1/2011

NOKIAN HEAVY TYRES´ CUSTOMER MAGAZINE

Legendary rally driver at the wheel of a tractor > 22

No use in New ideas The efficient re-inventing at German future of heavy the wheel farms machinery > 6 > 14 > 18 Behind the Wheel

Christian Mühlhausen

Sometimes you have to put in extremely long working hours, especially in the hay-making season. This fact is very familiar to Fokko Janssen, who works in the contracting business owned by his brother Long fields, Johann Janssen. Fokko Janssen drives a Fendt 936 Vario with a hefty 360 hp. Such strong power is needed to transport the kinds of loads the contractors haul. The Fendt pulls a Bergmann HTW 65 Vario Six forage trailer that fits loads as big as 65 cubic metres. This combination is very demanding on the tyres. The tyres must offer good driving properties both on the road and in the field, long days and they must be as gentle on the field surface as possible. “Running a contracting business, we must be able to rely on our tools. Stoppages are simply not an option,” says Johann Janssen. He started the company in 1995, and today it employs 12 people. The company is based in Aurich, in the East Friesland district, , near the North Sea cost. Typical forage crops in this region are hay and corn. The feed has traditionally been consumed by milk cows in the region, but nowadays an increasing proportion goes to biogas power plants generating heat and electricity. Currently, there are approximately 1,000 biogas power plants in the Lower Saxony state, to which East Friesland also belongs. Contractor Janssen also has his own power plant with an output of 500 kW.

behind the wheel Fokko Janssen

where Aurich, northern Germany

what Agriculture contracting

machine Fendt 936 Vario

forage trailer Bergmann HTW 65 Vario Six

tyres Nokian Country King 710/50 R 26.5

2 1/2011 1/2011 3 EDITORIAL 1/2011

Contents Success does not require any magic tricks. Boost from Appreciated by customers, creative ideas 6 good for the environment

We asked Product Development Manager Martti Päivinen about the most important environmental factors taken into account in Nokian Heavy Tyres’ product development. The features appreciated by customers are also good for the environ- ment: the lighter the tyre rolls, the lower the fuel consumption and, consequently, the lower the overall operating costs. Thanks to a low contact pressure, the tyre is gentle on the terrain and saves bottom flora. The rub- ber compounds, treads and structures of our special tyres are thoroughly tested and designed to withstand extreme wear and tear. This extends the tyre’s service life and reduces waste. 14 20 What are the key trends in product development? Leased machinery Right track for Product development is constantly seeking new, creative ideas. Envi- 6 helps farmers the right use ronmental friendliness will be an integral part of our work in the future, as well. We aim to further lower the rolling resistance of our tyres by exploring new materials and optimising rubber strengths. Moreover, we are continu- ously developing our production methods to be safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly. The further development of the Beyond All-Steel Radial technology is also an interesting, important task. Read more about this interesting technology on page 13 of this magazine.

nokian heavy tyres is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of special We are passionate about developing even more functional solutions and tyres. Its key product segment is tyres. Other important products are tools for forest, field, road, terminal and mine work. Relying on our persis- special tyres for agricultural machinery and a variety of industrial machine tence and creativity, we can ensure you safe and efficient work. We provide tyres. flexible service in all cases to help you achieve your goals. What makes Nokian Heavy Tyres unique is its familiarity with extreme Nokian heavy tyres are sold in both the OE and replacement markets. driving conditions and its respect for nature. We also lead a continuous, The company works in close co-operation with original equipment manufac- close dialogue with our customers. turers. Nokian Heavy Tyres Ltd. is part of the Nokian Tyres Group.

REGULAR COLUMNS > Behind the wheel...... 2 > Editorial...... 4 > Start...... 10 13 Heavy innovation...... TBeyondhe world’s All- strongestSteel Radial heavy publisher www.nokianheavytyres.com content, editing and layout printing > 18 Nokian Heavy Tyres Nokian Heavy Tyres Ltd. editor-in-chief Communication Agency Hämeen Kirjapaino Oy > HEAVY DOCTOR...... 20 forestry tyre! customer magazine Pirkkalaistie 7 Teemu Sainio Selander & Co, Inc 6/2011 combines the best > Classic and future classic...... 20 P.O. Box 20 Nokian Tyres Plc, Tel. +358 3 222 9088 The new Nokian Forest King F is now the strongest forestry The magazine appears two FI-37101 Nokia Marketing and Communications ari.selander@ ISSN 1799-3652 > MY STORY...... 22 propertiestyre in the world. Its PR of(ply rate)radial figure, whichand describes the times a year in Finnish, English, Tel. +358 10 401 7000 Tel. +358 10 401 7296 viestintaselander.fi load-bearing capacity, is 24, while that of a typical forestry German and Russian. fax +358 10 401 7318 [email protected] Cover photo by Petri Blomqvist cross-plytyres is 16 or 20. tyres.

4 1/2011 1/2011 5 Artists can hover around and be creative. Forestry machine operators have no time for No use re-inventing creativity! Or do they? YES! Creativity is not about mystique or magic. It’s about thinking in a new way. the wheel …but why not make We are all creative whenever we come up with new ideas. it spin in new ways! Even in the cockpit of a heavy-duty Creative ideas can add machine. When planning a contract. efficiency and improve When servicing machines.

the outcome of your “To prevent your tools from rusting, you can work – and brainstor- put a piece of chalk in your toolkit. Chalk absorbs moisture.” (Niksi-Pirkka – ming is refreshing. a magazine’s reader tip column)

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Can you solve this: * Continue the sequence with the numbers 1, 5, 7 and 9 in the right order. 8,2,3,6,4….

You can be creative about packing your lunch.

“To keep your lunch cool on a hot summer day, put your drink bottle in the freezer overnight and then place it in the box.” (Niksi-Pirkka – a magazine’s reader tip column)

All it takes is some brain activity. And not giving up. Creativity is an endurance activity. You can be creative as long as you don’t give up.

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Would you like to try a creative, manly sport? Finns are famous for their crazy creativity that has resulted in such hilarious summer games as: • Summer ice fishing. Take a plate of polystyrene and saw a hole in it. Put the plate floating on water and go fishing! • Crawling on all fours in solid snow. It has been calculated that crawling on all fours in solid snow for a distance of 500 metres corresponds to a 10-kilometre run. • Wife carrying. Pick up the missus and run! Wheel – the simple yet ingenious invention that has helped shape our history over thousands of years. The wheel allows a vehicle or load to • Sauna bathing. Who can withstand the hottest heat move freely on a surface. The ancient Sumerians were, assumedly, the first to put wheels on carriages. They were known to use four-wheeled for the longest time? carriages pulled by horses around 2,500 b.C. Air-inflated tyres were first used in bicycles in the late 19th century. They provided a better grip • Iron bar walking – the manly man’s version of of the road and enhanced driving comfort, which is why they soon expanded to other vehicles as well. What would a heavy-duty machine without tyres be like? Nordic walking. * People usually think this is a mathematical task. However, this time the task is to put the numbers in alphabetical order! put the numbers in alphabetical is to this time the task task. usually think this is a mathematical * People However,

6 1/2011 1/2011 7 “Thinking costs you nothing but not thinking costs you immensely.” Mertzi Bergman

Keep going, keep going! When you can no longer keep going, let it be. Creativity can flourish even – and especially – in “Everything has already been your free time. When your mind is at rest, the pieces may snap into place just like that. invented.” In the 1870s, Bishop Milton Wright was Fishing is relaxing and mind-stimulating. convinced that everything worth inventing had already been invented. When someone “On fishing trips, the hooks of your lures often told him that humans would learn to get tangled with something during transportation. fly one day, he insisted that flying is for You can easily protect your small lures by placing angels only. In 1903, Orville and Wilbur them into empty vitamin boxes, and the packages Wright completed the first engine-powered of effervescent tablets are great for big, narrow flight on an aeroplane they had invented. lures. This way, you may be reeling in your first Did you know that they were Milton catch while your fishing buddy is still attaching Wright’s sons? the lure!” (Niksi-Pirkka – a magazine’s reader tip column) Sometimes, parents have a There is room for creativity in making fire- funny way of diminishing their wood. children’s creative ideas. “When I start chopping firewood, I place a wheel- “When I was six, I almost invented a barrow on both sides of the chopping block. blowing machine. It included screws, a The chopped pieces of wood fly directly into drain lock, electrical wires and insulating the barrows and can then be easily rolled to their tape that I had found in dad’s toolbox. Then place of storage. This way, you don’t need to bend Mom just told me that no such machine down to pick up wood at all.” (Niksi-Pirkka – could exist,” writes Mertzi Bergman in the a magazine’s reader tip column) book Luovan ajattelun hakusanat (“Search words for creative thinking”).

Of course, creative ideas sometimes get laughed at. Laugh back at them! On your journey towards Destination: Great Laughing is relaxing, and maybe your Idea, you often pass by the Valley of Discoura- relaxed mind will come up with an even gement, Blunder Hill and Mediocre City. Make better idea. sure not to get off the train at those stops!

Don’t alight at intermediate stops. Go all the way! Katri Syvärinen Ville Pirinen

Failure is not failure – it is a sign telling you that you must do something differently.

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Significant inventors: • Thomas Alva Edison is primarily known as the inventor of the light bulb, but he registered over one thousand other patents as well. Sources: • Nikola Tesla invented, among other things, the alternating Mertzi Bergman: Luovan ajattelun hakusanat current, the polyphase system and the induction motor, Jussi T. Koski & Saku Tuominen: Kuinka ideat all of which have had a decisive impact on the modern syntyvät. Luovan ajattelun käsikirja. distribution and usage of electrical power. Wikipedia • Leonardo da Vinci can be modestly characterised as a Glenn Murphy: Inventions scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, Kai Vakkuri: 40 ongelmaa. Ajattelun painter, sculptor, architect, botanist, musician, and author kehittäminen mallien avulla. – in a word, creative! Blog: http://vilmaroosa.blogit.fi/hullut- suomalaiset-urheilulajit/ Niksi-Pirkka (a magazine’s reader tip column)

8 1/2011 1/2011 9 START

winter properties, the block-patterned Nokian Nordman now also available for TRI 2 proved to have the best traction on packed snow, regardless of the tyre pressure, outperfor- ming four rib-patterned tyres. It demonstrated 15 percent better traction than the best rib-pat- container handling machines terned tyre. Reducing tyre pressure to the lowest recommended level even further enhanced its The Nokian Nordman tyre range was expanded by first developing the Nordman forestry tyre traction ability. The test drives were performed for this summer with the launch of new that was launched last year. It is a good, well- Nokian Nordman Harbour in a temperature of approximately 15 degrees models designed for container handling functioning special product,” describes Vesa • Sturdy, stable cross-ply structure Celsius below zero, and some of them were machines. In addition, Nordman tyres suitable Sampakoski, Sales and Marketing Manager, • Good price/quality ratio driven at night in order to minimise the impact for underground mine loaders will be available Nokian Heavy Tyres. • Designed for reach stackers, of daily temperature variation on grip properties. shortly. “The Nokian Nordman product family is counterbalance forklifts and RTG The test was conducted by MTT Vakola (Institute The sturdy Nokian Nordman Harbour is particularly suitable for replacement markets, harbour cranes of Agricultural Engineering ), Valtra and a cross-ply tyre designed for reach stackers, for example, on overhauled machines, but the Koneviesti, independent technical magazine for Nokian Nordman RTG forklifts and RTGs. The new Nordman RTG products are also bought as original equipment Success in tests contractors in Finland. • Thanks to the round tread, it’s product features a tread design optimised for tyres. Of course, reliability is the top priority. The easier for a massive machine RTG cranes. customer’s expectations are met.” Nokian ELS Radial is hours, the tested radial competitors consume Nokian Forest Rider won to turn its wheels The development of the Nordman product Most of the Nordman products are intended economical with fuel 400, 1,200 and 3,200 litres more fuel than the a surface pressure test • Good price/quality ratio family was initiated a few years ago. Nokian for similar machines as premium products. In The Nokian ELS Radial performed very well in a Nokian ELS Radial tyres. In terms of annual costs The radial Nokian Forest Rider won a forestry • Designed for RTG harbour cranes. Heavy Tyres wanted to offer an alternative that addition, new Nordman tyres are currently flotation tyres’ fuel consumption test conducted as per the Finnish price levels, the competing tyres’ surface pressure test in Germany. With has an excellent price-quality ratio but not the under development that will expand the existing in Finland. Two models of the Nokian ELS Radial tyres generated costs of 600, 1,800 and 4,800 the lowest surface pressure and widest contact full range of premium tyres’ special properties. product family to all-new applications. ■ were included in the test, along with three euros higher than the Nokian ELS. The test was patch, the Forest Rider proved to be gentler on “We responded to our customers’ wishes competing radial tyres. When setting the relative conducted by MTT Agrifood Research Finland. the forest terrain than traditional cross-ply tyres. fuel consumption of the Nokian ELS Radial at 100 The Nokian Nordman Forest took second place percent, the corresponding figures for the com- Nokian TRI 2 had the best in the test, and third place went to a competitor peting products were as high as 101, 103 and grip on packed snow product, Trelleborg T-422. The test was con- 109 percent. In an annual working time of 2,000 In the Koneviesti magazine’s test of tractor tyres’ ducted by University of Göttingen. ■

Nokian Heavy Tyres Technical manual / General information / Tyre str 2.2.1 Nokian Heavy Tyres Technical manual / General information / Tyre markings

Nokian Heavy Tyres Technicaluctures manual / Gen Tyre markings Tyre structuresTire Pressure LED™ 2.3.1

eral information / Accessories / Radial TyR Tire Pressure led™ Pressure informa- Technical manual e TyRe maRkinGs Manufacturer or brand name

TyR Country of origin e PRess URe dR 2.5.3 Tire Pressure led oP wa RninG Easy tyre pressure check availableThe tyre on carcass all Nokian issys stabilized tyres by an inextensible Tem › Easy to use circumferential belt. › Reduces tyre maintenance

r MAX tion with the › Reduces tyre break-ups The ply cords are laid substantially at 90° online 2.5 ba › Saves money to the centerline of the tread. Tire Pressure LED™ Tyre section width (mm or inches) how to use f Warning / max. inflation pressure or a › First adjust the tyre pressure to the recommended value. gricultural vehicles / 4 pcs / pack in seating beads Aspect ratio › Screw the Tire Pressure LED tight by hand, using the anti-theft tool dia provided with the kit. Gonal (oR › Bias ConstructionP The Tire Pressure LED is now calibrated and is constantly monitoring ly) TyR Nokian Heavy Tyres has produced technical (R = radial, - = diagonal, B = bias belted)e the tyre pressure. what to do when led starts flashing Rim diameter (inches) › Unscrew the Tire Pressure LED with the anti-theft tool. forestry machine › Adjust the tyre pressure to the recommended value. Product › Reinstall the Tire Pressure LED. Production date week/year -code code 1410 (14th week, year 2010) T845503 Manufacturer manuals in different formats since the 1980s. Benefits code Pressure Tread classification code› Constant pressure control. SSVC-4 NA The ply cords are laid at alternate angles range Load index (max. load/tyre)› No need for regular pressure gauge checks anymore. substantially less than 90° to the centerline for f

Speed symbol› LT orestry vehicles / 4 pcs / pack 0.7

The led indicatesHT the need for pressure adjustment. – 5.0 bar 175

Tubeless (TL) or tube type (TT) › 168 of the tread. 10

IncreaseA2 in tyre and tube lifespan due to right operating pressure. – 70 p.s.i. › A2 The problem with the printed versions is that No more tyre break-ups due to running tyres underinflated. The pressures recommended for forestry Technical properties

› Led activated when a drop from the calibrated value exceeds 0.3 bar Bias Bel / 4.4 p.s.i. (T845503) or 0.6 bar / 8.7 p.s.i. (T845504 and T845505). Ted › Battery used only when led is activated (pressure drop). information becomes quickly outdated. Construction type Product tyres vary greatly, depending on the make code T845504 Manufacturer code Pressure TSVC-4 NF Pressure range for l OK arge Bore v 4 – 12 bar At the beginning of this year, the first 60 – of the machine on which they are used. alve v 175 p.s.i. Commercial name or identity ehicles / 2 pcs / pack The tyre carcassWarning! is stabilized by an inextensible Low pressure The LED valueNotice ca! circumferential belt. an aid in tyre pressure. T Tyre structure of diagonal tyre. monitoring instructions on ps are electronic technical manual was posted on the pressure maintenan The optimal tyre pressure is, naturally, vehicle owners he tyre Product should still be code manualce in followed. T845505 Manufacturer code Pressure TSVC-2 NL internet. It can be easily updated whenever range determined on the basis of the weight of Transparent c 4 (2.5.4 v – 12 bar ap for use with R2” valve60 – protector alve protectors) 175 p.s.i. Product code new products are launched and additional T445506 the machine. information becomes available. Nokian Heavy Tyres is currently prepa- The customer can refer to the technical manual for detailed information about ring a manual that covers the pressures tyres, accessories and the special requirements pertaining to each product category. The manual has of all of its forestry tyre models with each separate sections for forestry, agriculture, material handling, mining, earthmoving and road maintenan- machine make and model. The aim is to ce, as well as for multi-purpose tyres. In addition, there is information about special applications. have the A5-sized recommendation manual The manual contains a comprehensive description of each tyre model’s technical details. It also delivered with the machine as soon as it provides the correct tyre pressure for different tyres with different loads, speeds and terrains. enters the market after . “Given the global nature of our operations, an online manual is very practical. We can quickly “Further development will result in update new information and have it immediately available. The site is not only an important service model-specific sticker labels that can be for our customers but also a good source of information for our own staff,” points out Mikko Pukkila, attached to each machine already on the Manager, NHT Technical Customer Service. production line, like safety regulation labels. “The technical manual is never completed; it is continuously revised, and we welcome all tips about We have discussed this with all machine possible new contents.” ■ manufacturers, and they have given us the green light to proceed,” says Teemu >> Technical manual of Nokian Heavy Tyres products www.nokianheavytyres.com/ Vainionpää, Project Manager, Product technical-manual-int Development, Nokian Heavy Tyres. ■

10 1/2011 1/2011 11 START

Information systems boosted – for the customer New movie star:

Nokian Heavy Tyres is implementing several information system development More stability projects that aim at enabling even faster, more versatile customer service. BEYOND • Better stability and driving comfort Sales Planning Manager Päivi Tuominen wants to particularly mention • Better swing dampening, because tyre the Product Tool Box: and shock absorber are in one product “The Tool Box contains various kinds of product information that can be ALL-STEEL accessed using customer-specific login IDs. In addition, customers can see new products that will be taken into the selection, as well as those that will be withdrawn from sales, for example, within six months,” Tuominen explains. RADIAL The company’s ERP system is also being updated. According to Tuominen, it will be upgraded to a newer version that enables quicker responses to High speed, excitement and dangerous customers’ delivery time queries, among other things. situations make for a good action movie, In addition, an Extranet pilot project dealing with e-commerce is underway Sales Planning Manager but in a machine operator’s everyday work, with an importer. Päivi Tuominen tells us that excess action is not desired. For a steady, The electronic technical manual that was released online will also enhance the Product Tool Box offers reliable and extremely comfortable course of customers’ access to information. There is a direct link to the manual on many kinds of product events, the best choice for the leading role information to customers. Nokian Heavy Tyres’ website. ■ is the revolutionary Beyond All-Steel Radial technology. Its performance stems from top-standard material development and solid More operating hours expertise in developing tyres for extreme • Lower rolling resistance means conditions. lower fuel consumption and fewer Go to Nokian Heavy Tyres’ website to see emissions putting stress on the a movie that illustrates the seminal structure environment and superior abilities of Beyond All-Steel • Lower heat generation leads Radial. to slower wear in demanding Beyond All-Steel Radial combines the conditions best properties of radial and cross-ply tyres. Instead of the traditional All-Steel solution of using one steel cord, the new tyres feature extremely durable yet light crossed textile chords that enable high load-bearing capacity and very low rolling resistance. The world’s fastest Layered, highly tensile circumferential in extreme conditions steel belts give the tyre diametrical stability and keep it in its optimal shape while it is Nokian Tyres’ test driver Janne Laitinen set the new ice driving world under high pressure. record on the ice of the Gulf of Bothnia in Oulu in March. The record was It has already been proven that tyres added to the Guinness Book of Records. featuring this modern technology can The car achieved a top speed of 331.610 kilometres per hour on studded challenge and even replace the traditional Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tyres (255/35R 20 97 T XL). At such speeds, the role All-Steel tyres. The Nokian HTS Straddle of tyres is extremely important. They are under immense pressure, which designed for straddle carriers, with means that their structural durability must be uncompromised. In addition, marketleading wear resistance, is already Better safety the increased air drag requires supreme grip. a viable option for traditional harbour tyres. • More precise driving behaviour brings Searching for boundaries in extreme conditions is a way for Nokian Tyres This is a movie you don’t want to miss! And more reliability to acquire new knowledge. The challenging test drives set the bar even there are sequels coming up… ■ • A sturdy and durable structure enables higher for product development. ■ better cut resistance >> See the video online at >> See how the world record was set www.nokianheavytyres.com/ www.nokiantyres.com/fastest-on-ice beyond-all-steel-int

12 1/2011 1/2011 13 A German farmer may not harvest his hay himself. Many outdoor tasks from sowing to harvesting and plant protection can be outsourced. German farms seek growth through new practices

Agricultural supply chains are getting longer. For example, a German farmer can purchase harvesting services from an external contractor, who in turn leases a tractor from a machinery rental company. Businesses apply creative means to adjust to the rapidly moving development trends.

ows and biogas. These two words renewable energy sources benefits Janssen, employees and three apprentice trainees. crystallise the agriculture of the not only as an energy generator but also There is enough work for all of them nearly CNorth Sea coastal towns of Aurich, as a service provider. In the mid-1990s, this all year round. A total of 70 percent of Leer, Wittmund and Emden in northeastern former dairy farmer decided to expand his Janssen’s customers produce corn which Germany. Milk cows have been a secure business with services instead of increas- is supplied to biogas power plants as raw source of livelihood in this region, abundant ing his cattle, because there were already material. with large grassy fields with wet, unnutri- 11 dairy farms in Aurich-Walle. He gave up Hay and corn harvesting are the main tious soil. animal husbandry altogether and built a services of Janssen’s company, but it also New biogas power plants are continu- biogas power plant. The material harvest- offers grain sowing and harvesting, plant ously established in the region to supple- ing technology used for running the power protection, slurry and fermentation waste ment the existing wind and solar power plant is also offered to colleagues as an removal from biogas power plants, as plants. In its aspiration to significantly pro- outsourcing service. well as soil processing services. Moreover, mote the generation of renewable energy, Janssen’s service range includes hay baling; Germany guarantees fixed sales prices for Cattle farms growing in size most bales are exported to the neighbour- ecological electricity suppliers. Johann Janssen runs his contracting business ing country, the Netherlands. The company This is all like a gift for agricultural according to the commonly applied farm- is also active in the field of land construc- contractors such as Johann Janssen from ers’ basic principle: “The farmer focuses all tion. Janssen is continuously looking for new Aurich-Walle. His house, barn and workshop available resources on tending the cattle, business ideas with a creative mindset. have been powered and heated with and a contractor is in charge of all outdoor clean energy from his own biogas power tasks.” In the past, farmers took care of all Contractors need reliable tools plant since 2007. He has had an Enercon tasks themselves, but the modern farmer Depending on the season, Janssen uses 10– E40 windmill at his farm since 1994, and outsources an increasing number of tasks. 20 tractors as well as harvesters, trailers and additional clean electricity is now also This development trend is spreading at an other equipment. Most of his slurry tanks generated by the solar panels installed on accelerated pace. In Walle, the average and harvesting trailers are equipped with the roofs of his henhouses. farm has 80 milk cows. Nokian tyres. His fleet contains a total of The German legislation favouring Janssen’s company has ten permanent some 60 vehicles. A service provider must >>

14 1/2011 1/2011 15 Tractor leasing increases flexibility in farming

It all started with two Fendt 515 tractors. With this machine base, Heiko Abel started his agricultural machine rental business called AH-Agrarmaschinenvermietung in Wildeshau- sen, near Bremen in northern Germany in 1999.

eiko Abel has a degree in information science. Looking for new fields of busi- Hness, he accidentally came across the farming industry. He started thinking that almost anything could be leased – why not agricultural machinery as well. This idea was backed by the fact that many farms use their tractors less than the 800 hours per year, which is the estimated limit of financial profitability. In major farming businesses, some tractors are only needed du- ring the busiest peak seasons, which add up to a relatively small number of hours per year.

Janssen’s contracting business employs ten No need to worry about old machinery people nearly all year round. Future prospects Tractor leasing helps businesses reinforce their Three years ago, Johann Janssen decided to start leasing the tractors look promising as well, since client farms are liquidity and avoid unreasonable burdening of and work machinery of his contracting business, and he hasn’t regretted growing in size. their equity. Moreover, a leased machine is an his decision. The fleet contains approximately 60 vehicles. easier choice for the farm owner, because it can be simply returned to the rental company instead of worrying about selling it on. different customers. In the summertime, the Bright future prospects Johann Janssen Johann Janssen has noticed the shortening Nowadays, Abel’s machine rental covers all tractors are on the field, and in the winter, For the past four years, Abel has equipped all has noticed development cycles; new purchases are needed of , from Norway to the Netherlands, they are used on construction sites. Every of his dump trucks and grass forage trailers the shortening more frequently than ten years ago. This means Austria, Czech Republic and Romania. In addition machine is utilised for an average of 1,200 with Nokian tyres. He experienced some qua- development cycles that the contractor must continuously develop to farm owners, his customer base includes two hours per year. lity problems with his previous tyre supplier’s in the agricultural new ideas. contractors who have a priority reservation to All leased machines are equipped with products, which led to disputes with the business. Three years ago, Janssen made radical lease the machines whenever they are not tied GPS, which enables tracking their location over manufacturer. Abel finds Nokian tyres to be a changes to his machine acquisition principles. elsewhere. One of these contractors is Johann the Internet in real time whenever necessary. good choice, particularly for major contracting The second-hand machinery market plunged Janssen. Contrary to common belief, people take companies that must cover increasing distan- once again, which meant that when purchasing Abel’s fleet contains approximately 40 good care of leased machinery. The tractors ces, because Nokian tyres have good road new machines, the old ones had to be sold with tractors and 40 special machines such as self- are always taken to the workshop for a tho- driving properties and enable speeds up to 60 considerable losses. Janssen decided to start propelled machines and trailers. Nowadays, only rough going-over before handing them over to km/h. On the other hand, field work requires leasing machinery and found an ideal partner the most powerful tractor models are leased. a new customer. low contact pressure; therefore, half of the for this: Heiko Abel’s agricultural machine rental The most popular ones are the Fendt models “Our machines would be ready for vehicle tyres are equipped with pressure regulators company. This has proven to be a very good 820–936 Vario and three Claas-Xerions. inspection on any day.” made by PTG of Germany. decision. “Leasing is beneficial for farmers in many The machines are usually leased on a Heiko Abel has bright future prospects. “Everything works flawlessly, I have no com- ways: They can accurately define the immediate monthly basis, and the rent is based on a Companies are growing and joint ventures and plaints whatsoever. The most positive thing is At Johann Janssen’s farm, new business costs of the task at hand, and they get exactly certain number of hours. After six years or biogas power plants are being established. be able to trust all tools one-hundred percent; that I no longer need to worry about selling my opportunities have been found in contracting the right size of tractor for it. In addition, these 8,000–10,000 hours of use, the machines are This means an increasing demand for heavy while stoppages in your own business might be old machinery; I can focus on my own business.” services as well as biogas production. The machines are always state-of-the-art, and they discarded. machinery that requires a lot of capital but barely tolerable, you must never cause any for The future does not worry Janssen. farm also has a poultry house. enable better preparation for busy workload In machine acquisition, Abel emphasises is used on a short-term basis which, in turn, your customer. Janssen compliments the Nokian “New biogas plants are established in the peaks, such as rainy periods in the harvesting continuity. He purchases nearly all machi- creates an ideal operating environment for tyres for their good price/quality ratio as well as region, and the dairy farms keep getting bigger. season, when you must utilise your machine to nes from the agricultural machinery dealer machine rental. ■ their suitability for roads and fields alike. It is also There will definitely be work for me for the years the fullest,” Abel explains. Schröder in Wildeshausen, and he also has his important that the tyres don’t harm the soil. to come.” ■ Christian Mühlhausen Usually, each machine is used by three machines serviced and repaired there.

16 1/2011 1/2011 17 HEAVY INNOVATIONS

Vision of busy ants

Valtra celebrated its 60th anniversary in January. It arranged a future-bound seminar in which “There will never experts presented their views of be enough energy farming in the changing world. to let it go to waste. In the future, farmers and contractors The structure and will need versatile, light, yet powerful transmission of machines that are suitable for more tractors and other demanding tasks than traditional tractors heavy-duty machines Technology, fuel and tyres facing challenges must account for to maximise the efficiency of farm the development,” operations. says Pekka Ingalsuo, The highlight of the seminar was the Manager, Product new future vision presentation. Valtra’s Management, Valtra. vision of the future development of heavy-duty machinery is captured in a concept entitled ANTS. The letters A, N, T Future, here we come! and S come from Valtra’s current product series, but the homonym is nevertheless intentional: and alcohol. A similar combination can also be and autopilots. Commercial applications are kind of a mechanism in order to reduce contact “Farmers will need hard-working The future development of heavy machinery implemented for diesel fuels by replacing part of already in place, and new ones are introduced pressure and increase traction grip. ants, as well as advanced technology, is steered by increasing efficiency and saving the oil with alcohol. At Valtra, research into this on the markets all the time.” “I am rather convinced that something like in order to feed a growing population field is concentrated in , where the this will be required in the future. The current with the decreasing cultivation area. The energy and fuel. company has extensive operations. Rolling resistance must trend is that tyres keep getting bigger and wider, ANTS concept is our response to future “We are studying the use of sugar cane- be further decreased which is helpful on the field but a bad direction challenges,” explains Pekka Ingalsuo, based alcohol as a component in diesel fuel. An array of requirements is also placed on tyres. for on-road driving.” Manager, Product Management. uture machinery technology will feature talk about slow motion and other such There are other alternatives, as well, but in the Regardless of the fuel generating the power, it is In many countries, fields are widely spread ANTS is a modular solution: it consists radically different sources of energy movements,” says Pekka Ingalsuo, Manager, short term, we put our strongest faith in so- the tyres that must convert it into traction. and transition distances are long, and the of the ‘soldier’ with a power of 100 kW Fand emphasise energy savings. Even Product Management from Valtra. called dual fuel concepts,” Ingalsuo explains. “Future tyres must provide firm grip and amount of transition driving will not decrease and the 200-kW ‘worker’. Both machines though alternative sources of energy have The technology deployed in heavy-duty good driving properties in all conditions, because in the future. Moreover, driving speeds have can work together or independently. The been discovered, there will never be enough Developing fuels, increasing machines evolves quickly. Ingalsuo has a clear driving speeds will increase,” Ingalsuo says. increased and tractors have become more work is controlled from a cockpit that energy to let it go to waste. The structure and electrical operation vision about this development. Further development focusing on energy powerful. can be attached to either of the two transmission of tractors and other heavy-duty There is a lot of talk about new energy sources, “Electronic transmission will gain ground. consumption is still needed. “Tractors are used for an increasing range machines. For heavier tasks that require machines must account for this development. but their feasibility varies depending on the The auxiliary equipment that today is mainly “We will need solutions that better optimise of public utility services, goods transportation the human operator’s presence, the In addition, general efficiency requirements time span. In the near future, the kind of engine based on belts or hydraulics will be increasingly rolling resistance in transition driving than and many other such tasks. This will also mean modules are connected to each other by will increase. technology we know today will still prevail. electronic in the future. In addition, there are today’s tyres. increasing transition driving and, consequently, switching the rear wheels to the narrow “One of the few invariable – and, “Diesel will be replaced with another fuel, strong trends towards increased electronic According to Valtra’s future concept, the further underline the significance of rolling track, driving the other machine’s front consequently, limiting – factors is the fact that first partially and later entirely. A gaseous fuel, operation in main transmission, i.e. transferring tyre will narrow and feature a more even tread resistance.” ■ wheels to their level and coupling the there are exactly 24 hours in a day. Increasing i.e. a combination of diesel and a gas, is a fully power to wheels and take-off axles. pattern when driving on a road, which naturally machines. This makes a queen with outputs and results are required within this realistic concept,” Ingalsuo tells us. In a few years, we will see drastic growth in lowers its rolling resistance. When driving on a centre pivot steering and a maximum framework, albeit that some future researchers Cars are already fuelled by a mix of petrol various telemetric and remote control systems field, the tyre should be spread out using some Jorma Yrjölä Valtra power of 400 kW.

18 1/2011 1/2011 19 HEAVY DOCTOR

In many environments, tracks are important when using tracks with a side link (see purposes: rocky terrain, soft or snowy conditions. between the tyre and side link, which, however, valuable assistants for forestry tyres. picture). Seasonal temperature compensation In addition, track versions vary according to varies between track manufacturers. In general, a should, therefore, also be taken into account. the size and traction power of the machine. clearance of 5 – 15 mm is good. If the clearance However, the tyre and tracks must Low tyre pressure has a major impact on the In general, tracks are divided into flotation is too big, the track can move laterally across service life of the tube. Continuous abrasion takes and traction tracks. Flotation tracks facilitate the tyre tread, which may damage the tyre or be suited to function well together. place between the tyre and tube, because the movement in soft terrain, whereas the more contact the machine body. tyre sidewalls give in when rolling under a load. open traction tracks, as the name suggests, On the other hand, if the clearance is too The lower the tyre pressure in proportion to the increase traction. Turn to the track manufacturer small, it may damage the shoulder area of the load, the heavier this abrasion is. In practice, this to find the right tracks for your particular usage. tyre. In ground contact, the side link is pushed means that the tube wears, i.e. becomes thinner, It is essential that the tracks are designed deep into the tyre sidewall, which may even and starts to leak air between the tyre and tube. for the tyres you are using. You must also bear damage the tyre body. The damages caused by Low tyre pressure with tracks increases abrasion this in mind when changing tyres while the old too narrow tracks can be seen in the form of between the tyre and tube and, consequently, tracks are still operational. Check with the track quickly worn tyre shoulders.■ shortens the tube’s service life. manufacturer to ensure that your tracks are also compatible with the new tyres. How to choose suitable tracks Critical factors in track suitability are the There are different tracks intended for different correct grouzer shape and the correct clearance

Seamless co-operation Tread designs for use with tracks

The Nokian Forest King F tread pattern is design, with deeper grooves, combined with between tracks and forestry tyres designed with track use in mind. There is the radial structure provide superior traction a special track support in the middle of the without tracks. The radial Forest Rider can additional bond link to increase the grip tread that provides the track grouzer with also be used with tracks. Thanks to the radial between the track and tyre and prevent the What is the right tyre pressure to have with safety limits that must not be exceeded. optimal grip without damaging the tyre structure and open tread design, it offers the tyre from rotating inside the tracks. When tracks? surface. The wide rib combined with slightly special advantage of good cleaning in muddy the track becomes worn, this link can also The tyre’s maximum pressure is the one to use What if the tyre pressure is too low? reduced groove depth protects the tyre well. and snowy conditions when used with tracks; wear down, and additional material can be with tracks. If the tyre pressure is below the recommended In addition, the tyre shoulder is specially the open tread design and pumping motion welded on it to improve grip. However, you For Nokian Heavy Tyres’ products, the maximum pressure, the side link of the track designed for maximised protection against of the radial structure clean the tyre surface must be careful with additional bond links: maximum pressure is indicated in the technical tends to penetrate the tyre, for example, when wear caused by tracks. The Forest King F is efficiently. their dimensions must not exceed those of brochures and on our website. As a rule of driving over rocks. If the tyre body is twisted into available with a cross-ply structure, and it has Moreover, the straight sidewalls help the the original link. It is particularly important to thumb, it can be said that the maximum pressure an unnatural position (as in the picture), this may proven to be an excellent tyre to use with tracks stay on the tyre better. ensure that the length of the link is sufficient for cut-to-length (CTL) machines’ 20 PR tyres (rim damage the sidewalls and even cause tears in tracks over the years. so that not all forces are targeted in the middle sizes 22.5”, 24.5” and 26.5”) is 550 kPa and for the fabric structure. The Nokian Forest Rider tread design is Additional bonds for increased grip of the tyre, which may damage its surface and, 16PR tyres, 460 kPa. These are the maximum The right tyre pressure is particularly more open than the F design. The open tread Often the track grouzer includes a special consequently, reduce its service life.

CLASSIC FUTURE CLASSIC

Nokian TRI Backhoe – strong grip for backhoe loaders Nokian TRI 2 Steel – more durable than ever Tyres used in contracting tasks must be stable and function well in the The newest size in the Nokian TRI 2 product family (250/80 R16) is particularly terrain. They must endure heavy use while also providing comfortable suitable for small tractors used in facility maintenance and grass field maintenance. transition driving properties. The Nokian TRI Backhoe was the first block- The block-patterned, radial Nokian TRI 2 Steel is reinforced with steel belts. patterned tyre on the market. The winter grip of this cross-ply product • Versatile and environmentally friendly special tyre • The tread design and sturdy structure ensure even became a concept. designed for the needs of modern farming and wearing and extended service life. machine contracting. • At its best when the machine is simultaneously • Better longitudinal and lateral grip than the traditional open-centre tread design, • Excellent grip in the varying targets of facility used for driving and working. especially in winter conditions. maintenance especially in winter. • A comfortable passenger car-like driving response • Special-structure tyre for backhoe loaders. • Thanks to the block pattern and even surface makes highway travel easier and increases traffic • Enables stable work without supporting beams. pressure, the tyre is also suitable for working on safety. • Less “nodding” in on-road driving. Nokian TRI Backhoe delicate green areas. Nokian TRI 2 Steel

20 1/2011 1/2011 21 MY STORY

Nokian Heavy Tyres participates in events in 2011 Finland Great Britain • Farmari 30 June–2 July, Pori (Vianor) • Grassland & Muck Show 18 –19 May, • Maxpo 8–10 September, Hyvinkää Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire World • KoneAgria 19–22 October, Jyväskylä • Cereals Show 15 –16 June Boothby Heath, near Lincoln, Lincolnshire • Royal Highland Show 23–26 June, Royal • Maskin Expo 19-21 May, Barkaby Highland Centre, Edinburgh Stockholm • Agriscot 16 November, Royal Highland champion Centre, Edinburgh Four World Rally Switzerland Championship • Suisse Public Bern 21–24 June, Beaexpo Spain Bern • Fendtguinos 6 October, Ileida Catalonia took • Internationale Forstmesse Luzern 18–21 titles August, Messe Luzern Belgium • Agribex 6–11 December, Brussels Tommi Antero Mäkinen (b. 26 June 1964 Czech Republic a liking to in Puuppola, Jyväskylä rural municipality, • The Day of Forestry Machinery in Finland) has won the World Rally Champi- Kladska 9 June • SPACE 13–16 September, Rennes onship four times in 1996–1999. He won • Salon vert Soud ouest, 21–22 24 of the 139 WRC races he drove. He Poland September, Bordeaux • International Forestry Fair Rogow 7–9 • Sommet de l’élevage 5–7 October, won the Neste Oil Rally Finland, as well the sturdy September Cournon as the Monte Carlo Rally several times in • SITEVI 29 November –1 December, a row. Austria Parc des expos Montpellier Mäkinen won the championship titles • Austrofoma 11–13 October, Graz • Paysalia 6–8 December, Lyon tractor for the Mitsubishi team. In his career, he Forestree. Austrofoma – village, place number 3. GERMANY had Seppo Harjanne, Risto Mannisenmäki • Hausmesse Forstschule 10–12 October, • Demo Park 26.–28.8., Eisenach and Kaj Lindström as his co-drivers. Ossiach • AGRITECHNICA 13.–19.10., Hannover After finishing his rally career in 2003, Mäkinen has focused on running Tommi Bulgaria Mäkinen Racing Oy, as well as his farm • International Technical Fair 26 September – 1 October, Plovdiv and forest estate in Puuppola. Tomi won new summer tyres!

Everybody who sent feedback on the >> More information: previous Heavy magazine was automatically www.nokianheavytyres.com/ entered in a drawing for a set of summer exhibitions-2011 tyres. Tomi Penttilä is now driving with new tyres. Congratulations to the winner!

1. Accept: Blood of the Nations The Top 10 2. Blind Guardian: At the Edge of Time Lots of snow to plough äkinen runs his farm in Puuppola, a few years ago, but he still hosts several Valtra Heavy Metal 3. Ratt: Infestation central Finland. The new Valtra Versu events at his farm every year. Albums 2010 4. Triptykon: Eparistera Daimones in the winter, large MT202 with all accessories is his tractor The legendary rally driver has a lot going on 5. Melechesh: The Epigenesis of choice. It has the potential for all kinds of all the time, but he tells us that he also manages 6. Helloween: 7 Sinners fields to maintain in heavy-duty tasks. to find time to participate in running his seed 7. OverKill: Ironbound “This is a powerful tractor that will not leave grain farm of approximately 100 hectares. 8. Nevermore: The Obsidian Conspiracy the summer. Multiple- me short of capacity. On the other hand, it is “We also have two Ponsse machines rally car parts and other rally merchandise and 9. Sabaton: Coat of Arms also suitable for lighter tasks,” says Mäkinen. equipped with Nokian tyres to do contracting organises rally-related adventure events. Tommi 10. Halford: IV – Made of Metal time World Rally He knows what he is talking about – in addition work for Metsäliitto. They also take care of the Mäkinen Racing also runs a rally team. Champion Tommi to his rally titles, he has also won the Finnish farm’s forests,” Mäkinen says, also noting that “I still travel a lot. The co-operation with Championship in tractor ploughing in his youth. he earned the money for his first rally car as a Subaru takes me to Japan often, and we have Mäkinen puts the “In the winter, the studded, block-patterned forestry machine operator. customers all over the world. Who knows where Nokian TRI2 are an excellent choice. For the In addition to running his farm, Tommi I’ll find myself next,” Mäkinen says with a laugh. tractor into hard use in summer, I mount regular tractor tyres for field Mäkinen is also an active businessman in the ■ work.” field of motorsports. His company, Tommi his everyday work. Valtra has been Mäkinen’s partner from the Mäkinen Racing, makes rally cars in co-operation beginning of his rally career. He finished racing with Subaru of Japan. The company also imports Kari Saarinen Petri Blomqvist Lähde: Metal-rules.com

22 1/2011 1/2011 23 Effi ciency and stability for material handling

Nokian HTS Straddle Nokian HTS Nokian RTG Nokian Heavy Tyres´ › Excellent hourly output in › A stable special tyre for › Easily turning special tyre container and material demanding conditions. harbour and terminal for RTG’s with extremely handling tyres are durable The ultra-durable Beyond equipment; also suitable low rolling resistance partners for harbour and All-Steel Radial structure for sawmills and terminal equipment. makes handling safe and timberyards extremely comfortable

Only purifi ed oils, no toxic chemicals › NEW

Nokian Heavy Tyres Ltd Tel. +358 10 401 7000, [email protected] See importers worldwide: www.nokianheavytyres.com