Apollo has developed a new tire for field sprayers

Apollo Tyres has revealed details of the new Vredestein Traxion CropCare tire for field sprayers, made using Very High Flexion (VF) technology, which allows the tire to be used at reduced pressure, reducing soil compaction, and "sets new standards in terms of durability, self-cleaning and longevity".

The novelty is designed for use on trailed and self-propelled sprayers, and in this segment, tires with a narrow tread are required for operation between rows of seeded crops, which must also provide a high level of durability and withstand significant lateral forces caused by the high center of gravity of the equipment.

Vredestein Traxion CropCare features a radial metal cord construction with a "stabilizing ring" in the central zone of the tread and a "sidewall stabilizer", which increased the tire's lateral stiffness by 30% compared to unnamed competitors' products (according to internal tests by Apollo).

Sprayer tires must also be distinguished by their wear resistance, as they are operated at high speeds on asphalt and on four-wheel drive equipment. As noted by Apollo, "the new version of the well-known Traxion tread pattern provides a high level of durability and even wear across the entire tread, ensuring that the novelty will have the best-in-class resource, just like other products in the Traxion line".

Initially, the new tire will be available in VF 380/90 R46 and VF 380/105 R50 sizes, and sales are scheduled to start in early 2025. The official premiere of the tires will take place at the EIMA 2024 exhibition in Bologna (Italy), which will be held from November 6 to 10.