Lower fuel consumption, greater traction: ASCENSO’s technological leap

On March 6th, technical workshops were held to present new technological products from the tire brand ASCENSO.

The stars were the VF (Very High Flexion) range: high-tech agricultural tires with reinforced sidewalls, capable of operating at low pressure, minimizing soil compaction, improving traction, and reducing fuel consumption.

During the technical presentation, the importance and differences between standard, IF, and VF tires were highlighted:

Standard radial tire: most common on the market, operates at higher pressures. Supports a “normal” load, more economical, but causes higher soil compaction and smaller contact area → less traction and lower fuel efficiency.
IF (Improved Flexion) tire: allows more flexibility than standard. Supports up to 20% more load at same pressure or works at 20% lower pressure. Larger contact area, better traction, reduces soil compaction.
VF (Very High Flexion) tire: ASCENSO’s most advanced technology. Supports up to 40% more load or works with 40% less pressure than standard. Maximizes contact area, traction, minimizes compaction, improves field efficiency and fuel consumption.

Soil compaction problem:

Reduces water infiltration, limits air and biological activity, decreases treatment efficiency, and reduces crop yield in the long term.

VF tires minimize this problem: operate at lower pressure, distribute weight better, increase contact area, protect soil, and improve agricultural efficiency.

Field tests

Impact of pressure on soil compaction

VALTRA T174 tractor (2021), 7.23 t, front VF 600/60 R28 VDR2000 NRO SB 160D, rear VF 650/65 R38 VDR2000 NRO SB 180D.

1.0 bar → minimal mold deformation
2.0 bar → reduced contact area, ~30 mm mold deformation

Contact area differences: standard vs VF

Tractor with VF: front 600/60 R28 VDR2000 NRO SB 160D, rear 650/65 R38 VDR2000 NRO SB 180D
Tractor standard: front 540/65 R28 TDR650 154D, rear 650/65 R38 TDR650 163D

Standard at 1.8 bar → 3,900 cm²; VF at 0.8 bar → 4,788 cm² (+22.7%). Larger contact → less slip, better traction, more fuel-efficient.

Tire type & pressure impact on fuel consumption

Provana Group (Italy) tests. Fuel = 31% of operational costs; tires influence fuel (31%) & machinery depreciation (60%).

Technical factors:

Slip
Rolling resistance
Time efficiency

John Deere 6.250R tested: standard XLR880 vs VF VDR2000.

Comparison at same pressure (1.6 bar)

Average fuel: VF 37.1 L/h vs standard 45.5 L/h (-18.5%)
Slip: VF 23% vs standard 27%

VF at low pressure (1.0 bar)

Fuel: 36.3 L/h (-9.2 L/h)
Slip: 19% (-8 points)
Maximum traction: 1,430.00 Step 5

Conclusion:

Reduces fuel (~20%)
Increases traction and productivity
Protects soil

For more information, contact our technical team.

Traction loss due to overinflation

VALTRA T174 tests (2021), VF tires at max pressure per spec sheet. Max pressure unsuitable for current cultivator work → correct pressure choice is critical.