Lower Tire Pressure Can Lead to Better Yield and Reduced Costs

Using lower air pressure creates a larger footprint, which can help reduce soil compaction and in turn, improve yields. David Graden, Michelin, said he likes to begin with the “why” when recommending single digit tire pressures to producers.

“An overall improvement in efficiency and added money to your bottom line are the end result with improved traction due to a larger footprint and more lugs on the ground. This significantly improves flotation, reducing soil compaction and leading to better crop yield and improved fuel economy.”

How Do I Safely Run These Lower Air Pressures?

There are two main ways to run lower air pressure: a central tire inflation system (CTIS) or VF tire technology.

According to Dave Paulk, BKT, a CTIS allows pressure to be dropped low in the field and then aired back up for transport between fields.

“Modern tire construction also plays a role in lowering air pressures,” he said. “VF tires can be run with 40% less air pressure as compared to a standard tire.

Without using one of these options, pressure must be set to highest speed and highest load for all applications, Graden said. “For example, tires set for 30 mph road speed and planter in folded position would be a rear PSI of 26 and a front PSI of 23.”

“With a CTIS and VF tire construction, pressure can be set to lowest field speed (10 mph plant) and lowest load (planter unfolded),” he continued. In this example, that would be a rear PSI of 7 and a front PSI of 6.

What Should I Watch for When Running Low Tire Pressure? 

Before switching to a low tire pressure scenario, Chris Neidert from Yokohama TWS said, “The tractor must first be ballasted correctly, meaning the total weight of the tractor necessary to transfer the tractor engine output torque with high efficiency to the ground must be established. Next, the weight distribution must be determined, meaning how much weight should be over the front axle and how much weight should be over the rear axle.”

The Tire and Rim Association only recommends single digit PSI (a minimum of 6) on dual or triple configurations, with singles set at a minimum of 12 PSI, said Blaine Cox, Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America.

“Remember that manufacturers design every aspect of a tire to perform within the bounds you see on the load and inflation table,” he added. “Below-spec inflation pressure can create excess heat, apply stress to parts of the sidewall and under-tread that it is not built to handle, and cause other problems. Tires also rely on inflation pressure to maintain the bead’s lock on the rim. Too little pressure could allow the tire to fall off the rim, especially if it is being operated on a sidehill. Your load carrying capacity and top speed should always be within the bounds of the load and inflation table, noting special applications like steep slope require air pressure increase adjustments.”

What Are the Advantages to a CTIS?

“A complete front and rear axle CTIS, enabling road and field air pressure changes, for eight tires plus a hydraulically powered air compressor is less than $ 20,000,” said Ken Brodbeck from Precision Inflation.

He added the following benefits of using a CTIS:

1. Two to 4% higher yields by reducing or eliminating pinch row compaction
2. Five to 10% better fuel economy on both field and road
3. Better handling on road with firm tire sidewalls
4. Fifteen to 20% longer tire life, by raising low VF and IF tire PSI for road transport
5. Cooler running tires with heavy hitch tool bars and front fold planters

All information is provided solely to provoke thought. All deductions made from information in this article must be confirmed by a Certified Ag Tire Dealer and Tire Manufacturer before use, with tire service work done only by Certified Ag Tire Dealer Professionals.