Universal solution: Titan International debuts Ultimate Flex Technology

Titan International has evolved the agricultural tyre technology seen in Increased Flexion (IF) and Very High Flexion (VF) tyres and has combining this with conventional tyre construction to create what it says is a “universal solution” for tyre replacements. It is introducing this Ultimate Flex Technology (UFT) at the Farm Progress 2022 show in the USA next week.

The new innovation will initially be available as a fitment for sprayer applications. Titan International explains that as UFT combines the elements of conventional, IF and VF tyres, it will allow farmers to “quickly replace any sprayer tyre without having to worry about what other standard, IF, or VF tyres are on the other wheel positions.” The tyre maker adds that UFT will also allow dealers and original equipment manufacturers to reduce quantities and complexities in their inventory.

“We wanted to create a simple solution for farmers, dealers and OEMs,” said Scott Sloan, ag product manager, Titan. “Our thought was why don’t we make a tyre that’s capable of all three applications — conventional, IF and VF. This makes it easier to quickly replace any sprayer tyre, without sacrificing performance”

All the benefits of VF

Tyres that meet UFT classification are approved to run at 40 per cent lower inflation pressures as a standard tyre, which can help reduce soil compaction. If being used as a replacement tyre, UFT tyres must meet the inflation pressures of the other tyres already installed on the machine. Titan comments that the tyre provides all the benefits of VF tyres, which can carry the same weight as standard tyres, but up to 40 percent lower inflation pressures.

UFT tyres can be set up to fit the customers application and field conditions. For instance, if a customer is running a sprayer with a 1,200-gallon tank they can have the inflation pressure set to 78 PSI like a conventional tyre. However, if they are looking to decrease ground-bearing pressure, they may want to set the pressure to 64 PSI, which would be similar to an IF tyre, or 50 PSI for a VF tyre. Titan notes that this would be particularly useful in wet clay soils where compaction has the greatest impact on yield.

The new technology is currently available in Titan’s flagship R-1 row crop sprayer line: the Goodyear Ultra Sprayer. Initial sizes will include the 380/90R46 and 380/105R50. Plans to expand into different sizes and applications are in final development and will be announced at a later date.