Author: Hamish Thornley, Group Service Manager
Getting tyre pressures right on your Case IH Pariot… without turning it into a pogo stick.
Most Case IH Patriot sprayers from around 2015 onward are running VF (Very High Flexion) tyres, usually from Michelin or Goodyear.
In simple terms, VF tyres are built to carry big loads at lower pressures. That means less compaction, better traction, and a much nicer ride across the paddock — which is exactly what you want on those long days in the paddock.
The catch?
Because they can run low pressure, they’re often run too high.
It’s an easy trap — pump them up “just to be safe” and suddenly you’ve got:
- a harsher ride
- less footprint on the ground
- more uneven wear, and
- tyres that won’t live their best life
Not ideal.
The golden rule is still the same: match your tyre pressure to your load and speed using the manufacturer’s charts. It’s not guesswork — the data’s there for a reason.
As a rough guide, a Case IH Patriot 4430 on Michelin SprayBib VF 480/80R50 tyres with a full 6,000 L tank will generally sit around 36–39 psi (2.5–2.7 bar) in the paddock.
But remember — that’s a guide only. Boom size, speed, extra weight, and road travel will all need to be taken into consideration.
Bottom line:
If it rides heavy and leaves tracks like a narrow tyre, it’s probably overinflated. Back it off and let the VF tyres do what they are made for.
