Innovations

Tires working to reduce soil compaction

As agricultural equipment continues to become larger and heavier, tire manufacturers are looking for ways to lighten the load.

Mike Pantaleo with Michelin North America tells Brownfield heavier agricultural equipment can lead to soil compaction which restricts the growth of crops.  “We just ended up last year with a finish of a study that was done with Harper Adams University in the UK, over a three-year study comparing Ultraflex tires verses standard radial tires in farming. Some of the gains are a four percent increase in yield, 13 percent increase in productivity and a 10 percent increase in fuel.”

He says their Ultraflex technology has developed stronger sidewalls to better distribute weight and carry heavier loads while alleviating soil compaction.  “You don’t want to run the tire under inflated because you’re going to cause damage. Over inflation is a real problem too because that’s going to increase slippage, so fuel costs go up, rutting goes up, compaction goes up.  If you want to run optimum process, then you have to spend more time with your tires.”

Pantaleo says farmers need to know their equipment and axle weights and use the optimal amount of tire pressure throughout the year.

He recommends to visually inspect tires and adjust tire pressure at least twice a year to accommodate changes in equipment use and the weather.

AUDIO: Interview with Mike Pantaleo