The technology is designed to improve replacements by allowing producers a single swap for an IF or VF
Ruining one sprayer tire no longer means replacing it with the same type. Titan’s universal Ultimate Flex Technology allows replacement of any conventional IF or VF tire.
A farmer can quickly replace any sprayer tire without having to worry about which conventional, IF or VF tires are on the other three wheel positions. This compatibility means local dealers can reduce quantities and complexities in their inventory.
Because the UFT matches all three tire styles, producers shouldn’t have to wait as long for a replacement, according to Titan’s Scott Sloan.
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“We merged the technology of all three sprayer tires into one tire. Our dealers no longer need to stock three styles of tire technology,” said Sloan.
“Previously, if a producer comes in with a wrecked conventional tire, it had to be replaced with another conventional tire. If the dealer only had a VF tire, he can’t install it.
“You cannot run a VF at the higher inflation you can run with a conventional tire, so they either have to sell him a pair of VF tires or send him over to the next tire shop.
“The structure of a conventional tire is what allows higher inflation. We installed that construction into the new UFT and we also incorporated characteristic of the VF so we can run lower pressures.”
UFT tires are approved to run at 40 percent lower inflation pressures to reduce compaction. They must match the inflation pressures of the tires already on the machine. The new tire provides the benefits of VF tires, which can carry the same weight as standard tires, but at 40 percent lower inflation pressures.
The tires are inflated to fit the customer’s application and field conditions. If a customer is running a sprayer with a 1,200-gallon tank, inflation can be set to 78 PSI to match a conventional tire. If they want to reduce ground-bearing pressure, pressure can be lowered to 64 PSI, which would be similar to an IF tire.
Or, if the sprayer is working in wet clay soils where compaction impacts yield, inflation can be lowered to 50 PSI to match a VF tire.
The UFT technology is available in Titan’s flagship R-1 row crop sprayer line and the Goodyear Ultra Sprayer. Initial sizes include 380/90R46 and 380/105R50. Plans to expand into different sizes and applications are in development.
Sloan says the new tire technology, initially available only for sprayers, creates a universal solution for ag tire replacements.
Titan laid claim to building the biggest ag tire in the world about five years ago. Designed specifically for combines, this tire has grown deeper, more aggressive lugs. The face is the same size on the new Custom Flo Grip LSW1400.
“There may be a few guys putting them on tractors, but the main use will be on combines,” says Sloan. “It’s a heavier tire, which means a higher cost because there’s more rubber to pay for.”
