Modern, heavy, powerful industrial tractors require high horsepower, strong tires and rims to transmit all forces to the field or the road. Basic research in this area has been limited but is now ready for a major step forward through a combined research project between Fendt, Kistler, Goodyear and the Institute of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Hohenheim, Germany.

The objective of this research is to measure and investigate the forces and moments acting on tires, rims and the chassis and use these results to model and further improve the interaction between all components.
For this purpose, a top of the range Fendt 936 Vario 4WD tractor will be equipped with new Kistler 6 component measuring professional wheels Type 9269A1 and Goodyear OPTITRAC R+ tires in 2 new sizes, 650/65R34 in front and 710/75R42 on the rear.

This project started in April 2007 and will continue through 2009 and will see several Hohenheim PhD students measuring and analyzing field and road tests data.
This cooperation allows Fendt, Kistler and Goodyear to shift the boundaries in tractor, rim and professional tire performance to the next level and confirms Hohenheim’s position as one of the leading agricultural universities in Europe.