Since the development and introduction of IF, then VF, tire technology nearly a decade ago, more and more farmers have been using them as a way to offset withering profits caused by low commodity prices and increasing input costs. Farmers fighting against tighter profit margins can increase their yields with high-tech tires like our AgriFlex line of IF/VF tires, and now the question begs to be asked: are IF/VF the future of farm tires?

Reducing Compaction and Improving Yields at Harvest 

Due to the seasonal nature of combines and grain carts, most farmers only think about them at harvest time—and often only think about the tires on this equipment when they fail. However, because of the growing size of harvest equipment, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to tires. According to a study from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, from 2006 to 2015, the average horsepower of combines rose from 230 to 342. Over that same time, the average capacity of grain carts grew from 689 bushels to 883 bushels. Because of the massive weight and power of these machines, they're capable of creating deeper, longer-lasting compaction. Luckily, farmers can take a few measures to reduce the impact of their enormous equipment.

Outfitting a Customer with Alliance AgriFlex Tires 

Collaboration is a big part of what we do, as we work closely with our dealers to outfit customers with the best possible—and most cost-effective—tires to meet their specific needs. As such, it’s particularly satisfying when we hear stories about our dealers working to solve a customer’s issue.

As of Jan 1, 2021, Alliance Tire Group and Alliance Tire Americas, Inc. changed their names to Yokohama Off-Highway Tires and Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc respectively. The Alliance, Galaxy and Primex brands and product names remain unchanged. Product information is available at www.yokohama-oht.com.

With growing farm sizes and an ongoing quest for larger yields, large, high-clearance, self-propelled sprayers have gone from being a niche product aimed only at custom applicators to a vital piece of farm equipment owned by individuals and applicators alike. Like most machinery on the farm, self-propelled sprayers are ballooning in size to accommodate the needs of today’s ag operations and help farmers maximize operational productivity and increase efficiency.

As of Jan 1, 2021, Alliance Tire Group and Alliance Tire Americas, Inc. changed their names to Yokohama Off-Highway Tires and Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc respectively. The Alliance, Galaxy and Primex brands and product names remain unchanged. Product information is available at www.yokohama-oht.com.

Alliance Tire Americas, Inc., has introduced a new VF (very high flexion) tire for the largest class of high-clearance sprayers. With wide steel radial belts, stubble-resistant rubber compounds, sidewalls engineered for extra flexibility, and a large air chamber to support the weight of today's big machinery, the Alliance Agriflex+ 354 tire in the 420/95R50 size can handle loads of more than 15,000 pounds per wheel. The new Alliance tire is one of only two sprayer tires that size on the market.