FAQ - TYRES

Product Information

We would like to share our expertise with you, on this page you will find interesting information and useful advice to get the best results from your tires.

How to read a tyre?

Sizing

The size of the tyre reveals a number of its characteristics. A tyre size can be expressed in different ways, such as:

520/70R34:

520: Tyre width in mm
70: Proportion of the flank height/tyre width in % (in this example 70% of 520 mm)
34: Interior diameter of the rim in inches
R: The R stands for the type of tyre, in this case, a radial tyre. For diagonal tyres, there would be a -sign here.

15.5/80-24:

15.5: Tyre width in inches
80: Proportion of the flank height/ tyre width in % (in this example 80% of 15.5 inches)
24: Interior diameter of the rim in inches
-: The - stands for the type of tyre, in this case a diagonal tyre. For radial tyres, the symbol here would be an R.

20.8R42:

20.8: Tyre width in inches
42: Interior diameter of the rim in inches
R: The R stands for the type of tyre, in this case a radial tyre. For diagonal tyres the symbol here would be an -.

26x12.00-12:

26: Exterior diameter of the tyre (overall diameter) in inches
12.00: Tyre width in inches
12: Interior diameter of the rim in inches

What is 'LISI'?

LISI stands for Load Index Speed Index and indicates the load bearing capacity of a tyre at a given speed. For example: a LISI of 133A8 means that the capacity is 2060 kg at a speed of maximum 40km per hour. You can download the LISI table here.

Tubeless vs. Tubetype?

Tubeless tyres can be used without an inner tube, whereas tubetype tyres always require an inner tube. Tubeless tyres are given a TL-coating on the inside so that the air cannot escape.

What is 'Recytyre'?

Recytyre environmental contributions

Environmental contributions must be paid on all tyres. The contribution depends on the type, volume and weight of the tyre. These environmental contributions are only applicable in Belgium. More information about Recytyre and the contributions is available on their website.

To what pressure should a tyre be inflated?

The maximum air pressure is listed on the side of the tyre, but this may not necessarily be the right pressure for your machine and circumstances. When determining tyre pressure, we recommend following the manufacturer's guidelines whenever possible. Manufacturers will often provide tables indicating the tyre pressure required for the load capacity. More information about the ideal tyre pressure and links to tyre manufacturer websites are available on our Product information page.

Conversion table

1 inch = 2.54 cm
1 inch = 25.4 mm
1 psi = 0.069 bar

Radial vs. Diagonal?

The difference between a radial tyre and a diagonal tyre has to do with the layers of cords which make up the tyre carcass. A radial tyre is constructed from multiple cord plies that are placed across the tyre. The cord plies lie perpendicular to the running direction underneath the tyre tread. They are perpendicular to the tyre bead. In order to increase the stability of the tread, in a radial tyre, an additional belt is applied to the carcass, with cord plies that cross the tread diagonally. In diagonal tyres, the cord plies are diagonal to the running direction. The cord or carcass layers in the tyre tread and the sidewall are placed criss-cross on top of each other.

One major difference between diagonal and radial tyres is in the flexibility of the tyre. The many diagonal cord plies make the sidewall of the diagonal tyre fairly rigid, whilst radial tyres are much more flexible on the sidewalls. This difference makes radial tyres ideal for agricultural applications and diagonal tyres best for work on rougher terrain, such as forestry. An overview of some of the advantages and disadvantages:

Diagonal tyres

+ Solid sidewalls: suitable for rough surfaces
- Lower driving comfort due to rigid sidewalls
- Considerable distortion and heating at high speeds: crossed cord plies generate more friction

Radial tyres

+ Larger contact area with the ground due to flexible sidewall: better steering performance and road contact
+ Good steering: highly suitable for soft ground
+ Greater driving comfort due to soft flanks
+ Low rolling resistance: energy-efficient
+ Low heat generation at high-speed
+ Longer lifespan
- More expensive purchase price
- Flexible sidewall is more vulnerable

Source: Vaco Association

Tyre pressure

Correct tyre pressure is extremely important for various factors, in agricultural tyres for maintaining a good soil structure and limiting the impact of weather conditions, for example. In other applications as well, correct tyre pressure is highly important. The correct tyre pressure extends the life of a tyre and reduces fuel consumption. For earthmover tyres, determining the correct tyre pressure depends heavily on various factors such as the weight of the load and the substrate. In addition, the maximum weight on the front and back axle of the machine should be taken into consideration.

Pressure too high	Correct pressure	Pressure too low
excesses slip central wear too much pressure on ground chance of surface rutting low rolling resistance on the road high rolling resistance on land	optimal driving characteristics	reduced stability tyre twists over the rim (rim shaving) high rolling resistance on the road risk of carcass damage

The maximum tyre pressure is marked on the side of the tyre, but this is not necessarily the correct tyre pressure for your machine and circumstances. When considering the correct tyre pressure, it is recommended that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines wherever possible. They will often provide tyre tables that show which pressure is required for which load capacity.
Websites of tyre manufacturers:
www.atgtire.com
www.bkt-tires.com
www.techking.com
www.nokianheavytyres.com

IF or VF?

Some agricultural tyres are marked with IF or VF before the size. IF stands for Increased Flexion and indicates that the tyre can support 20% more weight than standard radial tyres of the same size. VF stands for Very Increased Flexion and indicates that these tyres can support 40 % more weight.

Source: Vaco Association