Gauge Wheels
All About Gauge Wheels
PolyFlex™ Replacement Gauge Wheel Tire
The gauge wheel’s purpose is to keep the planter/drill running at a consistent depth and absorb the residue (in no-till). Until now, there have only been two options for gauge wheels: soft, rubber tires and rock-hard, polyurethane tires, making a tough choice for farmers. At Exapta, we have always preferred the rubber tires; they are pliable enough to absorb variations on the soil surface, from small stones to thick stalks, plus, rubber tires shed mud better due to their flexible nature. The downside to rubber tires is the wear-life in no-till conditions. Originally designed for tilled seedbeds, the abrasions of corn stalks, soybean stubble and cotton in no-till, cause rubber tires to wear quickly (in some conditions, only lasting one season). Hence, the introduction of polyurethane gauge wheel tires. Their wear life is exceptional, but rock-hard tires can increase soil compaction and may cause the row unit to raise or jump over variations on the soil surface, resulting in erratic seed depth placement. And, their rigid structure, causes mud build-up.
After extensive testing in a variety of conditions across the U.S., Exapta is pleased to offer the PolyFlex™ gauge wheel tire, combining the strengths and minimizing the issues of too-soft rubber and rock-hard polyurethane. With a 3-year warranty on the tire, the PolyFlex™ assures durability for long-lasting wear-life and pliability to conform to your soil type. We’re pleased to introduce our PolyFlex™ gauge wheel, now as a complete assembly. The only polyurethane tire on the market with an air cavity that allows it to flex.
PolyFlex™ remains flexible in order to maintain performance in varying ground conditions. Engineered for balanced deflection to prevent excessive mud buildup and soil compaction while providing the excellent wear resistance of polyurethane tires. PolyFlex™ gives the benefits of traditional rubber tires and solid core tires without the drawbacks. Lab tested and field proven.
Fits most planters and single-disc gauge wheel drills using 5/8″ or 16mm mounting bolt (JD 50,60,90 & N series, Case P500 & NH 2080 drills).
Flexible Polyurethane
Cross-section of Exapta’s PolyFlex tire, a high-wear polyurethane material with a hollow core, that can flex.The only polyurethane tire on the market with an air cavity that allows it to flex. 3-year tire warranty; 1-year rim warranty
Engineered for Balanced Deflection
PolyFlex™ remains flexible in order to maintain performance in varying ground conditions. Engineered for balanced deflection to prevent excessive mud buildup and soil compaction while providing the excellent wear resistance of polyurethane tires. PolyFlex™ gives the benefits of traditional rubber tires and solid core tires without the drawbacks. Lab tested and field proven.
PolyFlex in Action
The PolyFlex gauge wheel tire is unique from other polyurethane tires in that it has a hollow core, which allows it to shed mud more so like a rubber tire. It can absorb rocks and small clods in the fields, which means the row units will have less bounce and the seeds will be better placed in the furrow; not on the top of the soil.