Comparison of IF and Standard Marked Metric Radial Ply Tires

Abstract

Controlled field and indoor tests were conducted to compare and evaluate the performance of IF metric marked radial ply tractor tires (IF) and metric marked radial ply tractor tires (Standard). IF tires are designed to operate at increased deflection over Standard tires. The load calculation used for tire design, as specified in the Tire and Rim Association guidelines, allows for 20% more load to be carried at the same inflation pressure for an IF tire over a Standard tire. This increase in deflection allows the tire to develop a larger footprint. Data was obtained by indoor deflection testing, as well as in field traction and fuel economy testing on a production mechanical front wheel drive tractor to show the advantages of IF tires. Traction and fuel economy testing was completed in tilled, sod, and stubble conditions to evaluate the performance of drawbar pull versus wheel slip. The tire in the IF conditions displayed measurable advantages in tractive efficiency and fuel economy when being used in real world conditions as well as under controlled testing conditions.