One Powerful Combination – Goodyear, Fendt, Kistler and the University of Hohenheim Started Research Project

Modern, heavy, powerful 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 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 co-operation allows Fendt, Kistler and Goodyear to shift the boundaries in tractor, rim and tire performance to the next level and confirms Hohenheim’s position as one of the leading agricultural universities in Europe.

Kistler Group

Kistler’s core competence is the development, production and use of sensors for measuring pressure, force, torque and acceleration. Kistler’s know-how and electronic systems can be used to prepare measuring signals for use in analyzing physical processes, controlling and optimizing industrial processes, improving product quality in manufacturing and improving performance in sports and rehabilitation. Kistler offers a comprehensive range of sensors and systems for engine development, automotive engineering, plastics and metal processing, installation technology and biomechanics. A worldwide sales presence in the form of 20 group companies and 30 distributors ensures customer proximity, application support on an individual level and short lead times. With a staff of more than 800, the Kistler Group is one of the world’s leading providers of dynamic measuring instrumentation. The Kistler Group achieved turnover of 174 million Swiss Francs in the 2006 financial year.

About Fendt

The AGCO Corporation is a major worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment. AGCO offers a full product line including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage equipment. Fendt is the corporation's new high-tech brand for highest demands. Together with AGCO, Fendt and its innovations will no longer be limited to Europe, but will be represented on all the markets worldwide.

About University of Hohenheim

The University of Hohenheim is a modern university with a long tradition in agricultural and natural sciences. The Institute of Agricultural Engineering is the largest university research and education institution in Germany in this field. Current main areas of research offer a broad potential for further development of technologies and processes in agriculture. The fast transfer of research results and subsequent application in practice and industry provide sustainable progress.

About Goodyear

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies and provides many innovative tire solutions for the agricultural industry worldwide. OPTITRAC and R+ are radial farm tires providing long life, great traction and low operating costs. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, the company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 60 facilities in 26 countries. It has marketing operations in almost every country around the world. Goodyear employs more than 70 000 people worldwide.