Why tracks have become more popular than tyres
We have seen a recent migration from conventional tyres to tracks in the combine market. The ability of tracked combines to get on to damp fields where tyres would struggle means this form of traction is an increasingly popular choice. What are other the benefits of this move? We expand on the advantages of fitting tracks to your combine and how they can ultimately save you time and money.
Why tracks?
One of the biggest advantages of tracks is that they enable the machinery to work in tougher conditions than that achievable by conventional tyres. They are able to provide better grip across various surfaces and terrain. “You may start with a 19t combine,” says New Holland combine specialist Nigel Honeyman, “but a wide header can add 3.5 to 4t and a full 12,000 litre grain tank is another 9t. That’s fine in dry years, but in wet years can be a worry”.
Another big advantage is that they can cut soil compaction by as much as 65% and shrink overall transport widths to as little as 3.2m. Cutting ground compaction caused by combines is an important benefit. Many combines now weigh more than 30t once the tank full, with two thirds of that weight carried on the front axle.
Tracks also provide a smoother ride quality with better ground following. This makes for more comfortable harvesting days and lets you finish faster. John Deere for example offers a track system which sets a new standard in the combine industry, offering 20 per cent more comfort, a 30 per cent larger footprint and 50 per cent more uptime.
On average the footprint offered by the John Deere is now 30 per cent larger compared to existing systems on the market. Due to a significantly longer track belt design, the 24in (609mm) track option for the S700 and T-Series combines has the same footprint as competitive 30in (762mm) versions, while transport width remains below 3.5m.
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Increased uptime is achieved by using four instead of three steel cord layers on the new tracks, while the track profile has also been improved, with the lugs now deeper and angled at 55 degrees. In addition, track durability has been road tested using a front-mounted eight-row maize header. With the combine running at a test speed of 40kph for seven hours a day over 20 days, the result was 50 per cent more durability than the previous design.
Can I fit aftermarket tracks to my combine?
It is a question that is being asked more frequently within the farming community and the answer is yes. Companies such as Camso and Zuidberg manufacture some of the insustries leading aftermarket tracks for combines.
Camso came up with these new tracks that have an integrated final drive gearbox built into the frame. It’s called the CTS High Speed and it’s a basic planetary system. The conversion track system increases your machine’s mobility and flotation for better access to fields with soft ground conditions. Its large footprint reduces ground compaction, minimizes field damage, and increases stability, maximizing the overall efficiency and quality of your work. Flexible and adaptable like no other, it can be used on different machine models and applications.
Zudiberg Is another company which finds itself at the top of the list when it comes to aftermarket tracks for a wide range of agricultural equipment. Zuidberg tracks are compact and can be easily exchanged, making them deployable on small and large tractors alike, as well as on heavy-duty harvesting machines. It takes only a few hours to install the tracks under the tractor, and the installation is reversible, leaving the tractor suitable for the re-fitting of pneumatic tyres.
Zuidberg makes use of its own facilities to develop and produce both tracks and rubber crawlers. Extensive research into the perfect combination of drive, construction and rubber tracks has resulted in an utterly reliable system.
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