Apollo Tyres’ newly-developed Vredestein VF Flotation Optimall has achieved an ‘exemplarily’ rating by the independent German test institute DLG, achieving the best soil pressure performance out of multiple VF trailer tyres tested.
During the field tests, the Vredestein VF Flotation Optimall achieved 25% lower ground pressure than the other premium VF competitor tyres. It also featured the largest contact surface in its class. Compared to budget VF tyres in the test, the Vredestein tyre achieved a benefit in soil pressure of no less than 50%.
For the test, DLG fitted several VF tyres in the popular size VF 750/60 R 30.5 on a KAWECO 3-axle slurry tanker in Germany. To ensure a fair and equal test, machines, tyre load, speed and field conditions remained the same for each tested tyre.
According to the DLG test team, the new Vredestein Flotation Optimall VF 750/60R30.5 187 D, had a contact area pressure of less than one kg/cm² (0.92 kg/cm²) at 1.0 bar air pressure, making it the only tyre with a value below 1, out of 5 different tyres tested. This is favorable in the segment of trailer tyres, which have to cope with high and changing wheel loads.
The track depth of the Vredestein VF Flotation Optimall was 24% less deep, compared to the runner up of the VF tyres in the test. As a result, significant savings in fuel consumption were measured in the field, when pulling a 40 ton slurry tanker. The test demonstrated that the Vredestein VF tyre can offer up to 3 l/h of fuel savings. This, corresponds to a savings potential of up to 4 euros per operational hour in the field.
“The latest test results from DLG showcases the opportunity to easily save farmers thousands of euros per machine per year on fuel, when using the Vredestein Flotation Optimall. Moreover, farmers will generate higher yields year after year, taking care of their valuable soil,” says Guido Boerkamp, Director Off-Highway Tyres Europe at Apollo Tyres.
