When you replace your agricultural tyres, you may be tempted to go for the cheapest, standard model on the market to make a direct saving. This seems like a good idea, but in fact is quite the opposite. Of course, the debit from your bank account linked to the purchase will have less impact on your cash flow, but the most standard tyre models are not very resistant to load or wear, they require a higher inflation pressure, the self-cleaning capacity is limited and traction inefficient, so the part of the payment that you didn’t spend when you bought the tyres will correspond to the daily cost of using tyres that slip if the soil is wet, have a low traction capacity and wear quickly. That’s why it’s important to take into account the advantages you obtain from having premium agricultural tyres.
It’s when you actually use something that you really find out whether you have quality equipment. This applies to tyres, which is why we would like to present the testimonial of a farmer who has answered our questions on the qualities he is looking for in an agricultural tyre and on his recommendations after several thousand hours of use.
Testimonial on the qualities of a premium agricultural tyre
It must be said that all tyres look similar based on external appearance, which leads people to believe that all models are equivalent and the cost is simply linked to brand notoriety.
A premium agricultural tyre stands out from a standard tyre due to technical innovations that radically transform its efficiency and durability.
The composition of the rubber is a key factor which influences longevity and resistance to wear. Unlike standard models, top-of-the-range tyres contain better quality components such as natural rubber for its elasticity and robustness, and additives which improve durability.
The structure of the tyre itself, which results from in-depth research work, is designed to bear heavy loads and to operate at low pressure, thus protecting the soil.
Layers of textile are included to reinforce shock and puncture resistance, while maintaining the flexibility necessary for agricultural labours. In addition, the tread design is optimised to maximise traction, reducing slip and improving self-cleaning capacities.
You will inevitably have to renew your tyres, but you can influence the frequency of renewal, which is what really makes a difference in terms of your budget.
If your premium agricultural tyre costs 25 to 30% more than a standard tyre on the date of purchase, but it lasts 50% longer, the real saving is made with the premium model, given that it will also facilitate your work thanks to its other cumulated qualities.
These tyres, designed with high quality materials, guarantee exceptional longevity.
The major drawback of the standard agricultural tyre is its limited load capacity when working at a low inflation pressure.
To avoid compacting your soil, it is essential to keep a low pressure in your tyres. Unfortunately, the only way of offsetting the load of your implements with standard tyres is to increase the pressure to avoid the tyres being crushed by the overall weight.
This is where premium agricultural tyres make the difference, as their structural qualities allow them to work at lower pressure, thus protecting soil fertility.
Premium agricultural tyres are designed to protect the soil and therefore to guarantee your future yields.
Excess soil compaction, often caused by the use of heavy machines with inappropriate tyres, has a negative impact on the structure and fertility of the soil.
Soil porosity, which is effectively essential for the circulation of water and air, and for the absorption of inputs by the roots, can be seriously compromised as a result of excessive compaction.
Premium agricultural tyres, in particular those designed to work at low pressure like Bridgestone’s tyres, reduce soil compaction and protect the structure of the arable layer of soil.
In addition, these tyres offer optimal control of the slip ratio and a better management of torque, which are essential for maintaining traction without damaging the soil.
Traction is also a differentiating element between the different categories of tyres. It results from several factors which combine to obtain optimal traction.
The design, the length and the shape of the lugs play a decisive role, but also the tyre’s capacity to flatten out on the surface of the ground when working at low pressure to increase the number of lugs simultaneously in contact with the soil. This is one of the features of premium agricultural tyres.
Rolling resistance and slip are two key factors that affect the transmission of power. Thanks to the advance technology and the optimised design of premium tyres, rolling resistance is minimised and slip is efficiently controlled.
This is all the more true for models such as the VX-R TRACTOR tyre, which, with its wider effective section width on the ground, provides a higher traction capacity.
This results in a significant improvement in energy efficiency and better productivity, allowing farmers to do more work in less time and with less fuel consumption.
The Bridgestone group’s research and development teams are working constantly to improve its tyres. Through a methodical optimisation of each detail, even the tiniest element, they have obtained an overall tyre quality that is far better than their competitors, placing the group at the top of the scale for premium agricultural tyre production.
CONCLUSION
Premium agricultural tyres, like Bridgestone’s innovative VX-R TRACTOR model, are redefining standards of performance, durability and respect for the environment in the agricultural tyre sector.
Thanks to their advanced design, these long-lasting tyres optimise the transmission of engine power, reduce the impact on the soil and improve energy efficiency.
They therefore represent a strategic answer to the current challenges of farming, combining improved productivity and the preservation of resources.
Premium agricultural tyres are therefore a must-have for more efficient farming that is more respectful of the environment.
The Bridgestone-agriculture.eu blog is written and administered by tractor tyre experts who are available to provide you with the advice you need on the subject of your agricultural tyres. They allow you to maximise your productivity with information on all subjects linked to tyres: Technical data for agricultural tyres – Agricultural tyre performance – Air pressure advice, Solutions to avoid soil compaction – Sprayer tyre pressure – Why and how to ballast your tractor tyres – etc.
To take it one step further and increase the profitability of your farm, les Experts du pneu provide a free, highly detailed eBook which explains the essential role of the agricultural tyre in your productivity.
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