The importance of self cleaning function on tractor tires
DEMO AGRO ULTRAFLEX
A tractor tire's self-cleaning ability may seem secondary, but if it is ineffective, or if it performs poorly, it can lead to a drop in performance and generate avoidable costs. How does self-cleaning work, and which farm tractor tires offer the best use of it? Our experts are here to provide the answers.
SUMMARY:
The self-cleaning function of a tractor tire is crucial both in the field and on the road, for a variety of reasons. Here's why:
If soil gets stuck in your tires, it may not offer the same traction.
As a result, your tire slip rate is likely to increase, leading to a rise in fuel consumption that may have an impact on your costs. On top of that, tire slippage will cause ruts and soil compaction.
If soil gets stuck in your tractor tires they are no longer able to offer the same traction
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When you drive on the road after leaving the field, the soil that has crept into the tires must be quickly removed. This is because soil sprayed onto country roads can lead to accidents. In some countries, this could be subject to fines, be sure to check your country's laws and regulations on this subject.
You can give it a little push to quickly evacuate all the soil thanks to centrifugal force. The soil, dislodged over a short distance, will be easier to clean. But your tractor tires still need to be able to release it properly.
What facilitates self-cleaning is the tractor tire's ability to flex as it moves from the ground contact zone to the non-contact zone.
The tire's tread pattern becomes loaded with soil in the spaces between the lugs, then when this area of the tire is no longer in contact with the ground, it flexes, ejecting the accumulated soil.
The flexing of the tire tread creates a gap between the compressed and uncompressed parts of the tread, allowing for better soil ejection.
What facilitates self cleaning is the tractor tire's ability to flex
This action occurs with each rotation of the tire, generating continuous self-cleaning while working in the field. By self-cleaning while you work, the tires can maintain grip by preventing soil build-up, ensuring continued performance from the tire.
The more the tire flexes on entering and leaving the contact area, the more it releases soil.
Some tractor tires on the market are designed with multiple plies to enable them to support the load. But the plies make the tires stiffer. By flexing less, they deform less and therefore eject less soil when they leave the contact area.
In contrast, our Michelin UltraFlex Technology tires (VF standard) incorporate specific components that enable them to support a high load using fewer carcasses. The tires flex a lot, which results in great amplitude of deformation that facilitates soil ejection.
In addition to the flexibility, the design of the tread pattern plays a crucial role in the functions of self-cleaning tires. The better the tractor tire's tread design is adapted to this function, with well-designed tread patterns and spaces between the lugs, the more effective the self-cleaning process will be.
Conventional lug or chevron tires, with large spaces between the lugs, are effective at evacuating soil. They allow the soil to escape laterally and by centrifugal force.
On the other hand, tires with a more closed tread pattern such as those used on trailers, tend to retain more soil. The small spaces between the blocks allow the soil to accumulate, and there are fewer chances for it to be ejected.
Michelin XEOBIB a tread pattern designed for excellent traction and good soil release
The tread pattern on Michelin tractor tires is carefully designed to fulfil several functions, such as ensuring adequate traction while minimizing slippage and support soil evacuation.
To avoid important tire slippage, excessive fuel consumption and the formation of ruts, the ability of ag tires to self-clean is an important factor to consider.
The design of Michelin VF tires allows them to flex more easily, creating space between the lugs and the soil. This space helps to shed soil as the tire rotates, improving self-cleaning.
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Need more advice? Discover our tire maintenance and caring guide
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