In 2008 Jake Kraayenbrink was inspired by Ed & Jamie Michel of Mildmay and a manure hauling OMAFRA study with Greg Stewart. Jake learned that a manure tanker`s tire pressure changes the level of soil compaction, and from there an idea was born. Before creating his own device and company, Jake did some serious research with his collaborators. Inflating and deflating tires to handle heavier loads is common practice in the trucking industry, but not something found in agriculture. Shortly after the initial study with Greg Stewart and Sam Bradshaw, Jake coordinated a trip to Europe (where European farmers have been adjusting their tire pressures for 15 to 20 years), to see how this concept could be implemented on farms in North America. Their tour included Denmark, Holland, Germany, Belgium and France, where they visited two universities in addition to six manufacturers.

Upon returning home, the team investigated some Canadian built equipment designed for trucks, and found some opportunities to tailor a new system specifically for agriculture applications.

The Kraayenbrink`s, Steve Bailey (truck mechanic) of Teviotdale and Maurice Veldhuis (Professional Engineer) of Drayton developed an entirely new system, called Automatic Air Inflation Deflation (AAID) control. The new AAID control is able to deflate tires in 25 seconds, less than a quarter of the time needed for other systems.

"We`re really excited about it," says Jake. "And it`s all done without leaving the tractor seat."

The AAID control can automatically inflate or deflate tires without leaving the tractor. This allows a farmer to adjust their pressure from the fields to the roads and back again. By reducing the tire pressure, the tires footprint widens and lengthens and this increases surface area and reduces soil compaction.

The AAID control is not only fast, but also very versatile. It has a manual override should any part of the control system fail, so no down time will be experienced. The unit can be moved to other implements (large square baler, grain buggy, solid manure spreaders, etc.) very easily with a quick attach table that requires only 4 bolts.

This example of Canadian grassroots innovation has not only caught the industry`s eye but also the governments. Jake was awarded the Premier`s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence 2011.

OAFT AgriBrink Oct 28, 2014 Video