Hot Trends in Implement Tires, Including Radialization

What are some of the major trends in implement tires and why are they important?

“While bias implement tires have been around forever, radials are beginning to gain favor with farmers,” says Dave Paulk, manager, field technical services, BKT USA Inc. “Truck tire size implements can run with less air pressure for less soil compaction – for example, VF295/75R22.5. These are all steel radials that resist punctures and sidewall damage.

“Radial implements in IF 15-inch size (240/80 – 9.5L, 280/70 – 11L, and 320/70 – 12.5L) have become more popular because they wear better when run on the road and carry more weight than a standard implement tire. These are steel-belted for better casing uniformity and puncture resistance.

“Radial implements are used for heavy equipment, such as air seeders, cultivators, and chisel plows. The wings are folded up for highway transportation and two to four tires carry the implement on the main frame. Radial implement tires are being used more on grain carts, manure wagons and silage carts because they are on the road most of the time. Radials last longer and have less rolling resistance.

“Although we still sell many bias implement tires, radials are becoming more popular in the market,” adds Paulk. “OE demand for radials is increasing. Equipment is heavier, allowing it to carry more seed and fertilizer. It is pulled at faster speeds and sees more highway use. And equipment continues to weigh more,” another factor that radial tires address.