Choosing Best SPRAYER FLOTATION Tire

 

AG TIRE TALK KEY TAKEAWAYS

PRECISION INFLATION:  “We want our sprayer to “Float” over the Field, while avoiding soil compaction, sinking and rutting in the soft spots!”

MICHELIN:  “Producers tend to fit their sprayers with flotation tires because they want to reduce their soil compaction, improve flotation and overall efficiency.”

YOKOHAMA TWS: “380/105R50 Footprint Measurement is 334 sq. inches versus 750/60R46 Flotation Footprint of 713 sq. inches- that’s a whopping 113% footprint increase…that’s FLOTATION!”

MAXAM: “Improvements in tire technology have enabled not only reduction of air pressures to reduce soil compaction, but also increased tire speeds with new heat resistant compounding.”

BKT: “The correct air pressure must be used to carry the load, but the less air for the load that a user can run, the less ground bearing pressure applied.”

YOKOHAMA OFF-HIGHWAY TIRES AMERICA: “Tires are the secret weapon behind sprayers’ ability to carry more, run faster, and operate with the sub-inch accuracy that befits the outstanding guidance systems inside the cab.”

ASCENSO: “As for Central Tire Inflation Systems, my position remains the same…the ability to get the air pressure to the correct level for field operations to road operations is essential for minimizing compaction and getting ultimate performance and wear.”

 

Michelin Ag
David Graden: Global Account Manager – Agriculture

Choosing to invest in Sprayer Flotation Tires is a big decision. First, you really need to understand what a Flotation Tire offers your operation and what you want to gain from it.

Typically, producers tend to fit their sprayers with flotation tires because they want to reduce their soil compaction, improve flotation and overall efficiency in less-than-ideal Spring soil conditions.

Buyer beware, though- Flotation Tires are not all the same!

Let’s take a look at Standard Radial Tires versus VF (very high flexion) Tires. You can achieve a wider footprint with both options, but the VF option provides much longer footprint on the ground. The VF footprint maximizes both Flotation & Traction, while carrying up to 40% more load than a Standard Radial Tire, or running down to -40% air pressure compared to a Standard Tire of the same size. If you choose a VF tire with CFO (cyclical field operation) designation, you also gain a much wider range of recommended air pressures at lower speeds, instead of being limited to the standard 40 mph air pressures like other VF Sprayer Tires.

Due to the rapidly increasing size and weight of self-propelled sprayers, Michelin recently launched (2023) a VF710/60R46 CFO Spraybib Flotation Tire. The footprint comparison is pretty impressive!

As you can see, the VF710/60R46 CFO Spraybib FLOTATION TIRE offers a +68% Increase in Footprint compared to our VF420/95R50 CFO Spraybib at slower speed Field Air Pressure.

     

Finally, when you couple the VF CFO Flotation Sprayer Tires with a Michelin owned PTG Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), you can really maximize your Flotation, Traction and overall Efficiency at any speed with the simple push of a button.

Of course, before setting any air pressures, you’ll need to know the loaded weight and speeds you will operate your machine. Michelin sales reps are trained, willing and able to help you with this, at no cost. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Michelin representative for more information.

 

BKT USA, Inc.
Dave Paulk:  Manager Field Technical Services

Popular Sprayer Tire Sizes
Several typical tire sizes for sprayers are the VF380/90R46 and the VF380/105R50. While these sizes are made in VF and Standard, the VF version should always be used on sprayers because of the weight of the machine and the speed that it runs. Most of the standard versions of this tire are not rated to carry the heavy weight and only have up to a 30 mph (B) speed rating. The VF version is rated at 40 mph (D). After some use, the standard version will start separating at the ply turnup in the sidewall because the tire is not designed for the weight and the speed.

Why Choose Flotation Tires?
In many cases, users will change out the sizes mentioned above for wider tires in the spring (before planting) when spraying for weeds and/or preemergence weeds or fertilizer spreading. This will give them a wider footprint to minimize soil compaction before planting. The wider tires provide better flotation in a wet spring. If the fields are too wet, and soil compaction is a factor, staying out of the fields until they dry some is best.

Flotation Sizing Explained
When deciding which works best, the first 3 numbers (ex. 710, 750, 800) is the width of the tire in millimeters. By dividing this number by 25.4, this will give the width in inches of the tire. This is the width of the tire including the sidewall, not to be confused with the tread width. Flat plate measurements are also useful if the user wants to see how much dirt the footprint covers in square inches.  Generally, the wider the tire and the longer the footprint, the more footprint there is to spread out the weight of the machine and the load. The user needs to make sure there is enough clearance and room on the sprayer for the wider tire they are considering.

PSI Importance
Air pressures are very important when looking at tire sizes and weight carrying capacities and deciding what works best. The correct air pressure must be used to carry the load, but the less air for the load that a user can run, the less ground bearing pressure applied. Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS) are becoming more prevalent and useful to maintain correct air pressures for the application. The air pressure that can be used in the field is not the same as should be used when transporting on the road.

Cyclic Field Operation (CFO) Explained
Using CFO (Cyclic Field Operation) tires on sprayers is commonplace, but this application is almost like CFO in reverse. CFO tires are for combines and grain carts that have cyclic loads during the combining cycle. They start empty and get heavier through the cycle. They empty and start the cycle all over again. Sprayers start loaded and heavy. They reduce weight through their cycle. CFO gives load bonuses for heavy loads at field speed without changing air pressures in cyclic operations, generally 0-10 mph. With all tires, the load capabilities go up as the speed comes down.

Wheel Impact
When choosing wider tires, the correct size rims must be used to ensure that the tire fits properly and gives the right amount of deflection for traction and for footprint. The recommended rim for the tire should be used. When looking at charts, there are often alternate rim sizes as well. The alternate rim sizes will work, but the recommended rim size is the best to use if possible.

Design Impact
There are several different tread patterns to choose from when considering a tire. Some of the typical sizes are R-1 patterns. These tires have a few more lug bars per side and are not as deep in tread depth.

This gives better stability on the road at high speeds and when loaded. There isn’t as much squirm from the tread as in deeper treads. The R-1W tread design, which is more prevalent in the wider tires, has a few less lug bars per side and has about 20% deeper tread depth. These provide more traction in the field but have more squirm on the road because of the deeper lugs. Hybrid tires are being used in more and more applications.  Whereas they wear well on the road and provide stability, they don’t provide as much traction in the field, especially if it’s wet.

The user must decide which tire is best for them and if it will fit their sprayer. Generally, the wider the tire, the better, but sometimes the wider tire may not carry the heavy load and be rated for the speed. The less air pressure they can use to carry the load and the bigger footprint, the better to minimize soil compaction.

Once the spring is over and crops are planted, the user can go back to the typical sizes (380’s and 420’s) to get in between the row and not destroy the crops.

 

Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc.
James Crouch: National Segment Manager—Agriculture and Forestry

When you think of it, today’s sprayer has more in common—from a tire demand perspective—with a farm pickup than with a tractor. It’s a high-performance road vehicle. In fact, most custom applicators spend as much time on the road as they do in the field, and many farmers who invest in their own sprayers are covering fields in a wide radius that requires a lot of roading.

Tires are the secret weapon behind sprayers’ ability to carry more, run faster, and operate with the sub-inch accuracy that befits the outstanding guidance systems inside the cab. To make the most of a sprayer, farmers and custom applicators must be able to run as much as possible, including in imperfect conditions when machines are more likely to get stuck and soils are prone to more compaction.

One of the key tire technologies that allow sprayers to perform their best is VF, or very high flexion, construction. The extra-flexible sidewalls of VF tires create a larger footprint than their conventional radial counterparts, and can operate at up to 40% lower inflation pressure with the same load. That increases flotation and traction while reducing compaction.

Since sprayers split their time between the road, where speed demands higher inflation pressures, and the field, where improving traction and reducing soil compaction are paramount, investing in a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) can be extremely worthwhile. Cutting roading time, improving field performance, and increasing the service life of the tire can speed the payback of an investment in CTIS dramatically.

Another less-recognized advance is the development of hybrid tread patterns like those found on the Alliance 363 VF Row Crop Radial or the Alliance 550 VF Multi-Use Radial. Instead of old-fashioned tractor lugs—the same pattern that’s been used for more than 100 years—modern hybrid treads place industrial-style tread blocks in patterns that reinforce the centerline while curving towards the shoulders for traction. The result is a tire that is stable and long-lasting on gravel and pavement, while it also delivers outstanding traction in the field on flat ground and side-hills. That straight-line and lateral traction keeps the sprayer right on target, enhancing the capabilities of GPS-driven equipment.

Another choice sprayer owners can make is selecting the widest wheel available to fit their machine. The wider the wheel, the larger the air chamber. Since the air in the chamber does the actual load carrying work of the tire, a larger air chamber means more load-carrying capacity. A wider wheel and tire also increases the tire’s footprint, which spreads the load over a larger area for improved flotation and lower soil compaction.

Work with your tire dealer to select the right wheel and tire for your sprayer—one that will fit under the fenders and operate within the clearances of your machine. Your dealer will know to make sure the letters on your rim and tire match so you will get a secure fit at the bead and proper performance from your tire.

Also, be sure to invest in a well-made wheel from a reputable supplier. Today’s sprayers are carrying loads that 20 years ago were only found on combines. Plus, the huge diameters of sprayer wheels will amplify any effects from bad manufacturing. A wheel that’s out-of-round or starts failing under the loads you’re carrying can cause an awful ride, or worse—it can put you and the people around you at risk.

The bottom line is to treat your sprayer like the high-tech, high-performance road vehicle it is. Equip it with tires and wheels that will help it perform its best.

 

Ascenso Tires North America
Nick Phillippi:  Product Manager / Technical Support North America

Self-propelled sprayers have long been a hot topic in the tire industry. They have gotten faster and heavier and are more in use than ever in today’s farming practices. The original set up was narrow tires, but manufacturers had some difficulty getting acceptable performance from these tires. Now we have wider flotation tire options available. The sprayer tire position has long been considered a benchmark for manufacturers to prove their merit in the high tier level.

Sprayers have now moved from 600 to 1000 to 1200 gallon capacities with speeds exceeding 30 mph, with both of these items challenging tire performance. These units do more roading than any other farm field vehicle by percentage and the need for both hard surface wear and the ever important safe handling are priority.  The boom widths have helped to reduce the number of passes limiting soil compaction to a smaller area of the field, which is good.

Over time there was then a move to go to wide flotation for spring and fall burn down and switch back to narrows for the growing season row use. The 380/90R46 and 650/65R38 were long the top and almost exclusive fitments, that has now moved to a variety of sizes, in the narrows into 50 and 54” rims and the widths into 42 and 46” rims.  At the same time more and more hybrid treads have been developed with a focus on this specific application.

The reality is the sprayer is rarely in mud conditions and the typical R-1 tread may simply not be the best choice. In cases where the R-1 is doing the job then really no reason to make the change, but in many cases there is a real opportunity to move to hybrid treads to gain in road wear, better fuel savings and better handling. The hybrid, especially those with steel belts, will deliver a much more consistent pattern for weight distribution, roll more freely for better fuel efficiency and wear more evenly on hard surface while maintaining excellent traction in dry and loose soil conditions. R-1W in most cases would probably not be the best choice unless the need has a traction priority and the roading is minimal.

When selecting any tire one should match the tire speed and weight capacity with the vehicle at the lowest PSI available to reduce compaction.  Of course, making sure the tire was designed for the wheel being used is important.  The weight of the tire and wheel should also have some consideration as weight takes fuel to move.  Another small consideration might be the availability of replacement tires and wheels.  Going with a completely unique size of either may pose challenges to source and may cost more than equal substitutes.

The VF product should really be the only choice in the narrow fitments and in some cases in the flotation fitment.  The ability for the VF to handle the weights at 40% less air is a game changer in compaction in the row that the sprayer will run. There are many sizes in the market today in the same RCI family for these units. As for footprint, that is a moving target as well as it depends of course on weight and PSI, but also the soil conditions.  PSI of the tire being set exactly to the weight and speed to carry the load as defined by the manufacture tells you the compaction story.  Then you have to go run the tire to the end of it’s functional life to see if the decision was right.  Ascenso works very hard to balance all aspects of the tires demand – initial cost, overall cost per hour, traction and durability to give the best overall value position choice to the producer.

As for CTIS, my position remains the same that it is imperative to have it if you really want to maximize the value of any tires but even more so with VF. The ability to get the air pressure to the correct level for field operations to road operations and to even adjust from being fully loaded on the tanks to empty is essential for minimizing compaction and getting the ultimate performance and wear.

 

Maxam Tire International
Greg W. Gilland:  Vice President Global Agriculture

Over the last twenty years we have seen technological advancements drive solutions into the Ag market that were considered impossible to resolve due to engineering or product limitations at that time. Specifically for self-propelled Sprayer platforms we have seen a significant improvement to tire technology which has allowed:

• The reduction of air pressures to reduce soil compaction improving crop yields.
• The elimination of reinforced wheels reducing assembly weights.
• The ability to increase tire speeds or heat resistance due to improved rubber compounding.

All three of these advancements have fundamentally changed sprayer designs, engineering, and how they are marketed to both farmers and custom applicators or coops. Radial ag VF technology has allowed Sprayer tires to decrease air pressures by 40% while increasing roading speeds from +25 mph to +36 mph using “D” rubber compounds. This allowed air pressures to decrease from 100 PSI down to 60 PSI while not impacting the load carrying capacity of the Sprayer and transitioning back to standard rims as opposed to reinforced rims for the air pressures needed previously.

The resulting reduction in ground compaction impact was evident and obvious to all farming operations which improved crop yields and profits. This single VF technology advancement on tire load and speed capability (heat generation) allowed the OEMs to achieve their objectives to evolve self-propelled sprayer chassis from +1000-gallons to +2000-gallon platforms. It also allowed for improved productivity through greater capacity tanks coupled with larger booms up to 132 Feet or 40 meters. Regardless of these advancements, what remains consistent in crop application business is that market needs dictate how farmers or growers will choose Sprayer solutions to meet their profit goals.

Most of the Self-Propelled Sprayer platforms used by commercial applicators or Coops tend to use the larger (above +1000 gallons) machines allowing for more products to be delivered for a given field optimizing their chemical or nutrient spraying services. Initially, Floaters were the preferred platform for Fertilizer or nutrient spraying services before planting season. John Deere championed the concept of selling Sprayers with both a wet tank and boom combination for post-emergent crop spraying and with the wider “Flotation” tires with a dry tank for the pre-planting season. This allowed John Deere to market or commercialize one machine for two purposes with the employment of two sets of tires and two interchangeable product distribution systems. John Deere now offers both self-propelled Sprayers as well as a Floater. However, this dual capability concept has gained popularity over the last twenty years. Most OEM’s today will offer the traditional narrow post emergent high clearance tire option as well as a flotation tire option for pre-planting on their platforms.

Listed below is a summary table reviewing various OEM current VF tire options for Narrows or Flotation by Tank Size:

As a rule, most of the Sprayers below 1000 gallons tend to be owned and operated by Farmers or Growers as part of their farms.

As to which is the best option for all the above tires combinations or Sprayer options that goes back to the Farmer or commercial applicator’s brand of choice. That brand is not just a tire brand but a vehicle or OEM brand that best suits their value proposition based on price, productivity, serviceability, maintenance, and reliability. The above table captures the key sizes now offered by Sprayer platform based on the size of their wet tank capacity. Not every tire size is offered equally by all OEM’s as they each have design or engineering requirements that dictate which tire size is best suited to deliver the optimal productivity.

Most VF tires homologated on Self-Propelled Sprayers tend to be R-1 in tread depth over R-1W due to the height of the tire lug versus the amount of torque that a high-speed Sprayer may require which can cause lug tearing or irregular wear on the taller R-1W deeper lug tires during transport from field to field. In all instances the weight of the Sprayer with a full wet or dry tank will drive the optimum air pressure by axle load to minimize the impact of the soil compression under the tread while not compromising the handling characteristics required from the tires.

In contrast, the wider flotation sizes tend to be R-1W as they are mostly operated during the Pre-Planting season when soils are looser, and the chassis loads are heavier which tends to slow down the dry tank combination while in transport mode or working in the field.

Another market evolution in the works is the movement to wider options like the move from a 380 mm tire width to a 480 mm tire width (+26% increase in tread width) as “one” stop tire combination that still fits within 30” rows but allows for both Wet tank or Dry tank operations without a tire and rim change from season to season.

The farmer or commercial applicator (coop) is the best judge of what he requires to meet his business needs, the questions that need to be considered are the following:

• How many acres are you planning to fertilize or provide spraying service for within your farming operation?
• How large a sprayer platform does an operation require to meet the best productivity needs (600 to 2000 gallons)?
• What crop widths are you using or plan to use? (which will determine your best tire width…380-420-480-710 mm etc)
• What brand of equipment best suits the above requirements and therefore which platform as well as tire options are available?

The options offered by each brand or platform will determine which tire size is available to meet the above questions.

Most VF tires that are earmarked for this type of equipment have been optimized for the demanding environment of high speeds and heavy loads to include:

• High speed “D” rated or 40 mph resistant compounds whether as a narrow or flotation option.
• VF radial casings are engineered to remain flexible but have the tensile strength required to meet the load or speed.
• CFO designation for Cyclic Field Operations driven by constant work cycles which flex the tire casings from loaded to unloaded various times during the work cycle.
• Shallower R-1 tread depths on most narrow high clearance sizes with the deeper R-1W tread depth on the wider flotation sizes.
• Tread designs that are optimized for both transport or field operations without compromising traction, handling, nor endurance that include more tread lugs and greater contact patch through closer spacing of the lugs.

To address the increased tire wear caused by time spent on the roads between farms, some tire manufacturers are developing hybrid tread solutions. These designs incorporate the beneficial features previously mentioned but reimagine the traditional 45-degree chevron pattern into a more versatile multipurpose tread. This design innovation can improve tire durability by better accommodating increased road travel needs and less stringent field work requirements.

For all the above existing tires or newly designed tires the recommended wheels are determined by the selected tire size, which also influences the amount of tire deflection under any given load. This helps identify the best wheel width option or flange design best suited to achieve optimal load-carrying parameters. Therefore, on most of these platforms already specified with high load VF tires the wheel and flange designs have already been identified and specified to meet the constant “flexing” or cyclic work as well as high speed requirements.

The gradual adoption of onboard Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS) is enhancing tire performance. Farmers and custom applicators using CTIS can actively adjust air pressure as needed – either increasing pressure to maximize load-carrying on the road or decreasing pressure to reduce soil compaction in the field – all without compromising tire endurance.

MAXAM has already released VF solutions for the High Speed / High Clearance Self Propelled Sprayer market and will be introducing additional new narrow sizes in our AgriXtra N (Narrow product group), as well as larger optimized flotation sizes in our AgriXtra 85 and AgriXtra XL family of products to ensure we can deliver the MAXAM “value” or business solutions all customers are seeking.

Need help determining the right air pressure for your operation? Contact MAXAM Tire and discover how our Standard or VF Agricultural products can help improve your productivity, reduce your operating costs, and deliver the value your farm deserves!

 

Yokohama TWS
Chris Neidert: AG Marketing, Training & Development Manager for Trelleborg & Mitas Tires – North America

First of all, let’s use a straight definition of flotation: The tendency of an object to float on the surface. Sinking is just the opposite process of flotation which means the tendency of an object to go deep down to the lower levels of the surface. In the ag sprayer flotation tire world, we want tires to float on the surface. More float on the surface translates to less compaction as the same sprayer weight is distributed over a larger footprint. In everything we talk about, reducing compaction WILL increase your crop yield. Our picture below is a little exaggerated, but you get the concept.

Using flotation tires in your sprayer operation is a logical choice when no crop is established that could be damaged when driving over it. Using a wider tire that will float on the soil will be very beneficial when the ground is soft during the early spring or the late fall. Not only will the flotation tires reduce compaction as we have just said above, but it will also reduce the possibility of rutting that happens when the ground is soft.

Popular skinny tire sizes are the 380/90R46 and the new emerging 380/105R50. Footprint measurement for the 380/105R50 is 334 sq. inches. Popular flotation tire sizes are the 650/65R38 and the now popular 750/60R46. Footprint measurement for the 750/60R46 is 713 sq. inches. That’s a whopping 113% footprint increase and that’s FLOTATION.

Tire clearance as it relates to the vehicle is a major area to check out. You may want to go wide, but remember the tire needs to fit within the fenders. Many times, a wider tire will also be taller. Check those dimensions. You tire dealer will be able to check tire dimensions from the manufacturers data book.

The type of tread pattern that you choose for your flotation sprayer tire is very important – R-1, R-1W, or Hybrid Tread Design. Here are some thoughts about each.

R-1
R-1 = value of 100
R-1 – better suited for high speed & high load
R-1 – more lugs than an R-1W
R-1 – good heat dissipation

R-1W
R-1W = value of 120
R-1W – better for wet, muddy and sticky soil conditions
R-1W – longer tire life in similar applications

Hybrid
Tread depth can vary
Good road wear
Not as good traction as the R1 or R1-W

As far as a sprayer tire application, we always recommend a R1 tread design. Better suited for high-speed road use as they are rated for 40 mph (D) speed. Our sprayer tire design not only features R-1 lug height, but also more lugs than tractor tires – this assures faster heat dissipation and longer tire life. More lugs for smoother ride. Enough traction will be provided for sprayer applications.

If you have the opportunity, choose a VF technology tire over a Standard tire. As we have previously discussed, VF technology can let you run the same pressure as a standard tire but carry up to 40% more load. Imagine what this can do for you when carrying liquid or granular fertilizer. Less stops to reload or less runs back to the shop. See the chart below in a comparison. Using a popular flotation sprayer size of 650/65R38, you can see the load table for a standard size and the load table for VF. At 29 psi and 40 mph., the VF tire can actually carry 43% more load. (13,890 lbs. vs. 9,700 lbs.). Imagine what that can do for you!

650/65R38 166D

VF 650/65R38 172D

So here is my recommendation at the end of the day. Install the widest possible tire that will fit within the vehicle frame. Use a VF technology tire to carry more weight than a standard tire of the same size. Use a R1 tread depth for vehicle stability, high speed capability, good road wear, and good heat dissipation.

 

Precision Inflation, LLC
Ken Brodbeck: VP Technology

We want our sprayer to “Float” over the Field, while avoiding soil compaction, sinking and rutting in the soft spots!

Popular tire section widths for spraying and spreading in crops are 380 mm or 420 mm tires that fit between the rows,  having HIGH inflation pressures up to 78 psi- often described as “Pizza Cutters.”

 

How do we achieve better Flotation?

• Wider tires, 650 to 800 mm Wide Section Widths.

• VF construction. A VF tire, compared to a standard, can run up to 38 psi lower for the same load.
• Some sprayer tires are marked VF 380/90R46 CFO that provide an additional 13.4% load capacity in the field only at 20 mph or LESS.
  • BUT YOU MUST HAVE A CTIS, (Central Tire Inflation System to change tire pressures from field to road)!

CTIS makes every tire work better!

• • • Higher ROAD pressure for better:
      • Steering
      • Higher Fuel Economy
      • Longer Tire Life
      • Cooler Running
    • Lower FIELD pressure for better:
      • Flotation, Less Rutting
      • Less Soil Compaction
      • Better Fuel Economy, due to Less Ruts
      • Better Traction in Hilly Conditions
      • Smoother Ride

• Finally, always check with the tire manufacturer for their specific pressure and load capacity for their respective tires and applications.

 REMEMBER: AIR PRESSURE MATTERS!!

 

All information is provided in this blog solely to provoke thought. All deductions made from information on this site must be confirmed by Certified Ag Tire Dealer & Tire Manufacturer before use. Ag Tire Talk does not recommend anyone conduct tire service work with exception of Certified Ag Tire Dealer Professionals.