DLG mark of approval for BKT Agrimax V-Flecto

Following independent field and laboratory testing, the German Agricultural Society (DLG) has given the BKT Agrimax V-Flecto its DLG Approved quality mark. The quality assurance organisation tested the BKT tyre in sizes VF650/65 R42 and VF540/65 R30 before granting the quality mark on the basis of its performance in the ‘Resources Protection’ and ‘User Friendliness’ test modules.

For its field testing, the DLG fitted Agrimax V-Flecto tyres to Fendt 724 Vario (Gen6) and Fendt Vario 828 tractors and evaluated the tyre footprint area and ground pressure values at different depths in order to determine impact upon the ground and soil compaction. The agricultural society reports that the BKT tyre “impressed in the field,” with traction and tractive forces better than the (unnamed) reference tyres at 0.6 bar / 8.7 psi. The Agrimax V-Flecto had a tyre footprint area of between 3,906 cm² and 5,040 cm² when measured at a wheel load of 2,345 kg, resulting in a contact surface pressure of 0.47 kg/cm² – ten per cent better than the reference tyres’ average of 0.52 kg/cm². Furthermore, the tractive force slip curve shows that the BKT can transmit 67.5 kN at 37 per cent slip, with an internal tire pressure of 0.6 bar / 8.7 psi.

Parallel laboratory tests assessed the tyre’s traction, fuel consumption and self-cleaning properties. BKT is confident that a combination of field and laboratory testing provides a “comprehensive and accurate evaluation of tyre performance under various operating conditions.” Results of these combined testing show the BKT tyre to have a larger footprint, resulting in lower contact pressure and consequently in less soil compaction. At an inflation pressure of 0.6 bar / 8.7 psi, Agrimax V-Flecto placed 16 per cent less pressure on the ground that the other tested tyres, which include both premium and budget brands. The BKT tyre also had the lowest footprint depth. “This outcome means a significant reduction in soil compaction, which is crucial for sustainable farming practices,” states the tyre maker.

DLG has granted BKT Agrimax V-Flecto its Approved quality mark (Image: Screenshot DLG)

Fuel consumption & soil discharge

Fuel consumption was below the reference tyres’ average. Rolling bed laboratory tests showed that at 40kmh or 24.9 mph, the BKT tyre shared first place with a reference tyre, while at 50km/h or 31.1 mph it was in first place with fuel consumption that was one per cent lower than the average of all tyres tested. When looking at per tonne and mile consumption in the field, compared to the average of all tyres tested the Agrimax V-Flecto achieves a saving of 0.7 per cent at 40km/h or 24.9 mph and 0.8 per cent at 50km/h or 31.1 mph.

BKT adds that “in comparison with the least performing VF tyre among the competitors,” the Agrimax V-Flecto’s fuel consumption was approximately five per cent lower. “Considering that ploughing the land takes about two hours per hectare and that an actual working day is 8 hours, it is possible to till up to 15 hectares per day. In other words, Agrimax V-Flecto saves nearly 15 litres of fuel per day per tractor.”

Soil discharge and self-cleaning measurements show that at 0.6 bar / 8.7 psi the Agrimax V-Flecto picked up the lowest amount of soil, eight per cent less than the best reference tyre. BKT speaks of a ”remarkable ability to get free of dirt during operations” that results in less time spent on maintenance and increased operational efficiency.

Most advanced expression of our vision

“Our commitment to research and development of cutting-edge solutions is evidenced by the superlative performance of our Agrimax V-Flecto tyres, representing the most advanced expression of our vision,” states Lucia Salmaso, managing director of BKT Europe. “Reduced operating costs and a positive impact on the environment are the result of technology that caters for the present and future needs of modern agriculture. We will continue to do our best to make sure that our tyres are synonymous with excellence and an unparalleled added value for our customers worldwide.”