If soil compaction is a concern for you, take a look at this story at TireReview.com. It refers to a French study that compared soil compaction results after testing three different mobility options: a set of three roller tread tracks and two sets of improved flexion (IF) tires.

When tested on soft ground, the tread tracks increased the hardness of the ground by 55%. The IF tires only increased the hardness by 46%.

On hard ground, each improved flexion tire distributed the load evenly across its entire footprint, while the tread tracks placed uneven pressure on the ground.

According to Mike Lawton, commercial director of Groupe Michelin's agriculture division, "The study concluded that the tread track's uneven load distribution and the extra pressure on the ground, compared to the IF tires, did not give it an advantage in terms of soil compaction."

Get more details here.

Handling heavy equipment tires is dangerous. A standard 18.4 x 38-inch tractor tire and rim combination can weigh up to 450 pounds. If the tire is filled with fluid, it can weigh nearly 1,000 pounds more.

Heavy tires are necessary to support the load placed upon heavy equipment, but they inherently present certain hazards. Tires of this size hold tremendous amounts of pressure and a rupture can result in a large explosion. And if a detached tire were to tip over, it could cause serious injury and even property damage.

So, keep the following precautions in mind the next time you handle heavy equipment tires. To prevent a rupture:

• Do not mount, inflate or use a damaged tire.
• Do not place tires of varying size, age or quality on the same vehicle.
• Thoroughly inspect the tires and rim for any sign of damage before every use.

To prevent crushing:

• Never try to move a tire by yourself. It's too heavy.
• Properly chain or secure tires in their designated storage area. Don't stack tires or lean them against a wall.

Our best advice: let our team handle your heavy equipment tires. We have the tools and experience to do the job safely. For more details, contact the Valley Tire location near you.

More of a good thing isn’t always better, especially when it comes to the air pressure in your heavy equipment tires.

If you’re a farmer you should know that over-inflated tires can lead to soil compaction, which can affect root development, increase the likelihood of water stagnation, and limit the development of microbial life, all of which leads to lower yields and reduced crop quality.

Over-inflation also causes excessive spin and a high resistance to forward movement, which wastes time and fuel, and can result in unnecessary wear of your tires and machine. Over-inflated tires are also more likely to wear quicker on the road and in hard, stony soil.

And let’s not forget about your comfort. Tires with too much air tend to bounce and vibrate as you drive across a field.

By inflating your tires to the proper pressure you’ll make optimum soil contact and a proper-sized footprint, reducing both spin and penetration, and increasing productivity, results and ride comfort.

Our thanks to Michelin for this information.