Independent tests conducted in Germany have demonstrated the potential value of Maxam tyres in both field and laboratory conditions. CPM examines what benefits some new rubber could bring to agricultural operations.
Independent field and road tests carried out by DLG – the German Agricultural Society – have demonstrated that Maxam’s high horsepower tractor tyres, the AgriXtra VF and Standard construction Radial R-1W tyres, can reduce soil compaction, improve traction and yield fuel savings.
Furthermore, the firm has announced the tyres have been awarded the ‘DLG Approved’ stamp after a number of tests were carried out earlier this year.
UK market
Although Maxam is the tenth largest tyre manufacturer in the world – as part of Chinese firm Sailun Group – it’s a relative newcomer to the UK market, entering in 2024 through wholesaler Kirkby Tyres.
To assess the capabilities of the AgriXtra tyres, DLG undertook a series of field tests in the Hohe Geest nature reserve in Germany between 10-15 April this year. Soil compaction, traction and ease of use of the AgriXtra were evaluated alongside comparative tyres from other manufacturers. According to Maxam, the contact area as well as ground pressure values at various air pressures – based upon manufacturer recommended load and inflation standards – were tested rigorously.
Results of the tests determined that of the six tyres tested, the AgriXtra XL VF710/70R42 left the smallest track depth of just 7.3cm at an internal tyre pressure of 9psi. At the same pressure, both the VF and Standard transmitted tractive forces of 54.5kN at the maximum slip rate of 20% versus competitor tyres at 36.0kN and 48.0kN.
At the higher transportation air pressure setting of 19 psi and at the maximum slip of 20%, the VF tyres delivered 46.0kN and the Standard tyres delivering 43.0kN of tractive power, outperforming the competitor test tyres which ranged from 27.9kN-36.8kN.
Improved fuel use
During laboratory tests, the AgriXtra demonstrated improved fuel use compared with competitor tyres. This was tested using an all-wheel drive chassis dynamometer which measures vehicle engine performance and the corresponding fuel consumption.
The AgriXtra XL series of tyres have been designed to both protect the soil, while efficiently transferring the necessary traction or power on high horsepower machines such as tractors and harvesters to deliver improved productivity. The new AgriXtra XL VF tyres, with an improved radial casing or carcass technology, are designed to offer up to 40% higher load capacity or can be operated at 40% less air pressure for the given axle load without compromising the machine’s working speed.
“Maxam’s tyre technology in both our Standard and new VF products not only delivers improvements for daily practical farm life but will also ensure long-term benefits for the farming world through greater soil conservation, reduced carbon gases emitted, and long-term tyre wear,” explains the firm’s Harry Wang.
