Outlining the thinking behind the new product, Ole Dall, GKN’s Product Manager, Wheels, said: “Tyre slippage has become increasingly problematic over recent years. The combination of larger tractors, increased horsepower, larger implement machinery, low inflation pressure with Central Tyre Inflation systems (CTIS), and heavy loads is causing tyre slippage. Tyre manufacturers are developing tyres to run at a low inflation pressure to maximise the “footprint” and the transfer of power from the tractor to the soil.

“However, an inevitable consequence of this is that the interaction between the tyre and rim is being compromised, particularly when operating in dry soil conditions, with tyre slippage often being the result. The new Profi-Grip rim profile has been developed specifically to address this problem.”

Profi-Grip delivers benefits in wet and heavy conditions during the winter, but it is increasingly proving its value in the extremely dry conditions seen during summer months in some regions - where the issues of traction and tyre slippage are equally problematic.