VF Technology and agricultural tires | What do farmers need to know?

Are VF tires superior to regular tires? At BKT, we don't like to pick favourites... however, the perks of VF technology are undeniable. Explore our lowdown of VF tires and their benefits here.

Choosing the right agricultural tires for your farm machinery can be a demanding task. Technology is constantly evolving, and it can be difficult to keep track of all the new inventions. Perhaps you have heard someone talking about VF tires and have asked yourself:

What is the VF technology? Should I choose VF tires for my tractor? For what kind of farm work are VF tires recommended for?

Here is some important information that you should know about VF tires, to begin with.

• VF stands for “Very High Flexion.” It is a standard introduced by the ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation) and the TRA (Tire and Rim Association) and it is an evolution of IF (Improved Flexion) technology.  
• The VF technology allows your farm machinery to carry heavier loads with reduced inflation pressure. In fact, a tire using VF technology is designed to carry 40% more weight at the same air pressure as a standard tire.
• The VF technology is good for the soil. As the VF tire needs less inflation pressure, it has a larger tire footprint and consequently reduces soil compaction.

Which is the real impact of soil compaction?

Recent estimates have shown that over the last ten years, more than 20% of crops have been lost to the problem of damaging the land and crops by compacting the agricultural soil.

Limiting soil compaction is therefore essential to maximize the yield per hectare, while preserving both the integrity and particular features of the soil. A plant growing in an excessively compact soil will not be able to draw on all the necessary nutrients. This leads to waste of fertilizers and reduction of plant productivity. Therefore, using VF tires can generate a more sustainable and environmentally friendly farm activity.

Are there any drawbacks to the VF technology?

The simple answer is that a VF tire does not have any clear downsides compared to other kind of tires. VF tires are just as robust as other tires because they are modified to support low pressures. In addition to the specific reinforcements on the bead and special fabrics, they are also equipped with a particular structure – elements that make them safe and resistant. In fact, the durability of these tires is 10% longer than the standard equivalent.

What about the comfort of VF tires?

There is a general opinion that VF tires provide more comfort and drivability than the standard tires. However, farmers must be aware that this is a subjective matter depending on their preferences and what vehicles are used for. Someone finds a flexible tire to be the most comfortable to use, while others prefer it to be stiffer.

So: should you equip your tractor with a VF tire?

The real answer is: it depends. It depends on your working routine, your transport routine, your operations, if the path you take is uneven and many other factors.

As each farmer is unique, and has specific needs, preferences, and working conditions, the choice of tires will also be totally individual. There is no “universal” solution that can be the same for all farmers, all over the world.

It is indeed the job of BKT’s expert technicians to evaluate your needs and assist you when selecting the right tire, in order to understand whether a VF tire is the correct and most efficient solution for you or not. Tires are many and choosing the right one can be challenging, so don’t be afraid to ask the experts for their opinion. No question is wrong.