German test institute certifies Vredestein VF Flotation Optimall’s -25% soil pressure

Vredestein VF Flotation Optimall (Photo: Apollo Tyres)

Independent German test institute DLG has approved the soil preservation and fuel saving characteristics of Apollo Tyres’ new Vredestein VF Flotation Optimall tyre in size VF 750/60R30.5. During the field tests, the Vredestein VF Flotation Optimall achieved a ground pressure that was 25 per cent lower than the other VF competitor tyres tested. It also featured the largest contact surface in its class. Compared to the budget VF tyres in the test, the Vredestein tyre achieved no less than 50 per cent less soil pressure.

DLG fitted several VF tyres in the popular size VF 750/60 R 30.5 on a Kaweco three-axle slurry tanker in Germany. To ensure a fair and equal test, machines, tyre load, speed and field conditions remained the same for each tested tyre.

DLG says: “The new development of Vredestein, the Flotation Optimall VF 750/60R30.5 187 D, had a contact area pressure of less than one kg/cm² (0.92 kg/cm²) at 1.0 bar air pressure, making it the only tyre with a value below 1, out of 5 different tyres tested. This sets new standards in the segment of trailer tyres, which have to cope with high and changing wheel loads.”

The track depth of the Vredestein VF Flotation Optimall was 24 per cent less deep compared to the runner up of the VF tyres in the test. As a result, significant savings in fuel consumption were measured in the field, when pulling a 40 tonne slurry tanker. The test demonstrated that the Vredestein VF tyre can offer up to 3 l/h of fuel savings; this, corresponds to a savings potential of up to 4 euros per operational hour in the field.

“The latest test results from DLG showcases the opportunity to easily save farmers thousand euros per machine per year on fuel, when using the Vredestein Flotation Optimall. Moreover, farmers will generate higher yields year after year, taking care of their valuable soil,” says Guido Boerkamp, director off-highway tyres Europe at Apollo Tyres.

Apollo is currently presenting the Vredestein VF Flotation Optimall and the DLG report at Agritechnica (12-18 November, Hanover; Hall 20, stand A13).