Alliance Tires: Innovative Technology that Pays Off

With 4,000+ SKUs, Yokohama ATG Tires offers the largest portfolio in the industry / Virtual update on company developments / New sizes and top customer feedback for the Agri Star II / Recent scientific results prove economic and ecological value of Alliance VF tyres and confirm earlier study

With more than 4,000 SKUs, i.e. the largest portfolio in the industry, presence in 120 countries on 6 continents, experienced R&D facilities in Japan, India, and the US, and 7 plants in 3 countries (1 under construction), Yokohama ATG Tires (Y-ATG) develops and delivers innovative tire solutions for the off-highway segment worldwide. Recent updates were given in a virtual press event.

“Recent customer feedback on the Alliance Agri Star II gives convincing evidence that performance, prolonged traction and appearance of this unique tyre more than fulfil expectations of users in various markets. That is why we are particularly happy to further extend this much sought-after pattern with 12 additional sizes. Furthermore, a recent scientific study conducted in Denmark proved the economic and ecological value of Alliance 372 VF and Alliance 389 VF tyres. Results showed that these tyres significantly reduce soil compaction whilst significantly increasing maize yield”, reported Ole Baek, Regional Head Northern Europe & France at Yokohama ATG Tires (Y-ATG).

Alliance Agri Star II: Success story continued

“The new sizes are introduced in March, the unique Agri Star II tire range with its 70, 85 and 90-95 series delivers beyond expectation. Farmers and contractors in many countries keep on telling our dealers and field engineers how this tire excels in terms of high performance and low wear”, said Andrew Musgrave, Country Manager for UK and Ireland at Yokohama ATG Tires. During the development and field testing of this pattern, intensive involvement of customers and dealers worldwide led to a very clear picture of users’ expectations. Based on this intensive dialogue, the Agri Star II is unique in terms of construction, performance, service-life and appearance, the Stratified Layer Technology (SLT) being a key characteristic of this tire. With SLT, developed by Yokohama ATG Tires’ Alliance brand, every lug consists of two layers: the first (inner) layer comes with a multi-angle profile whilst the second (outer) layer comes with a single-angle profile. The combination of these two layers delivers efficient and prolonged traction, enhanced roadability and improved braking capabilities. When the inner (first) layer finally takes over after about 40 % wear, the Agri Star II virtually begins a new life, hence performing like a brand-new tire.

High-quality is good news

Michael Rosenthal, Marketing Director of Kirkby Tyres, exclusive partner of Yokohama ATG Tires’ Alliance brand in the UK and Ireland is equally pleased with Agri Star ll. Rosenthal, providing dealers and customers with Alliance tyres means offering high quality and excellent value for money. “We like spreading quality news to our customers. As a matter of fact, we are currently preparing our stand at LAMMA 2022 in Hall 9 which now will take place in Birmingham on May 4^th and 5^th. On the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of the UK’s leading farm machinery show, we will have five Alliance tyres on display. In addition to the Alliance 590, the Alliance 585, the Alliance 389 VF and the Alliance 372 VF, we will surely also showcase the new star on the fields, the Alliance Agri Star II.” Michael Rosenthal adds: “We also highly appreciate the innovative communication of Kirkby Tyres as co-operating with popular online (YouTube) influencers Adrian in Ireland (iFarm WeFarm) and Tom Pemberton in the UK (Tom Pemberton Farm Life) has helped to skyrocket the presence of the Agri Star II in farmers’ minds.”

High-performance Tyres: For the sake of ecology and economy

Recent scientific research results from Denmark were presented during the virtual press conference. “These results give clear evidence that Alliance VF tyres indeed pay off – in terms of effective soil protection and increased farmers’ revenues” Ole Baek reported. The study was conducted by SEGES Innovation, a leading agricultural knowledge and innovation centre in Denmark. Field trials in 2021 clearly revealed positive effects of Alliance’s Very High Flexion (VF) Tyres Agriflex 372 VF and Agriflex 389 VF in comparison to conventional tyres. Despite optimum dry soil conditions and the correspondingly high stability and load carrying capability of the soil, the low inflation pressure of the VF Tyres cut the track depth during the application of liquid manure in half – from 79 to 45mm.

Ole Baek explained: “Scientists reported that in addition to the markedly reduced track depth, also wheel slip was reduced by 4.4 percent, and measurements with a penetrometer showed lower soil compaction in the ‘VF tyre tracks’ in the soil zone from 0 to 40 cm. This effect of lower soil compaction was even significant at a depth of 20 to 25cm.”

As further proof of the positive effects, maize yields in the tracks on ‘VF tyre plots’ significantly exceeded those in the tracks on the ‘conventional tire plots’ by about 12.9 harvest units per hectare, i.e. by about 10 percent. “In sum – and depending on the working width of the liquid manure spreader – these effects resulted in yield increases between 1.5 and 2.2 percent per hectare. Due to higher yields and reduced tyre slippage in the ‘VF tyre plots’, this outcome translates to calculated profit gains between 21.8 and 32 EUR per hectare. Seeing tyre technology pay off like that is really good news for farmers and contractors alike”, highlighted Ole Baek.

Impressive confirmation of French research results

During the virtual event, references to a French study were presented. The upgraded Alliance Agriflex 372 VF was put to the test at IRSTEA (Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l’environnement et l’agriculture) in France in 2020. “This test revealed excellent performance in terms of fuel efficiency, traction, footprint and slip, and hence effective soil protection. Results showed that the Agriflex 372 VF outperformed competitors’ premium IF tyres in almost all test parameters and was an about equal match for a competitors’ premium VF tyre.” As the Agriflex 372 VF comes at a clearly lower price point, however, performance and total cost of ownership of the Alliance 372 VF make for an unbeatable package and excellent value for money. “The recent tests results in France and Denmark that we are able to present are just a few examples of how Alliance products pay off in everyday life, delivering excellent value for money in terms of ecological and economic results”, concluded Ole Baek.

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About Yokohama ATG Tires: 

Yokohama ATG Tires (Y-ATG) specializes in the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of Agriculture, Forestry, Construction, Industrial, Earthmoving, Mining and Port and other commercial Tyres. Y-ATG owns the world-renowned brands Alliance, Galaxy and Primex and is present in over 120 countries. With a diverse product portfolio that includes more than 4000 SKUs, Y-ATG is well-known for its ability to offer customers, both aftermarket and OEM, with superior quality application-specific and purpose-built tyres.

Press-contact:
Elena Bounimovitch
Communications, PR & Social Media Manager Europe
E-mail: ebounimovitch@yokohama-atg.com