mess”.

“We strongly believe that Pneu- Trac is a game changer for the NZ viticulture market, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable farming by helping to protect some of our most valuable agricultural assets,” says Mark Prentice, national sales manager for TRS Tyre & Wheel Ltd.

“With the roots of vines susceptible to damage, the system helps preserve the structure of the topsoil by reducing lateral machine slippage that could easily be a disaster for both the soil and roots,” says Mark.

PneuTrac is available in VF sizes 280/70R18, 280/70R20, 420/70R28 and 480/65R28.