What is an IF & VF Ag Tire and how can it effect yield?
Definitions
IF is abbreviation for Increased Flexion. Tire can carry 20% more load than standard tire at same air pressure.
VF is the abbreviation for Very High Flexion. Tire can carry 40% more load than standard tire at same air pressure.
Michelin Spraybib VF380/90R46 Sidewall Shown
Example
In other words, if you are hypothetically carrying 10,000 lbs. at 100 PSI:
IF tire will carry same 10,000 lbs. as standard tire, at approximately 20% less air pressure or 80 PSI.
VF tire will carry same 10,000 lbs. as standard tire, at approximately 40% less air pressure or 60 PSI.
Keeping in mind PSI is pounds per square inch being transmitted thru tire to the ground, the pressure reduction is dramatic.
How
So, why can an IF or VF tire carry same load with less air pressure? Answer is highly technical sidewalls are designed to carry some of the load, whereas standard radial tires carry entire load with air pressure.
Benefits
What are other benefits of running IF VF lower air pressure tires? Larger footprint. Imagine what your car tire would look like of you took air pressure down 40% from 35 psi to 21 psi….the contact patch or footprint would grow dramatically. What’s bad for car tires (low air pressure) is good for Ag tires.
Larger footprint created from lower air pressures also provides:
Better traction with more pulling lugs on the ground
Reduced fuel consumption with less slip.
Better flotation with larger contact patch.
In sum, lower inflation pressure in the world of Ag tires can create a huge host of benefits!
Please note, all air pressure settings should be confirmed by Certified Ag Tire Dealer who has assessed weight of tractor, implement and application, noting air pressure for roading is almost always higher than in field applications to account for speed variance.
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 before use. Ag Tire Talk does not recommend anyone conduct tire service work with exception of Certified Ag Tire Dealer Professionals.