Going beneath the rubber and bead

Beneath the rubber and bead of an agricultural radial tyre is the belt. The belt is made from polyester but we have adapted the relationship between the rubber and the belt by introducing N.flex, a patented, specially treated nylon that sits between the two to offer greater flexibility and durability.

The alignment of the cords in a radial tyre are more flexible than a cross ply tyre. However, to share the same strength properties, radial tyres need a belt. This offers the reinforcement needed to help maintain the flexibility of the tyre wall without it being too flexible.

N.flex increases the flexibility of the tyre and its shock absorbing properties. Heat shrinkage is also reduced because N.flex has a higher heat tolerance. This helps to reduce the occurrence of ‘flat spots’ as the tyre cools after use. Essentially, N.flex makes the tyre more stretchable and flexible giving the tyre a higher tolerance to demanding everyday work.

The strength and flexibility of the belt will help to run agricultural tyres at a wider range of pressures. On the road, at higher pressure, the belt provides stability and the strength to help with performance and fuel economy. In the field, flexibility in the carcass enables the pressure to be lowered without causing tyre deformation.

So, a tyre with a good belt construction will be stronger and more durable. The addition of N.flex makes our tyres more flexible so that the tyre keeps its round shape for longer. In our next post we will explain how the addition of our unique N.flex technology helps to improve the flexibility of the tyre which helps it to absorb impacts and maintain its shape.