WAKEFIELD, Mass.—Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America Inc. (YOHTA) has introduced the Alliance 778, an irrigation tire featuring a Y-shaped center block tread design.
The overlapping Y shapes in the centerline of the zero-degree lug pattern improve both traction and durability compared with traditional lug patterns, the tire maker claims.
"You are guaranteed to be operating in wet conditions with an irrigation tire, so you absolutely need great traction," James Crouch, YOHT national segment manager, agriculture and forestry, said.
"But you also want to minimize rutting and make sure every tire on every tower keeps itself clean, no matter which direction the tire is operating in. We completely redesigned the Alliance 778 irrigation tire to meet the very specific needs of farmers under irrigation."
Under the overlapping-Y centerline is a sturdy tie bar designed to improve durability and service life.
"We developed a special ozone-protection compound for the Alliance 778 to minimize the cracking that can plague conventional irrigation tires," Crouch said.
"It's also resistant to sunlight and water. Every aspect of the Alliance 778, from the compound we make it out of to the fine points of the design and manufacturing process, has been optimized for great performance and long service life on an irrigation system.
"As irrigation systems get more precise and water and power become even more precious, keeping irrigation systems moving reliably and efficiently with high-performing tires is more important than ever," he said.
The Alliance 778 tire is available in three sizes: 290/85D38 (11.2-38); 290/85D24 (11.2-24); and 380/85D24 (14.9-24).
