“Recent customer feedback on the Alliance Agri Star II gives convincing evidence that performance, prolonged traction and appearance of this unique tire more than fulfil expectations of users in various markets. That is why we are particularly happy to further extend this much sought-after pattern with 12 additional sizes. Furthermore, a recent scientific study conducted in Denmark proved the economic and ecological value of Alliance 372 VF and Alliance 389 VF tires. Results showed that these tires significantly reduce soil compaction whilst significantly increasing maize yield”, reported Tarun Bhagwat, Sales Manager Central Eastern Europe at Yokohama Off-Highway Tires (YOHT).
Alliance Agri Star II: Success story continued
“The new sizes are introduced in March, the unique Agri Star II tire range with its 70, 85 and 90-95 series delivers beyond expectation. Farmers and contractors in many countries keep on telling our dealers and field engineers how this tire excels in terms of high performance and low wear”, said Tarun Bhagwat. During the development and field testing of this pattern, intensive involvement of customers and dealers worldwide led to a very clear picture of users' expectations. Based on this intensive dialogue, the Agri Star II is unique in terms of construction, performance, service-life and appearance, the Stratified Layer Technology (SLT) being a key characteristic of this tire. With SLT, developed by Yokohama Off-Highway Tires' Alliance brand, every lug consists of two layers: the first (inner) layer comes with a multi-angle profile whilst the second (outer) layer comes with a single-angle profile. The combination of these two layers delivers efficient and prolonged traction, enhanced roadability and improved braking capabilities. When the inner (first) layer finally takes over after about 40 % wear, the Agri Star II virtually begins a new life, hence performing like a brand-new tire.
High-performance Tires: For the sake of ecology and economy
Recent scientific research results from Denmark were presented during the virtual press conference. “These results give clear evidence that Alliance VF tires indeed pay off – in terms of effective soil protection and increased farmers' revenues”,Gerrit Vinkers, Customer Quality Improvement and Application Specialist at Yokohama Off-Highway Tires reported. The study was conducted by SEGES Innovation, a leading agricultural knowledge and innovation centre in Denmark. Field trials in 2021 clearly revealed positive effects of Alliance's Very High Flexion (VF) Tires Agriflex 372 VF and Agriflex 389 VF in comparison to conventional tires. Despite optimum dry soil conditions and the correspondingly high stability and load carrying capability of the soil, the low inflation pressure of the VF Tires cut the track depth during the application of liquid manure in half – from 79 to 45mm.
Gerrit Vinkers explained: “Scientists reported that in addition to the markedly reduced track depth, also wheel slip was reduced by 4.4 percent, and measurements with a penetrometer showed lower soil compaction in the ‘VF tire tracks' in the soil zone from 0 to 40 cm. This effect of lower soil compaction was even significant at a depth of 20 to 25cm.”
As further proof of the positive effects, maize yields in the tracks on ‘VF tire plots' significantly exceeded those in the tracks on the ‘conventional tire plots' by about 12.9 harvest units per hectare, i.e. by about 10 percent. “In sum – and depending on the working width of the liquid manure spreader – these effects resulted in yield increases between 1.5 and 2.2 percent per hectare. Due to higher yields and reduced tire slippage in the ‘VF tire plots', this outcome translates to calculated profit gains between 21.8 and 32 EUR per hectare. Seeing tyre technology pay off like that is really good news for farmers and contractors alike”, highlighted Gerrit Vinkers.
Impressive confirmation of French research results
During the virtual event, references to a French study were presented. The upgraded Alliance Agriflex 372 VF was put to the test at IRSTEA (Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture) in France in 2020. “This test revealed excellent performance in terms of fuel efficiency, traction, footprint and slip, and hence effective soil protection. Results showed that the Agriflex 372 VF outperformed competitors' premium IF tires in almost all test parameters and was an about equal match for a competitors' premium VF tire.” As the Agriflex 372 VF comes at a clearly lower price point, however, performance and total cost of ownership of the Alliance 372 VF make for an unbeatable package and excellent value for money. “The recent tests results in France and Denmark that we are able to present are just a few examples of how Alliance products pay off in everyday life, delivering excellent value for money in terms of ecological and economic results”, concluded Gerrit Vinkers.
