Correct tractor tire pressure and selection: how you can save fuel and protect the soil

Correct tractor tire pressure and selection: how you can save fuel and protect the soil

In modern agriculture, efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand. While farmers invest in state-of-the-art machinery and precision technologies, an often neglected yet fundamental element-the role of tractor tires-frequently takes a back seat. Yet, the right choice of tires and precisely set tire pressure not only protect soil health but can also lead to significant fuel savings and a longer service life. In this article of the Agrider Knowledge Base, we detail how you can optimize your tractors' tires for maximum efficiency and economy.

Why is the tractor tire crucial?

The tractor tire is not just a simple component that keeps the machine on the ground. This critical surface is the link between the tractor's power and the soil. Its tasks are extremely diverse:

• Power transmission: It must efficiently transfer engine torque to the ground, minimizing wheel slip.
• Load bearing: It must withstand the weight of the tractor, mounted or towed implements, and the load.
• Soil protection: It must exert the lowest possible ground pressure to prevent damage to the soil structure, i.e., compaction.
• Stability and comfort: It must ensure machine stability and maneuverability, and reduce vibrations for operator comfort.
• Fuel efficiency: It must operate with minimal rolling resistance for economical operation.

Optimally performing each task contributes to the profitability of the farm and sustainable farming.

The secret of correct tire pressure: it's not a fixed value!

Many believe that tire pressure is a constant value that we set once and forget. This, however, is a huge mistake! Tire pressure must adapt dynamically to load, speed, and the type of work being performed. Improper pressure can cause serious damage.

Pressure too low: the enemy of the soil and the wallet

Although lower pressure in the field provides a larger contact area and better traction, excessively low pressure has serious disadvantages:

• Increased rolling resistance: A deformed tire consumes more energy, which can result in a significant increase in fuel consumption.
• Faster tire wear: The tire sidewall bends too much, leading to overheating and premature wear.
• Tire damage: Friction between the rim and the sidewall, or movement of the bead ring, can cause tire failure.
• Reduced stability: Especially on the road, tires that are too soft can be hazardous.

Pressure too high: soil destruction and reduction in efficiency

Pressure that is too high is no better. In fact, from the perspective of our soils, it can be even more harmful:

• Increased ground pressure and compaction: Due to the smaller contact area, the load is concentrated on a smaller area, causing severe soil compaction and deterioration of the soil structure. This worsens water management, root development, and ultimately, crop yield.
• Reduced traction and increased wheel slip: Especially on loose soil, the tire cannot grip the ground sufficiently, increasing wheel slip. This not only degrades efficiency but also increases fuel consumption and soil erosion.
• Tread wearing in the middle: Over-inflated tires wear more in the middle, reducing service life.
• Uncomfortable, bouncy ride: Operator comfort deteriorates, leading to fatigue and reduced concentration.

The "golden rule": pressure adjusted to load and speed

The basis for setting the correct tire pressure is the load and speed tables issued by the manufacturer, which are available for every tire. These show what pressure is required for a given load and speed. Remember:

1. Field work: Here the goal is the largest possible contact surface and minimal ground pressure. Therefore, setting a lower pressure is recommended, of course, within the limits allowed by the manufacturer.
2. Road transport: At higher speeds and heavier loads, higher pressure is needed for safety and stability. This prevents excessive deformation of the tire and overheating.
3. Regular checks: Tire pressure should be checked at least weekly on cold tires, and always with a reliable, calibrated pressure gauge.

Selecting the right tire: a long-term investment

Tire selection doesn't just depend on the size of the tractor. The type of work, soil conditions, and farming strategy also influence it.

Radial or bias-ply? The choice of modern agriculture

Although bias-ply (diagonal) tires may be cheaper, in modern agriculture, radial tires are used almost exclusively. The reasons for this are:

• Larger contact surface: The radial structure allows the tire tread to rest better on the ground, reducing ground pressure.
• Better traction: A larger footprint results in better power transmission and less wheel slip.
• Lower rolling resistance: Less fuel consumption both on the road and in the field.
• Longer lifespan: More even wear and greater resistance to damage.

IF and VF technology: a revolution in soil protection and efficiency

One of the greatest innovations in tractor tires in recent years is IF (Increased Flexion) and VF (Very High Flexion) technology. These tires revolutionize soil protection and efficiency:

• IF tires: They can carry the same load at 20% lower pressure or 20% more load at the same pressure compared to conventional radial tires.
• VF tires: They go even further: they can be used at up to 40% lower pressure or with 40% more load.

Advantages:

• Significantly reduced ground pressure: Larger contact surface, less soil compaction.
• Optimized traction: Better power transmission, less wheel slip.
• Fuel savings: Through reduced rolling resistance and wheel slip, they contribute significantly to fuel savings.
• Increased load capacity: Allows the use of heavier implements without drastically increasing ground pressure.
• More flexible use: Less pressure adjustment is needed when switching between field and road.

Although the initial investment cost of IF and VF tires is higher, they pay for themselves in the long run through fuel savings, yield increases from soil protection, and a longer service life.

Pattern and size: specific needs of the work

• Tread pattern: Field tires have a characteristic, aggressive pattern for maximum traction. The angle and depth of the lugs affect grip and self-cleaning. In special cases, such as on sprayers, narrower tires with a higher profile and less aggressive pattern are used for gentler movement between rows.
• Size: Selecting a size that matches the needs of the tractor and the implement is essential. It is important to match the front and rear tires correctly on four-wheel-drive tractors to avoid drivetrain tension.
• Flotation tires: Especially for manure spreaders, self-propelled sprayers, or other machines working over large areas, the use of extremely wide, low-pressure flotation tires is justified to minimize ground pressure.

Practical tips and tools on the farm

• Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS): These systems allow the tire pressure to be adjusted while moving, from the cabin. Although they require a significant investment, they are becoming increasingly popular in large-scale farming due to their benefits in efficiency, soil protection, and fuel savings.
• Expert advice: Do not hesitate to contact Agrider partners or a reliable tire expert who can help you select the right tires and optimize pressure settings.
• Keeping a log: It is worth recording the optimal pressure values used for different types of work so that you can set them faster next time.

Summary

The correct pressure and selection of tractor tires go far beyond mere technical details. It is a strategic decision that directly affects the profitability of your farm, soil fertility, and sustainability. Taking advantage of dynamically adjusted tire pressure, the benefits of radial tires, and the possibilities offered by IF and VF technology not only saves fuel but also ensures the health of our soils and crop stability in the long term. Invest time and energy into understanding and optimizing your tires; it is an investment that is guaranteed to pay off!