Tyre allows lower pressures for high-horsepower tractors

The Traxion Optimall from Dutch manufacturer Vredestein is described as a next -generation very high flexion (VF) tyre – a classification that identifies traction tyres with highly flexible carcasses giving a defined load-carrying advantage over other categories.

Vredestein says tests carried out by researchers at the German Agricultural Society (DLG) technical institute confirmed the new design is able to plant a 15% larger footprint than other VF category tyres and can support a given load at up to 25% lower pressure.

For a load of 5,150kg (11,354lb), for example, a 710/75 R42 Traxion Optimall requires 0.6 bar (8.7psi) inflation pressure, whereas other equivalent VF designs need 0.8 bar (11.6psi).

These abilities result from Vredestein’s so-called F+ technology, which comprises a sidewall with a focused flexing zone and a specially formulated rubber compound in the shoulder area to support the carcass at low pressure.

A rigid upper bead zone is said to help maintain tyre stability on the rim, with up to 10% greater radial stiffness than other VF tyres, resulting in safe handling characteristics during heavy road transport.

The new Traxion Optimall has a tread design familiar from the current Traxion+ and TraxionXXL tyres, which places a lot of rubber down the centre for reduced vibration and increased service life, especially on tractors doing a lot of road work. Photo: Vredestein Traxion

The familiar ‘Traxion’ tread layout used on the Traxion+ and TraxionXXL tyres is used again. It has lugs that curve more sharply than usual towards the centre of the tread to reduce vibration during road travel.

Traxion Optimall

But this arrangement is said not to compromise grip in the field and, together with the rubber compound used, is claimed to deliver up to 30% longer service life.

The tyre’s advantages are most pronounced when it replaces a stiffer improved flexion (IF) design, when the 40% lower inflation pressure and resulting 25% increase in ground contact area helps deliver reduced traction loss.

For the same load, the Traxion Optimall can operate with up to 25% lower pressure than current VF category tyres and up to 40% lower than stiffer IF tyres. Photo: Vredestein Traxion

In the DLG test of a 400hp-plus tractor, slippage was reduced by 5.5%, which resulted in 7% lower fuel consumption and a corresponding increase in productivity.

The new tyre will be available initially in sizes VF 710/75 R42, VF 650/65 R34, and VF 650/60 R34, with more sizes to follow.