Farmers and dealers gathered in the UK recently, at the occasion of the Alliance Demo Day. In current times of extremely high fuel expenses, the company made clear how tire pressure and tire technology can significantly impact fuel consumption, traction and overall efficiency in real working conditions. Up to 20% fuel savings were recorded.
Alliance engineers and product specialists guided participants through live demonstrations featuring the brand’s key agricultural ranges:
- Agri Nova, recently launched next generation R-1 Bias tire for light-to-medium duty tractors.
- Agri Star II, of which 1 million units are in use globally.
- AgriFlex+ 372 & 373 VF, Very High Flexion tires for lower inflation pressures, larger footprints and reduced soil compaction.
- AgriFlex+ 590 & 389, flotation and implement solutions designed to protect soil under heavy loads.
Cost and comfort
Alliance conducted identical road journeys, using two Fendt tractors and a comparable Valtra tractor, all equipped with telemetry and fitted with three different Alliance tire models.
The test route covered approximately 17 kilometers and reflected typical mixed road conditions. The comparison was made between the minimum recommended tire pressure (based on load tables) and the maximum nominal pressure, while keeping all other variables constant including route, driver, load and (maximum) speed. Driving comfort and road handling were monitored throughout with the following clear results:
- Up to 13% fuel consumption difference on standard radial tires
- Up to 20% fuel consumption difference on VF tires
- Across a typical working day of around 300 km, this translates into potential savings
of up to USD 106 per day.
During the demonstration, it became apparent that adjusting tire pressure influenced fuel consumption, driver comfort and the tractor’s road handling. Also that determining the optimal tire pressure for road use is a valuable factor in improving both comfort and operational cost efficiency. By visualizing the relationship between cost and comfort using real data, the tire producer demonstrated how the right tire setup can deliver immediate and measurable savings.
Grip, self-cleaning and efficiency
At the traction station, a pulling demonstration was conducted, using a Challenger sled to visualize the pulling power of the three tire profiles on display under equal conditions. Hence the traction and self-cleaning properties of the Alliance Agri Star II, Agriflex+ 372 and Agriflex+ 373 were visualized.
Both Fendt tractors, equipped with Alliance Agriflex+ 372 VF and Agri Star II tires, and the Valtra tractor, fitted with Alliance Agriflex+ 373 VF tires, performed controlled pulling passes under equal tire pressure. Visitors observed how each tire model handled traction and self-cleaning.
By setting the correct tire pressure for the given (very wet) conditions and actively measuring slip during the runs, it was made clear how an optimized tire setup improves power transfer to the ground, reduces energy loss and increases operational efficiency.
The demonstrations also highlighted the tires’ self-cleaning capabilities, maintaining traction even under demanding conditions. The Agriflex+ 373 VF “hybrid” pattern tire delivered near-equal pulling performance and self-cleaning capability compared to the Agri Star II and Agriflex+ 372.
The new Agri Nova R1 Bias tire features a distinctive 3-angle lug design, higher lug density and a wider tread footprint to enhance traction while promoting even pressure distribution. With a comprehensive size range, the tire strengthens the brand’s offering.
