How can VF Technology benefit you and your farm?

Agricultural tyres have to be all-rounders, able to deliver top performance on a variety of soil types as well as when carrying differing loads at varying speeds. VF technology (very high flexion technology) enables tyres to do precisely that while being gentle on the soil.

By understanding the difference between standard tyres (Gen 1) and the latest technology on offer such as VF tyres (Gen 3), farmers can make a more informed choice for their machinery. VF tyres offer many benefits in terms of performance and efficiency. VF Tyres are both flexible and robust to enable them to meet the needs of the farmers that use them.

So, what are the benefits of VF Technology?

Reduced Soil Compaction:
VF technology allows low tyre pressures which creates a larger footprint to spread the load, greatly reducing soil compaction. The pressure of VF tyres can be lowered by 40% compared to standard tyres, even when carrying the same load. This spreads the weight of the vehicle over a larger surface area and reduces soil compaction. While the width may be very similar, the footprint is extended front to rear (in an oval shape), within the committed trackway of the tyre – therefore achieving a larger footprint.

Ability to carry more load:
VF technology gives the ability to carry 40% more load than a standard tyre at the same pressure. This means you can travel at the same speed and same pressure as a standard tyre but with 40% more load! Carrying more load means fewer transport cycles on the road. You gain time and reduce operating costs.

Example: Combine Harvesting
Driving combine harvesters on roads puts more weight on the rear axles – a challenge VF technology tyres are ideally suited to thanks to their higher load-bearing capacity. The same applies to fieldwork with its cyclical workloads. VF tyres allow farmers to use a larger grain tank because they can easily cope with the varying loads during harvesting.

Efficiency:
VF technology also offers time and fuel savings. The more flexible construction of the tyre makes it possible to transition from field to road and vice versa without adjusting the pressure. At the reduced pressure required for field use, the tyre can also run at full speed on the road yet deliver the same fuel efficiencies as a standard tyre at road pressure.

Example: Applying Fertiliser
No matter whether you are working with or without pressure control, tyres featuring VF technology help to save time in applying fertiliser because they can be driven at 0.8 bar on both the field and the road, keeping tyre pressure adaptation to a minimum. Any farmer who does not adapt tyre pressure will benefit from a higher load capacity that pays off by cutting the number of trips they make between field and farmyard.

So, in conclusion, the benefits are huge! VF technology provides enhanced efficiency when switching between road and field and can carry approximately a 40% higher load than standard tyres at the same tyre pressure, or the same load at around 40% lower tyre pressure. "These tyres deliver what farmers need; the opportunity to drive to a job and start work without having to change tyre pressure. VF represents the biggest fundamental shift in tyre design for years" – Richard Hutchins, Continental UK agricultural sales manager.

At Bush, we have VF tyres available from a wide range of premium agricultural tyre brands with improved pricing including cash back on Continental, Michelin and Kleber and 5% off Mitas and Cultor.

If you would like to speak to one of our agricultural tyre experts about VF technology and the best option for your tractor, call 07801 124 519 or email stuartmoor@bushtyres.co.uk  

*Images supplied by Bridgestone