High-tech products for high yield

Manufacturers improve ag tires to increase efficiencies

By: Lori L. Mavrigian

Ag tire applications are evolving, and ag tire manufacturers are offering new products to match the needs of  farmers. According to Michael Burroughes, director of marketing, agricultural tires for Michelin North America Inc., farms are “getting larger and larger, increasing pressure on farmers to choose farming measures and tools that are efficient.”

Thus, today’s farmers are “embracing new technologies that offer them the competitive advantages they need to be successful,” says Burroughes.

The following tires offer maximum traction in the field, high load carrying capacity and other high-yield features. (More ag tires will be featured in the April issue of CTD.)

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT-Tyres) has introduced several new ag tires, including the AgriMax, which “will fit standard combine (wheels),” says BKT Sales Director Bill Haney.

Available in size 900/60R32, it has a maximum load carrying capacity of 18,200 pounds at 46 psi when driven at 25 mph. “Combines usually run at lower speeds.”

Also new from BKT is a radial metric flotation tire in size 710/40R22.5, “used in truck conversions for ag purposes,” says Haney. In addition, BKT has introduced the FS216 Skidder Tire (pictured above left), which is primarily used in forestry applications.

Trelleborg Wheel Systems has introduced its premium bias R-1 product line, the TM90. The size range includes: 16.9-30 - 6 ply, 18.4-30 - 8 ply, 16.9-34 - 8 ply, 18.4-34 - 8 ply, 16.9-38 - 8 ply, 18.4-38 - 8 ply, 20.8-38 - 8 ply, 12.4-24 - 6 ply, 12.4-28 - 6 ply, 13.6-28 - 6 ply and 14.9-28 - 6 ply.

The TM90’s tread bar angle provides maximum traction, the company says. It is constructed with nylon cord for long service life and has an R-1 tread depth for optimum field service.