Tires engineered for winter fieldwork: boosting efficiency in slurry spreading and ground preparation
During this period, heavy agricultural vehicles such as tractors and slurry tankers step on the fields, mainly taking care of manuring, but this time also calls for a delicate balance between protecting the soil and ensuring efficiency.
Soil conditions during winter can vary, often being softer and more inclined to compaction. This makes choosing the right tires crucial, as they help avoid damaging the land while ensuring proper preparation for planting.
More specifically, high-performance implement tires, specially designed for agricultural vehicles, can increase the load capacity of a farmer’s equipment, while protecting the soil from compaction, ensuring excellent flotation and self-cleaning in the field, and providing a comfortable ride with enhanced stability on the road.
Trelleborg HF1000: a role-model tire that balances productivity and sustainability
One tire that stands out in this regard is the Trelleborg HF1000, a perfect example of advanced engineering tailored to handle heavy loads, such as feed wagons and large slurry tankers.
The tire guarantees high efficiency and long service life even under the most demanding conditions with its VF technology casing and steel belt structure.
Most notably, the HF1000 excels both on the road and in the field, thanks to a tread pattern designed for excellent self-cleaning performance, particularly on wet surfaces. Its wider footprint (12.5% larger compared to other premium competing tires) ensures better load distribution, reducing soil compaction and protecting crops.
According to Alessio Bucci, Global Product Marketing Director, the tire was designed to maximize crop yields and transport efficiency, but to do so, it needed to combine several features at the same time.
As he explains, “Modern implement tyres need to provide traction and minimize compaction on clay, loam, and silty soils while also being able to travel at road speeds and carry large loads to reduce trips and save costs. With the Trelleborg HF1000 tyre, we show that these challenges can be met through its VF (Very High Flexion) technology, which allows the tyre to operate at significantly low inflation pressures. This results in a wider footprint and reduced ground pressure, ultimately protecting the soil. In fact, in a load comparison test, the HF1000 demonstrated up to 40% higher load capacity at the same pressure compared to traditional tyres of the same size, showcasing its superior performance in demanding field conditions. These benefits make the HF1000 an ideal solution for farmers who need productivity without compromising soil health".
The secret behind its performance lies in the innovative central pattern design, which enhances drivability, maximizes mileage, and improves stability even when the vehicle is fully loaded. The new, higher interlug terraces and variable tread heights also significantly improve self-cleaning properties. In wet, off-road conditions, this is crucial to prevent the vehicle from getting stuck and to maintain traction. In fact, the HF1000 tread design has demonstrated to offer up to 40% better self-cleaning compared to premium competitors after 450 meters at 20 km/h on clay soil. This feature reduces slippage, improves overall tire performance, and helps operators comply with road cleanliness regulations.
Living farming to its true potential
While implement tires might not always be top of mind, Trelleborg tire solutions show how investing in the right technology can make a significant difference year-round. From soil preparation to transport, these tires play a vital role in various agricultural tasks, helping farmers boost efficiency, protect the land, and maintain sustainable practices throughout all seasons.
Timing is crucial on the farm, and Trelleborg tire innovations come at moment when farmers need to tackle their challenges more effectively, all while protecting their most valuable asset: the land.