Bridgestone will be spreading the word about its ‘very high flexion’ (VF) tyre technology at LAMMA – almost literally – when onlookers can see it fitted to a unique, 6,000kg Coning Fertiliser truck. 

North Yorkshire based Coning Fertiliser supports both the arable and livestock sectors, spanning some 100,000 acres from North Yorkshire up to the Scottish Borders. 

Richard Coning’s fleet consists of 3 Iveco Trucks, 2 Mercedes Truck/Unimog, 2 Trailer Spreaders, 2 Ferti Chaser Trailers and a Kramer Telehandler, but it’s one of two brand new MAN – TGM 18.320 – trucks on display at LAMMA that will take centre stage, fitted on Bridgestone’s VT-TRACTOR tyres. 

The sheer weight of the 320bhp machine requires a tyre that can withstand such a heavy load whilst also protecting the soil beneath it, which is where Bridgestone comes into its own. 

Compared to standard tyres, the Bridgestone VT-TRACTOR tyre can operate at lower inflation pressures, with larger footprints, helping businesses like Richard’s to work faster, carry heavier loads and consume less fuel – all while protecting the soil.  

The truck, fitted with a KRM F10 Hopper to give a spread width up to 48m, will be at the KRM Stand at LAMMA on May 4 and 5. 

Bridgestone’s VT Sales Manager for North Europe Stephen Lamb said: “The tyres operate on the ground at 1.4bar – 1.0 bar and back up to 2 bar for road travel. This is where our VF540/65 R28 and VF710/60 R30 tyres come into their own. 

“This MAN truck is one of the best adverts we could wish for, as it showcases how the VT-TRACTOR improves areas of efficiency and performance in a really memorable way.  

“Richard has done a fantastic job of converting these spreader combinations locally into bespoke pieces of kit, that are tailored for all-round efficiency of his business. Bridgestone has had a long-standing relationship with his business, with regards to his determination to reduce the effects of soil compaction within his customers’ fields, with the use CTIS & VF Tyre Technology.” 

Richard added: “We’ve looked at all aspects of improving the service to our customers. These include cost savings on fuel, road and field gear-ratios combinations these trucks offer, improvements to soil compaction effects and spreading accuracy via dynamic weighing and section control. Plus, having the flexibility of transporting the Ferti-Bins, behind the trucks onto farm, gives us greater capacity, without the additional transportation cost and time.