Bridgestone launches the VX-TRACTOR for maximum traction and a long working life
BridgesBridgestone launches the VX-TRACTOR for maximum traction and a long working life
Bridgestone has launched its latest addition to the ultra-high-performance agricultural tyre segment: the VX-TRACTOR. This high-traction tyre recognises the need users have for longer wear life when used on the road, pushing technological and performance boundaries to allow them to work longer and carry larger loads.
Built for strength, performance and a long life
The first focus point for designers was tyre performance. Wanting users to feel confident in the VX-TRACTOR, they incorporated Bridgestone’s patented lug design. Then they focused on increasing wear life, especially on the road, making the lug on the VX-TRACTOR longer and wider, with up to 20% more lug volume than direct competitors.[1] This increased lug volume delivers an overall tread depth that, once again, is greater than what direct competitors offer.[2] At the same time, the casing has been engineered to minimise internal stress. This allows the tyre to perform at high speeds and when carrying heavy loads at inflations of up to 2.4 bar.
Designed to last longer
The extra body in the rubber increases the strength, minimising the effects of erosion, friction and use. The premium six-layer tread belt also helps to protect against damage and potential punctures. The surface area of the sidewall has also been reduced and reinforced, further diminishing the tyre’s vulnerability to puncture. The VX-TRACTOR has been made with a new rubber compound that is even more resistant to wear than previous Bridgestone tyres. This compound partially replaces mineral oil with environmentally friendly vegetable oils, improving the lifespan of the tyres and taking a vital step towards a more sustainable future.[3]
Ultimate traction
The VX-TRACTOR uses the same proven Bridgestone lug used on the VT-TRACTOR, which delivers phenomenal tyre traction in all conditions. Tests have demonstrated that the VX-TRACTOR has considerably less slip than its competitors[4], giving users every reason to feel confident in the tyre. Whether they are in the fields, on roads, under pressure, in slippery conditions, on slopes or carrying heavy loads, the VX-TRACTOR performs to the highest of standards.
Quality as standard
The new VX-TRACTOR embraces Bridgestone’s commitment to quality, with all the available sizes incorporating these innovations as standard technology.
‘The new VX-TRACTOR tyre joins the current Bridgestone VT-TRACTOR tyre range for high-performance tractors and the VT-COMBINE tyre range for cereal combine harvesters. The casing of the VX-TRACTOR uses a technology which allows inflation pressures from as low as 0.6 up to 2.4 bar, which is perfect to adjust for each operating condition and ensures that even the heaviest loads can be carried. While the proven patented involute lug design optimises traction and reduces slip, the additional lug volume gives the tyre a long wear life, which is especially important for tractors used in mixed in-field and on-road operations’ explained Mark Sanders, General Manager, Agriculture, Bridgestone EMEA.
Designed in Europe, made in Europe
The VX-TRACTOR was developed in Bridgestone’s European R&D centre in Italy and is produced in the Bridgestone plant in Puente San Miguel, Spain. The tyres are being released initially in twelve different sizes for front and rear axle applications, ranging from 24 to 42 inches. Additional sizes will complete the range through 2019.
[1] Based on Bridgestone measurement tests conducted on Bridgestone VX-TRACTOR, Michelin MACHXBIB
and Trelleborg TM900 on 710/70 R42 and 600/70 R28 tyres.
[2] Based on Bridgestone measurement tests conducted on Bridgestone VX-TRACTOR, Michelin MACHXBIB
(Databook 2017) and Trelleborg TM900 (Databook 2017) on 600/70 R28 and 600/70 R30 tyres.
[3] Based on controlled lab measurement test (DIN abrader test) (Accelerated ageing testing) conducted by Bridgestone R&D.
[4] Test carried out by PCLT for Bridgestone in October 2018. Front tyres, 600/70 R30: Bridgestone VX-TRACTOR 158D and Michelin MACHXBIB 152D. Rear tyres, 710/70 R42: Bridgestone VX-TRACTOR 173D and Michelin MACHXBIB 173D.
Media information: Liesbeth Denys, Head of PR and Corporate Communications, Bridgestone in EMEA: +32 478 78 26 22
About Bridgestone in Europe, Middle East and Africa
We're the EMEA business of the world’s number one tyre and rubber company. For almost 90 years, we've been providing the confidence to get people and goods where they need to go as conveniently as possible, without interruption. That’s as true today as ever and means we’re trusted where it matters most: where the vehicle meets the road. We’re brilliant chemists, engineers and data scientists with some of Europe’s most advanced factories, world-beating technology, and leading R&D investments. We’re uncompromisingly focused on providing real solutions to the real problems that drivers face on the road every day. We keep them going, no matter what.
For more information about Bridgestone in EMEA, please visit www.bridgestone.eu and www.bridgestonenewsroom.eu. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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