Understanding IF/VF Tires 

IF/VF tires are an increasingly common sight on today’s farms as more and more users discover the numerous advantages they offer. For example, IF/VF tires—like Yokohama Off-Highway Tire’s Alliance AgriFlex/AgriFlex+—can help increase productivity, improve efficiency, lower fuel consumption, reduce soil compaction, and ultimately deliver a lower total cost of ownership.

Topics: Soil Compaction, IF/VF Tires, Sprayer Tires, Combine/Harvester Tires, Tractor Tires

Traction and Compaction in Wet Fields 

Thoughts of perfect weather and ideal field conditions fill every farmer’s head, but those dreams aren’t always a reality. While we preach patience and believe in biding your time until a field is ready to support equipment, sometimes waiting isn’t an option. In cases when you simply must enter wet and muddy fields, here are some steps you can take to increase flotation, maximize traction, and reduce soil compaction.

Topics: Soil Compaction, Agricultural Tires, Tractor Tires

Innovative Tires For Improved Farmer Financial Stability 

Times are tough in the business of farming; margins are decreasing, input costs are rising, and the weather is as unpredictable as ever. While we frequently talk about how we’re developing new and innovative application-specific tires to help farmers meet the challenges facing them, this is only one way that we're working to help farmers improve financial stability—not just today, but for generations to come. One of the most interesting projects we’re currently working on is a collaboration with two Iowa-based businesses at the cutting-edge of out-of-the-box thinking and innovation: Cedar Valley Innovation and Precision Inflation.

Topics: Alliance Tires, Soil Compaction, Agricultural Tires, AgTech, Tractor Tires

Using a Penetrometer for Improved Soil Health 

Soil compaction is on a lot of farmers' minds with all the wet weather this spring. When soil compacts, soil particles are pressed together and pore space between them is reduced. This has been shown to decrease emergence and growth and limit nutrient uptake in crops, which all add up to reduced yields. In fact, Iowa State University Extension reports that soil compaction can result in a 10% to 20% loss in yields and minimized profits. One way to fight back against compaction is to learn the state of your fields with the use of a penetrometer, then take steps to reduce the impact of your equipment on sensitive soil with IF/VF tires.

Topics: Soil Compaction, Agricultural Tires, IF/VF Tires, Alliance AgriFlex Tires

Tires vs. Tracks 

John Deere or Case? Ford or Chevy? Tire or tracks?  After decades of discussion, farmers still disagree over the appropriate answers to these questions. While we won’t weigh in on Deere vs. Case or Ford vs. Chevrolet, we do have an opinion (although it might be a bit biased) about the superiority of tires to tracks and we’re pretty sure that, after reading this, you’ll agree that tires are equal to or exceed tracks in performance, while costing substantially less.  

Topics: Alliance Tires, Soil Compaction, Agricultural Tires, Tractor Tires, Tire Inflation, Alliance AgriFlex Tires