Author: Daniele Provana

Alliance, a Yokohama-ATG brand celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, organised a Field Day demonstration on October 7, 2025, at the Provana Innovation Center in Izano, in the province of Cremona. The event brought together farmers, tyre dealers, and industry professionals from across Italy to learn more about the impact of tyre pressure and advanced technologies offered by Alliance in terms of efficiency, fuel consumption, and sustainable farming practices.

The Field Day featured a series of hands-on demonstrations designed to showcase the measurable benefits of proper tire pressure and the innovative technologies of Alliance. Participants saw how optimized tire setup can directly translate into significant fuel savings, improving farm profitability while simultaneously protecting the soil.

Performance data was collected using an advanced monitoring system provided by Provana Group Innovation. This technology gathers specific parameters directly from the CAN bus of the tractor and, through integrated GPS tracking and telemetry, enables real-time monitoring and data recording for detailed analysis.

Two different Alliance solutions were the focus of the demonstrations, each designed to meet specific needs:

• Agri Star II (ASII) – Alliance’s flagship radial with Stratified Layer Technology (SLT), which ensures long-lasting traction, even wear, and a long tire life.

• Agriflex+ 373 (VF technology) – designed for modern, high-horsepower tractors, it offers 40% more load capacity at the same inflation pressure, with superior soil protection and excellent comfort both on the road and in the field.

Scientific results: real fuel savings confirmed

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of real fuel consumption data, measured by Provana Group using a John Deere 6250R tractor. The Alliance Agri Star II and Agriflex+ 373 VF tyres were tested at different pressures and under various working conditions with the following final results:

In the field, 5 km/h, 2 bar:

Agri Star II: 31.95 l/h

Agriflex+ 373: 29.38 l/h

Fuel saved: 2.57 l/h

In the field, 5 km/h, 1 bar:

Agri Star II: 33.73 l/h

Agriflex+ 373: 27.14 l/h

Fuel saved: 6.59 l/h

On the road, 25 km/h, 2 bar:

Agri Star II: 12.23 l/h

Agriflex+ 373: 12.08 l/h

Fuel saved: 0.15 l/h

On the road, 25 km/h, 1 bar:

Agri Star II: 16.08 l/h

Agriflex+ 373: 14.53 l/h

Fuel saved: 1.55 l/h

These results demonstrate that, simply by choosing the right Alliance tire and optimizing pressure, farmers can achieve fuel savings of up to 6.6 liters per hour in the field, a significant improvement in terms of both profitability and sustainability.

“For the first time, Alliance has presented real-world fuel consumption data with its tires at the right pressure,” emphasizes Massimo Mori, Alliance Country Manager for Italy, Israel, Greece, Cyprus, and North Macedonia. “The results are surprising,” he stated.

Agostino Provana, owner of Provana Group, confirms: “Alliance’s flagship tires have achieved excellent results.” The tests show the high quality of Alliance tyres in terms of both superior performance and lower fuel consumption. “We have been delighted to host Alliance for this event and to share the same vision of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the agricultural sector.”

Alliance Field Day in Izano reaffirmed the company’s mission to provide practical, tangible evidence of how choosing the right tire and pressure can reduce costs, improve machine efficiency, and protect the environment. By combining technology, demonstrations, and technical expertise, Alliance helps farmers identify the best solutions for their operational needs.

Alliance will continue to showcase its latest innovations at Agritechnica 2025, taking place in Hannover, Germany, from November 9th to 15th. Visitors will have the chance to discover the full range of Alliance’s advanced tire solutions in Hall 4, Stand C29.

(translation of the article on the following website: Pneusnews.it – Link)

The Provana Group has been offering a new service for contractors since the beginning of 2024. This service offers agricultural tyres with a hourly cost, along with a calculation of both the fuel consumption and cost linked to it. This gives the opportunity to determine the overall running costs of a fleet.

After an extensive number of hours worked using different tractor and tyres brands, along with the use of specific monitoring sensors, the Provana Group is now ready to move onto the next phase.

The focus is now on medium-high horsepower tractors. In this case the hours of usage are particularly relevant and the main topic to be considered here is the running cost based on the tyre model and its main applications. The brand name plays a secondary importance.

All brands – both Premium and Bugdet ones – offer, if we consider the same tyre size, a range of products based on tyre applications, but the end user often chooses a product according to parameters such as brand recognition or price instead of focusing on the technical characteristics of the tyre.

As a consequence it is very important to recommend the right products to the end user in order to maximise the overall productivity and to optimise the calculation of costs.

On the basis of this reasoning the focus of the Provana Group is now on a project linked to both the Running cost and the product, based on an objective analysis of the performance of all tyres. The parameters to be considered are the following:

• The average buying cost of the tyre on the market;
• The average tyre lifespan;
• The comfort and handling aspects along with the performances on the road;
• The traction on the field;
• The self-cleaning;
• The lifespan of the tyre tread;
• The lifespan of the carcass;
• The fuel consumption.

These aspects are based on the Running Cost concepts of the Provana Group, starting both from the average aftermarket sales price and the results of several market tests with various brands of tyres and tractors. It has been demonstrated, for example, that when we take into account the same tyre brand the product lifespan improves considerably if we usage of the product is correct or the model choice is the right one.

A key point of this comparison is the fuel consumption. In fact, there is the possibility to obtain a lower €/h consumption if the fuel consumption is managed correctly. This results in relevant savings during the entire life cycle of the products (around 4000 hours), especially if we consider the high-horsepower tractors. As a consequence, the right choice of tyres is fundamental.

Today, if we consider aftermarket sales, the brand choice is still the most important factor, while key points such as the tyre technology (IF, VF and Standard tyres) are not considered enough. As specified earlier the focus of tyre manufacturers is now on products linked to specific applications (for instance, road applications etc).

Considering that a Premium or Budget brand offers different products linked to different applications, the focus of the customer should be on the tyre model first and then on the tyre brand. In general, if the tyre model is not correct the reputation of the tyre brand gets damaged along with the performances of the product; the Running cost increases as well.

If we consider these last points the testing activity of the Provana Group has been crucial in determining the costs generated by tyres of different brands. Even the development tests, which assess the performances of a product in a controlled environment, have been fundamental in assessing the performances of various brands.

The Running Cost concept is a valid one, but it is necessary to focus on the right training: for istance, all salespeople need proper tranining in order to offer the right choice.

All these aspects represent a key point if we consider the current internal reorganisation of the Provana Group, which started in the second half of 2025, with the aim of positioning itself as a brand-independent choice for both manufacturers and end users of the agricultural sector, with the offer of innovative complete wheel solutions for advanced agricultural machineries.

Thanks to the help of external consultants who contribute to the definition of a strategic business model and the go-to-market strategy, the Provana Group wants to strenghten the activities which are based on the identification of the best complete wheel/tyre configuration. This can be done through a series of testing, data management, integrated sensing and specialised consultancy projects. In addition to that, the Provana Group is planning to introduce the “Provana solutions for agriculture” brand in order to evaluate commercial opportunities linked to new trends and fulfil existing market needs.

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(translation of the article on the following website: Pneusnews.it – Link)

The offer of services linked to the product is one of the most interesting trends within the tyre industry, especially when considering tyres for professional use: the cost per kilometer concept is already a standard within the road haulage industry. The same model is now developing within the agro industry too.   

According to the Provana Group, an agro tyre-related offer of services should be based on both a data analysis and an integrated supply chain. It should connect all players, starting from the tyre/machinery producer up to the final user, taking into account tyre distributors, dealers and sellers as well. We talked about these topics with Agostino Provana, founder of the holding of services “Provana Group” located in Izano (CR), which offers specialised consultancy within the agricultural sector, especially when considering the tyre usage.

In fact, the latest news is a 360° consultancy offer: taking into account a bimonthly fee, the Provana Group chooses, monitors and “rents” the most suitable tyre according to the usage. Farmers do not have to worry about the tyre management anymore.

Is the sales proposal of the Provana Group the first one in the agricultural world which considers other aspects aside from the product?

I think so because our sales solution is the result of years of work, analysis and research about the importance of tyres when dealing with running costs of agricultural machineries. The constant interaction with key players of the industry gives us the insight that the market asks for a 360° solution. In other words, the market asks for a consultant who is able to manage all tyres.

In fact, in my opinion, we have just opened a Pandora’s box, this is because the tyre within the agricultural industry influences the fuel consumption, and, as a consequence, the overall costs. The importance of the tyre when dealing with the total costs of agricultural machineries is considerable, since its affects fuel consumption in a significant way: the consumption could be of tens of thousands of euros during the whole life cycle of the tyre. In other words, every tractor can present a hourly cost which varies significantly and the tyre could be seen either as an advantage or disadvantage.

The first step is the choice of the most suitable tyre. What parameters do we need to consider?

Both the choice and the usage of the tyre when dealing with agricultural machineries is a complex and strategical evalutation, for which it is necessary to have specific competencies, which the farmer does not have. In some cases event the tyre dealer is not competent enough.

Choosing the right expert to find the most suitable tyre according to usage is fundamental, because today’s market offers a broad range of brands and models, all linked to different price segments. If we want to find the right solution for a customer, who could be a farmer, a contractor or a tractor dealer, we need to take into account important parameters from an economic point of view, such as the running cost and the hourly cost of tyres.

Focusing on the tyre size as an unique choice parameter is not sufficient and could also be a problem. A good salesman has to be able to interact with the customer to understand which product – among the ones with the same sizes – is most suitable for the usage.

Is the market both aware and ready for these ideas or some training is needed?

The agricultural machineries tyre industry is becoming increasingly aware of these ideas and it is changing accordingly. In this phase all players – so producers, distributors, tyre dealers, tractor dealers and final users – need proper training, because the tyre is not considered a mere product anymore. It is now considered a service with the running cost as a fundamental parameter.

The question is: who will be trained properly? Will it be the case of the tyre dealer? Or the tractor dealer? Will it be the case of the customer since contractors now have some internal staff represented by tyre fitters, electricians and mechanics? It is necessary to know which direction the market will follow, what is certain is that there currently is a marked phase of change.

Could we now say that the Provana Group is currently aware of these concepts and it is ready to transfer it to other players thanks to both a consultancy and training offer?

This is the result of years of experience, work and analysis carried by the Provana Group, a holding of services which offers specialised consultancy within the agricultural field, especially when considering tyres. We have been working along with tyre producers from all over the world for years and now we are aware of the different needs of contractors and farmers: they search for a 360° professional consultancy, starting from the tyre choice up to the monitoring of products.

Today the Provana Group not only helps the agro users in choosing the most performing tyre according to the type of usage, the purchase price, the duration and the fuel consumption, but it also monitors the tyre during its entire life cycle. Thanks to the constant monitoring carried out with TPMS systems, which show the correct pressure and the minimum fuel consumption in every situation, the workshop of Provana constantly monitors the tyre and gives users the opportunity to obtain the best possible hourly cost, which is a fundamental variable of the total running cost of the agricultural machinery. Among the monitored parameters the following ones are crucial: rolling circumference and mechanical lead, rolling resistance, load, pressure and tyre dimensions.    

Could you describe us your test portfolio?

Provana is starting to focus on market tests among different contractors. These tests are particularly valuable for final users.

The product tests instead are useful for tyre producers in order to verify the work of their R&D departments and are conducted by the Provana Group on its track in Izano, both on the road and in the field, with a focus on performances of brand-new tyres in specific conditions; the type of usage is considered as well.

We need to consider tyre performances when the product is introduced to the market. We have been monitoring ten tractors equipped with different brands of tyres and sensors, these devices are necessary to measure the components of the Hourly Cost effectively. These tests not only require assistance in the initial phase, but also need a continuous monitoring over time; this is a service which big contractors and fleets ask more and more frequently. The trend we are experiencing is similar to the one of the road haulage fleet: today even the farm wants to delegate the monitoring of the tyre performance, so this task becomes a service. The cost of this service is repaid by the savings in terms of fuel consumption, which are linked to the continuous monitoring of the correct tyre pressure.

Are you already able to offer a fee-based service?

Yes, this service is the answer to customers’ needs, this formula is already a reality for some contractors in the northern part of Italy. After an analysis of the type of operations and the usage of the machinery, we propose a bi-monthly fee based on the Hourly Cost for each tyre. This solution is available for both tractors and trailers. There are also customers which purchase tyres and then ask us to measure the fuel consumption and the tyre wear.

Is the tyre monitoring a tool which could be used for maintenance?

The planning of the maintenance of agro machineries linked to TPMS/connectivity systems is fundamental to avoid or reduce to the minimum machine downtimes, which are quite expensive. In fact, different tyre dimensions, different brands and different technical characteristics along with different rims result in a H24 service which is ever more difficult to offer. 

The evolution of agro TPMS connectivity will give us the opportunity to control and plan the maintenance with the avoidance of damages and the optimisation of tyre wear, fuel consumption and mechanical components. As a consequence it is necessary to always develop new and innovative technical solutions prototypes linked to the complete wheel system.

Do you even offer training courses?

Today training courses are fundamental, they represent a part of our range of services. They could be organised for producers, distributors, salesmen, contractors and final users. Since the market is experiencing a phase of marked change and it is evolving accordingly, training is an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage. We feel there is a strong training need at all levels, so we can offer as a “super partes business” an ad-hoc training. In addition to that, we are also currently organising our next “Agri Day” annual event to talk about our projects.

What is the main advantage of the cost per kilometer?

It is an innovative project within the agricultural field, which requires competence, use of technology, monitoring and in person 6-month checks of fleets. The main advantage is represented by the offer of the right choice of products, which are still owned by Provana, and by the guaranteed perfomances through a fee payment system. Thanks to this concept we are able to offer the right solution for each type of application. The tyre offered is the right one for each fleet need.

Today significant data and technology is available, but a key player who is able to analyse all information and put it into practice is missing. To sum up, this service is what is needed to close the circle. Provana Group can solve these issues by offering new services.

(translation of the article on the following website: Pneusnews.it – Link)

Within the agricultural field the “Mechanical Lead” is the ratio between the theoretical distance covered by the front tyres and the one covered by the rear ones for each tyre revolution. In terms of percentage it is an important parameter in order to optimise the fuel consumption

During the road transfers of a tractor every revolution of the rear tyres is theoretically equal to their rolling circumference. In theory this distance should be equal to the one of the front tyres when the 4 wheel drive is enabled, with the difference that whereas the rear tyres make only one revolution the front ones need to roll more because of their smaller rolling circumferences. In this situation the mechanical gear between the two axles should help in optimising the covered distances. Considering real market situations things are different. In fact, the distance covered by the front tyres with each complete revolution of the rear ones has to be always slightly greater to the rolling circumferences of the latter. This is necessary in order to gain a traction which is slightly higher to the one of the rear tyres. If the mechanical lead is not correct some problems could arise. For instance, an improved fuel consumption, braking problems, high wear of the tyre tread, potential breaking of the mechanical parts.

A 0.5-5% range

The ratio between the distance covered by the front tyres in comparison to the one of the rear tyres when they make a complete revolution is called “Mechanical Lead” and it normally varies between a 0.5% – 5% range according to the equipped tyres, to the applied loads and to the inflation pressures. These parameters are indeed the ones which influence the effective rolling circumferences of tyres the most when compared to the theorical ones and taking into account the fact that they vary greatly according to each tractor, these are parameters that influence in a direct way the hourly consumption of the machineries and the management costs linked to them.

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The tests which have been organised among the premises of “Provana Group Innovation” in Izano, close to the Italian city of Cremona, show that a correct Mechanical Lead reduces the fuel consumption and the tyre wear, with the latter that is being considered for both road surfaces and hard soils. In fact, the soft soils/soils with low grip act as a “natural differential” by allowing a slight slippage of the front tyres which does not negatively affect their improved traction and influences the tyre tread wear in a minimal way. On the other side if we consider the soils with a high grip the slippage is not allowed so the “mechanical stress” caused by mechanical leads which are too high affects both the tyres and the transmission parts. If we want to work in optimal conditions, so with the right mechanical leads, it is necessary to optimise the tyre pairing between the front tyres and the rear tyres in terms of dimensions and then optimise the inflation pressures in order to maintain a constant ratio between the static and the effective rolling circumferences. We also need to consider the idea that tyres with the same sizes but manufactured by different brands do not present the same rolling circumferences.

We are talking about complex set-ups that can be managed only by experts in the industry but it is possible, for instance, to rely on the mechanical lead software created by the Provana Group to simplify the procedures. The software is the result of hundreds of organised tests both on the road and in the field with the use of tractors equipped with sensors, devices and data analysis software. It is available at the following link (Italian version).

The expert’s opinion

“The idea of Mechanical Lead” says Agostino Provana, the manager of Provana Group Innovation, “is based on the ratio between the circumferences of the front tyres and the rear tyres when the 4 wheel drive is enabled. This ratio is expressed in percentage terms and the values usually range from 0.5% to 5%. The percentage varies according to the tractor brand. An optimal mechanical lead gives the opportunity to avoid a premature wear of both tyres and mechanical parts and to optimise the fuel consumption. A wrong mechanical lead causes a premature wear of the tyres and affects negatively the traction of the machinery as well. The mechanical lead should be taken into account from the beginning, when the tyres are mounted, through an accurate size check in order to guarantee the right tyre pairing. Other factors which need to be considered are represented by both pressures and loads since they influence the rolling circumferences in a positive or in a negative way: the result is a consumption optimisation or, on the contrary, an excessive waste of resources. It should be noted that the various tyre brands which are available on the market offer products which present for the same size different technical characteristics: these specifications, such as the lug height, influence the Mechanical Lead too.”

(translation of the article on the following website: Macchine Trattori – Link – Page 88)

Independent tests organised by the Provana Group Innovation company have shown the link between the tyre pressures of an agricultural machinery and its operational efficiency in terms of running costs

The operational capabilities of every agricultural working site are influenced by several factors, both external and internal. When considering external factors such as the climate, the soil condition, the altitudes and others it is impossible to influence them, so it is fundamental to manage the internal factors in order to optimise the efficiency of the working site; there is the opportunity to reduce costs as well.

First of all it is necessary to perform a correct maintenance of every mechanical component during the job activity at the working site, this guarantees reliability and an optimised number of possible mechanical absorptions. The use of clean and high-quality fuels is important too along with a constant optimisation of tyre pressures with the aim of reducing the per hour consumption. This last point was considered at the beginning of February during the “Agri Day” event organised by the testing center of the Provana Group Innovation company, which premises are located in Izano, close to Cremona. This company is part of the Provana Group, a Group with an expertise in setting up the tyre sets which are equipped on tractors.

A focus on management costs

During the event the Provana Group staff talked about two different topics, the first one was related to the running costs linked to the use of tyres and to the fuel consumption, two factors which can be managed and reduced; the second one was a presentation of the various services of Provana. The target of these services is represented by manufacturers, tractor dealers, contractors and agricultural firms; the services are performed using specific devices and through the organisation of ad-hoc tests, which give the opportunity to evaluate in a both independent and objective way how the running cost of a tractor changes when taking into account tyre pressures. It is also necessary to say that when we talk about the running cost of an agricultural machinery we talk about the hourly cost based on the number of hours seen on the hour meter, so the number of effective working hours of the machinery.

It is also taken for granted that a good driving behaviour is observed at the working site. If these conditions are taken into account the running cost is determined by the hourly fuel consumption and the hourly cost of tyres. According to Provana the first parameter accounts for around 30/35%  of the total and the second only for around 4/6% of the total. As a consequence we might think that costs related to the use of tyres and their performances are less important when compared to fuel consumption, but in reality facts are different.

Savings up to 13 per cent

The device-based market test results show that rolling resistances are linked to the fuel consumption and are also related to tyre pressures. The difference between an optimised pressure and a non-optimised pressure can result in an up to 13% difference (or even more) in terms of both fuel and tyre consumption; this represents an expense or saving of thousands of euros every 1000 hours, which increases if the horsepower of the tractor is higher. If we consider soft soils it is important to set the right pressure according to, for example, tractor performance and soil preservation, whereas when we take into account hard soils and roads high pressures are mandatory in order to reduce the rolling resistance. As a consequence if tens of thousands of euros are spent when buying a tractor it is important not to save on technology costs, especially on tyre inflation systems which offer the possibility of inflating and deflating tyres. These are not yet widely available but they can guarantee interesting savings when equipped on a tractor.

In terms of tyres it is important to precise that factors such the initial cost or the brand are far less relevant when compared to others such as the tyre dimension, the tyre wear resistance, the lifespan of the carcass, and, above all, the pressures and loads management skills of the driver. These last ones are crucial because they influence the rolling circumference and the mechanical lead, a parameter that when it is not in the right percentage range causes some mechanical stress which increases fuel consumption and causes damages when considering dual traction insertion (braking).

For agro professionals, it is fundamental to equip the machinery with ad-hoc tyres for every kind of activity, the aim can be reached only with the help of technical consultants who work for well-equipped centres.

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On the left: an example of the hourly costs of a 300 hp tractor every 4000 working hours when considering light and heavy duties. As can be seen the influence of fuel consumption is very important. On the right, instead, it is possible to see the hourly cost variations related to the pressure of tyres, so the ones linked to energy absorptions. The Provana Group tests show that if the worker sets the right tyre pressure according to the tractor usage there is the possibility to obtain significant savings

(translation of the article on the following website: Macchine Trattori – Link)