PRESSURE
EVENTS
Improper tire inflation could be costing you fuel
S
omthing as simple as air pressure could be costing producers
money and causing a host of
problems, including irregular
tire wear and compaction issues.
During a tire demonstration and event
hosted by United Ag’s Danevang location,
Firestone Ag representative Dusty Hininger
stressed the importance of proper air pressure
and explained how incorrectly inflated tires
cost producers money. He said the only
way to ensure correct tire air pressure is to
know what the tractor weighs. Getting to
a scale is not always feasible for producers,
but United Ag has simplified the process by
investing in portable scales. These scales allow
United Ag to go to producers’ locations and
weigh tractors on the spot. Genaro received
extensive training in Iowa to be able to
provide this service to producers.
“It doesn’t matter what tire brand you have,
if you do it United Ag’s way — you’ll save
fuel,” Hininger said. “This is yet another way
United Ag is setting itself apart.”
Hininger said it is important to remember
to weight the tractor with a full fuel tank to
ensure an accurate weight and avoid the risk
of running while overloaded.
With the use of tread displays, Hininger
gave a visual demonstration of the effect
air pressure has on efficiency. When
weighing one tractor, it was discovered that
the tires were inflated to 25 PSI when the
recommendation for that weight was only 12
PSI. By correcting the air pressure, the tread
went from a 17-inch footprint to a 21-inch
footprint, resulting in 68 feet per mile in
more tread and better traction. Hininger said
it may seem like a small difference, but at 50
miles a day it can add up to saving 2 percent
to 3 percent of fuel in the field.
“Even if you were to save 1 percent of
your fuel bill, it would be worth your time,”
Hininger said.
Hininger said there is technology available
to assist with automatic pressure regulation
He also recommended investing in increased
flex, or IF, tires when possible. These tires are
capable of carrying 20 percent more weight at
the same air pressure level.
“The tire doesn’t carry the load, the air
pressure carries the load,” he said.
United Ag has invested in portable
scales and professional training
to help producers ensure correct
weights and tire pressure levels.
These scales, seen in the picture
to the right, can be transported to
producers’ barns or fields. Please
call our Danevang location for more
information and to learn more about
the technology available to help
determine and regulate PSI levels.
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