Farm tyre maker Vredestein has applied the design and construction principles behind its VF category traction and flotation tyres to the row crop sector for the first time.

The Traxion CropCare range is specifically designed for large trailed and self-propelled sprayers where a combination of carrying capacity, maximum footprint and lateral stability are key requirements.

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Vredestein reckons the newcomer scores on all counts, particularly with regard to lateral stability, which can be an issue with tyres featuring a very flexible sidewall structure to help achieve a large rubber-to-soil contact patch.

The company’s R&D team tackled the issue by developing a steel-belted radial carcass that features a stabiliser ring of material around the central area of the tread, and also a bead stabilising structure.

In comparative tests, the finished product is reckoned to have shown a 30% advantage in lateral stability over a VF row crop tyre from another manufacturer.

This, says Vredestein, is especially important on both trailed and self-propelled sprayers with their high centre of gravity, when turning or working across a significant slope or being driven on the road between field and farm.

Large diameter

Two sizes will soon be available – VF 380/90 R46 and VF 380/105 R50 – the deep height-to-width aspect ratio providing a relatively large volume of air to support big loads.

The large diameter contributes a long footprint that is enhanced by the tyre’s ability to run at inflation pressures lower than a non-VF tyre for least impact on the soil.

The Traxion CropCare’s tread pattern has lugs that are not parallel, so they close up towards the centre line, which together with a degree of inner lug overlap, puts plenty of rubber where it is needed for smooth road travel and good wear characteristics across the tyre without compromising traction in the field.