Steel-Belted VF Tires and CTIS: a Smarter Alternative to Tracks

Ascenso VF Tire Technology Harvester, Tanker, Tractor, Implement, Sprayer for Agriculture

As today’s agricultural equipment gets bigger, heavier, and is expected to cover more ground, farmers face a critical challenge: how to optimize machine performance in both the field and on the road—without sacrificing productivity or soil health.

Steel Belted Tires as a Soil Health Solution

Enter the powerful combination of steel-belted VF tractor tires and Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS). Together, they deliver performance that rivals—and in many cases outperforms—rubber tracks, with added versatility, lower maintenance, and reduced costs.

Although IF/VF technology is widely used across the industry, Ascenso has focused on advancing the highest level of VF performance by engineering all of our VF tires with steel‑belted construction.

Let’s dig into why this tire + tech combo might just be your best move yet.

VF Tires: Traction and Compaction, Balanced

standard vs VF tire soil compactionVF (Very High Flexion) tires, like the VDR-900, are designed to carry the same load at 40% less pressure, or 40% more load at the same pressure as conventional tires. They achieve this through specialized rubber compounding and robust casing construction, which allows the sidewalls to flex more—creating a larger footprint. This means:

  • Reduced soil compaction
  • Increased traction
  • Better power transfer
  • Higher yield potential through healthier soil

VF Tires in Action: Use Cases for Modern Farming

VF tire technology has a range of uses for modern AG tires and sustainable farming. Some of these uses include:

  • Row Crop Farming: VF tires excel in minimizing soil disturbance while carrying heavy loads.
  • Harvest Equipment: Reduce compaction during peak harvest with VF tires on combines and grain carts.
  • Sprayers and Spreaders: Maintain flotation and stability in the field even when fully loaded.

But when you add steel belts into the equation, the performance scales up dramatically.

Why Steel-Belted VF Tires Are a Must

Steel-belted VF tires offer several critical advantages over traditional VF designs:

  • Superior Strength – Handles high loads and high speeds without deforming
  • Enhanced Durability – Resists punctures and wear in tough field conditions
  • Consistent Footprint – Maintains shape and contact area under varying loads
  • Better Heat Dissipation – Ideal for long hauls between fields

If you’re looking for tires that can take the daily abuse of heavy, high-speed travel while still protecting your soil—steel-belted VF tires are the answer.

The Missing Link: CTIS (Central Tire Inflation System)

The only way to fully unlock the potential of VF steel-belted tires? Pair them with a Central Tire Inflation System. CTIS lets operators adjust tire pressure on the go, tailoring inflation levels for field or road conditions at the push of a button.

Here’s what that means for your operation:

Soil Compaction Reduction In the Field:

VF steel belted tires have a variety of benefits for sustainable farming, including:

  • Lower pressure – Results in a wider footprint to protect plants
  • Reduced compaction – Helps to increase yield and improve soil health
  • More grip – increased traction, better performance—even in wet soil

Steel Belted Radial Tires On the Road:

VF steel belted radial tires help on more than just the field. Their central tire inflation system means they’re useful on the road as well.

  • Higher pressure – faster, safer transport
  • Reduced rolling resistance – better fuel economy
  • Optimized tire wear – longer tire life, fewer replacements

In Your Wallet:

Beyond field performance and road efficiency, the financial impact of VF steel belted tires paired with the central tire inflation system delivers measurable savings that add up season after season.

  • Lower fuel consumption
  • Less downtime from tire damage or replacement
  • Increased equipment efficiency = more acres covered per day

Why Choose VF + CTIS Over Tracks?

While tracks have their place, they come with downsides:

  • High maintenance costs
  • Expensive repairs
  • Slower road travel
  • Increased fuel use during transport
  • Less flexible for mixed field/road operations

Ascenso Tires VF steel-belted tires + CTIS offer a smarter, more versatile solution—especially for farms operating across large distances or mixed terrain.

Bottom Line: Tire Inflation = Profit Inflation

VF Tire VDR 900, VDR 901, Sprayer, Tractor

Improper tire pressure is one of the most overlooked causes of equipment inefficiency. Research consistently shows that maintaining proper inflation levels:

  • Improves soil health and soil compaction reduction
  • Improves fuel economy
  • Extends tire life
  • Boosts traction and field performance

With VF steel-belted tires and CTIS, you’re not just upgrading tires—you’re investing in greater productivity, lower costs, and better long-term soil management.

Unlock the Full Potential of VF Tires with the Central Tire Inflation System

Ready to get more out of your tires? Talk to your local Ascenso Tire dealer about how you can get $500 off a Central Tire Inflation System with the purchase of 4 Ascenso VF Tires (VDR 900, VDR901, VDR2000, VHR3000, or VDR2010). Contact us to learn more or download the Rebate Form HERE.