High Performance Tractor Tires.
During the 1990s, several independent as well as cooperative studies were undertaken by both tractor and tire manufacturers in an effort to control power hop, duckwalk, yaw, and road lope issues in large tractors. Much of what we now employ to control these issues (Ballast Types, Weight Distribution, Air Pressures, Tire Type, etc.) comes directly from these efforts. The studies also laid the foundation for the current array of high performance tractor tires offered by various manufacturers.
Furthering these studies, Michelin® invented and produced the “IF” (Increased Flexion) tires. Others quickly followed with their own versions. Shortly thereafter the “VF” (Very High Flexion or Very Increased Flexion) tires came to the market.
Standard Radial Tires use inflation pressure to carry the load. These tires (IF and VF) work by designing the sidewalls with a complex network of steel belts to help carry the load. They provide for a more uniform (and larger) footprint to increase traction and decrease slippage and soil compaction.
IF Tires can carry up to 20 percent more load at a standard radial tire’s inflation pressure or the same load as the standard radial at 20 percent less inflation pressure.
VF Tires can carry up to 40 percent more load at a standard radial tire’s inflation pressure or the same load as the standard radial at 40 percent less inflation pressure.
By reducing air pressure, a larger footprint is achieved, traction is improved, reduced fuel consumption (less slip), and enhanced flotation with larger ground contact.
These tires are expensive and successful use depends on ALWAYS using the correct air pressure for each application. As an example; the correct air pressure in a field with a particular implement would be completely different than the required pressure for road transport. Failure to maintain proper inflation pressure for the application may result in increases in power hop and road lope issues. Tractors equipped with CTIS (Central Tire Inflation Systems or Onboard Inflation Systems) make these required air pressure adjustments easy.
One of the participants in the early cooperative studies (fall 1991) were engineers of the Pirelli Armstong Tire Company® (now Titan). By 2010 Titan® had come out with a hybrid version of these tires. Titan’s “LSW” (Low Sidewall Technology) tire uses a larger rim diameter and smaller sidewall than a standard tire. These tires have been very well received, compare favorably to standard IF or VF tires, and offer an alternative to track machines. The larger rim diameter provides more stability and helps reduce the power hop and road lope issues that can result from incorrectly inflated IF or VF tires. It has been our observation that these tires can operate successfully at minimum allowable inflation pressures across a wider range of applications.
As machines get bigger and work faster, farmers and custom harvesters can all benefit from these recent technological improvements. Yes, they come at a cost, but owners of large tractors should conduct a cost benefit analysis before simply dismissing these types of tires due to the initial expense.
Questions or Comments? Please Contact Us.
This blog contains general information. Always consult with your Equipment Dealer, Ballast Provider, and or a Certified Ag Tire Dealer before making tire decisions.
