Increased flexion (IF) and very-high flexion (IF) tires present a multitude of productivity-enhancing benefits.
“IF tires will carry 20% more weight at the same air pressure as a standard tire of the same size” and “can carry the same weight as a standard tire of the same size at approximately 20% less air pressure,” says Dave Paulk, manager, field technical services, BKT USA Inc.
VF tires can carry 40% more weight at the same air pressure as a standard tire of the same size “and can carry the same weight as a standard tire of the same size at approximately 40% less air pressure.”
“This is due in part to the increased flexibility of the sidewall,” notes Paulk.
“Being able to run at lower air pressures allows for a larger footprint to spread out the weight of the tractor. This allows for better traction, less slippage, less soil compaction and reduced fuel usage. Less soil compaction leads to better yields and more farm income.”
The price between standard and IF/VF tires “was a large gap for a while, but that gap is closing some,” says Paulk. “The price jump is not quite as large as it once was.
“Farm equipment continues to get heavier and faster. With these changes, IF/VF technology is required in many applications. In some applications, standard tires will fail because of the heavy draw bar weight or weight on the three-point hitch.
“Most standard radial tires are rated to run at 30 mph, whereas most IF/VF tires are rated at 40-45 mph,” says Paulk.
“BKT makes the Agrimax Force IF line of tires for high horsepower tractors. Some IF sizes are made in the Agrimax Teris and the Agrimax RT600 for combines. Some of the AW711’s and all the Rib 713’s are made in IF implement sizes.
“BKT uses VF technology in the Agrimax V-Flecto line of farm tractor tires. The Agrimax Spargo’s are VF tires that can be used on tractors and designed for high clearance sprayers. (This is one of the few R-1 tires made by BKT because they give better stability at high speed and heavy loads on sprayers.)”
BKT also has a new line of VF tires called the Spargo SB (R-1W), says Paulk.
“BKT’s VF line of implement tires are the SR713 and the V-Flexa flotation tires. Some sizes of the AW711’s are VF tires.
“The benefits of these tires are they can carry more weight where needed or run at less air pressure where needed. They can carry heavy weights and run at higher speeds without having casing failures. They can reduce soil compaction for better yields. They can reduce fuel consumption.
“This means more money in the farmer’s pocket,” notes Paulk.
