Alliance debuts hybrid Agriflex+ 373

When Elena Bounimovitch from Yokohama Off-Highway Tires (YOHT) showed us a prototype of the new Alliance Agriflex+ 373 at Agritechnica 2023 earlier this month, she commented that the hybrid tyre offers the “best of two technologies.” Specifically, the Agriflex+ 373 brings together VF technology and Alliance’s Stratified Layer technology, but it also combines lug and block tread elements so that it will “perform well in the soil but also on the road.”

Bounimovitch comments that the new Alliance tyre addresses a trend towards larger farms and the demand for all-round machinery. “This will be the first time any manufacturer has introduced a hybrid VF tyre with R1-W tread depth for both on- and off-road application with the Stratified Layer Technology (SLT) – which YOHT uses with its renowned Agri Star ll,” adds Ole Baek, vice-president – North & West at YOHT. “We believe that with this solution, we have completed our VF range in the tractor segment. For machines that are used both in the field and on the road, you should definitely use the Agriflex+ 373 to achieve comprehensive performance and better return on investment.”

According to YOHT’s Elena Bounimovitch, the new Alliance tyre offers the best of two technologies (Photo: Stephen Goodchild / Tyre Industry Publications Ltd)

5 innovations

The introduction of SLT (Stratified Layer Technology) addresses the need for greater traction, while the centre rib/block profile ensures smooth road holding. Additionally, VF (Very High Flexion) technology enables operations at significantly lower tyre pressures. As Agriflex+ 373 encompasses all these innovations, YOHT considers it “one of its kind in the market.” It adds that the tyre ensures superior longevity and offer excellent traction capabilities throughout its entire life.

On the road, YOHT says the unique tread pattern ensures excellent driving characteristics and also offers a high level of driving comfort. However, a modern tractor tyre must not only have good properties on different surfaces but must also be able to carry heavy loads. With larger draft angle lugs and tie bars, YOHT has ensured that the stability of the machine is not compromised, thereby improving driving safety.

Specialised tread design

The Alliance Agriflex+ 373 boasts a robust steel belt construction for durability and longevity, even in demanding farming conditions. The manufacturer claims the tyre’s specialised tread design provides excellent grip on various terrains, enabling farmers to work with confidence and efficiency. “Whether it’s traversing muddy fields or navigating uneven surfaces, this tyre delivers superior traction and stability,” comments YOHT.

As the only hybrid VF tyre available on the market, Agriflex+ 373 is said to ensure the best soil protection and thereby increasing yield efficiency. “This tyre provides 40 per cent more load carrying capacity at standard tyre pressure or 40 per cent lower pressure at standard tyre load, which lead to better efficiency,” says Baek.

Kirkby Tyres is exclusive partner for the Alliance brand in England, Wales and Scotland.