Reduced soil compaction, less fuel consumption, self-cleaning abilities and user friendliness: these are the winning features for which the DLG Test Center Technology and Farm Inputs, the independent German testing institute, has awarded the BKT AGRIMAX V-FLECTO tires with the DLG-APPROVED quality mark, because of the outstanding performance during field-testing.
BKT, the leading multinational Off-Highway tire manufacturer, hence, earns this prestigious award that recognizes AGRIMAX V-FLECTO’s ability to meet the demanding requirements in both technology and performance for high-power tractors. In particular, the two AGRIMAX V-FLECTO tires in sizes VF 650/65 R42 and VF 540/65 R30 have achieved excellent results in the DLG test modules “Resource Protection” and “User friendliness” that were both conducted in the fields.
The BKT tires were found to have a larger footprint resulting in lower contact pressure
During the field tests, the AGRIMAX V-FLECTO tires were subject to stringent examinations on Fendt 724 Vario (Gen6) and Fendt Vario 828 tractors. These included the assessment of the tire footprint area and ground pressure values at different depths, ensuring the accurate measurement of the impact on the ground, and soil compaction.
Parallel laboratory tests in depth assessed tire performance in terms of traction, fuel consumption, and self-cleaning properties. This combined approach provided the comprehensive and accurate evaluation of tire performance under various operating conditions.
During field and laboratory tests, the BKT tires were found to have a larger footprint resulting in lower contact pressure, and consequently in less soil compaction. At an inflation pressure of 0.6 bar, AGRIMAX V-FLECTO showed ground pressure that was by 16 percent lower than the other tested tires – including premium and budget brands – as well as the lowest footprint depth. This outcome means a significant reduction in soil compaction, which is crucial for sustainable farming practices. It tires with the DLG-APPROVED quality mark.
AGRIMAX V-FLECTO saves nearly 15 litters of fuel per day per tractor
How much fuel can be saved with BKT? In comparison with the least performing VF tire among the competitors, BKT tires show a reduced fuel consumption by approximately 5%. Considering that ploughing the land takes about two hours per hectare and that an actual working day is 8 hours, it is possible to till up to 15 hectares per day. In other words, AGRIMAX V-FLECTO saves nearly 15 litters of fuel per day per tractor.
If multiplying the daily saving by the number of working days in a year, the economic benefit becomes significant, especially for contractors operating multiple equipment. By way of example, a company that uses 30 pieces of equipment, considering the previously mentioned savings of 15 litters per day and per tractor, can achieve overall fuel savings up to 450 litters a day for its entire fleet of 30 tractors. At an average fuel cost of 1.80 euros per litter, this equals a saving of 810 euros per day, and multiplied by the number of working days in a year, the substantial annual saving for a contractor company operating a fleet in the range of 30 tractors fitted with AGRIMAX V-FLECTO becomes evident.
We will continue to do our best to make sure that our tires are synonymous with excellence
When it came to self-cleaning, the AGRIMAX V-FLECTO tires excelled for their remarkable ability to get free of dirt during operations, resulting in less time spent on maintenance whilst increasing operational efficiency. During the tests, AGRIMAX V-FLECTO took up the least amount of soil compared to competitors, accounting for an 8 percent advantage over the nearest competitor and as much as 126 percent less soil compared to the least performing tire. Not only does this performance feature improve productivity, but it also contributes to keeping roads cleaner when moving equipment from one field to another, in compliance with public road cleaning regulations.
“Our commitment to research and development of cutting-edge solutions is evidenced by the superlative performance of our AGRIMAX V-FLECTO tires, representing the most advanced expression of our vision. Reduced operating costs and a positive impact on the environment are the result of technology that caters for the present and future needs of modern agriculture. We will continue to do our best to make sure that our tires are synonymous with excellence and an unparalleled added value for our customers worldwide.” – Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe, comments.
