With a further three sizes added this year, Yokohama’s Alliance operation has built up a comprehensive range of Agriflex+ 372 tractor and harvester tyres that comply with the VF category performance parameters in front and rear size combinations.

Before last year, when 15 sizes were introduced, the Agriflex+ line-up stood at a modest seven; with the latest additions, that increases to 25 sizes catering for a large number of popular combinations and some lesser ones.

See also: High-flexion tractor tyres; how they work and what they cost

The 2023 trio are a VF 800/70 R42, the VF 710/70 R42 CFO and a VF 900/60 R42, which is now the widest size in the Agriflex+ range.

The ‘CFO’ (cyclic field operation) designation of the VF 710/70 R42 indicates it is primarily aimed at harvesters that work at relatively slow speeds and can be subject to varying loads – that is, when a combine’s grain tank is empty versus when it is full.

Compliance with the performance characteristics of the VF (very high flexion) off-highway category means the Agriflex+ 372 tyres can carry a 40% greater load than an equivalent regular tyre, and 20% more than an equivalent IF-category version such as the Alliance Agriflex.

More significantly, perhaps, a VF tyre can carry a given load at 40% lower inflation pressure (20% less than an IF), resulting in a larger contact patch that creates shallower impressions and less rolling resistance on soft soils, and reduced soil compaction.

For the most part, Alliance’s VF traction tyres compete with the same sizes from several other manufacturers, although in some cases – such as the VF 600/60 R34, VF 540/65 R38 and VF 800/70 R42 – there may be just one alternative.