Titan International Inc.'s new Goodyear Special Sure Grip TD-8 Radial R-2 tire was designed to address the specific needs of the rice and cane markets. It is available in size 480/80R50.
“Titan has made a commitment to this market and the unique crop production challenges experienced by rice and cane farmers,” says Jeff Vasichek, vice president of sales and marketing. “Until now, farmers used R-1W or R-2 46-inch tires, which limited their ability to plant 30-inch rows and didn’t give them the clearance needed in wet fields with tall crops."
The tires provide not only additional crop clearance but also improved flotation in wet fields, according to the company. In addition, extra lug bracing provides strength for the horsepower needed in rice and cane conditions.
Titan engineered the Special Sure Grip R-2 tires working with rice and cane farmers and Bobby Henard Tire Service, a Titan and Goodyear brand dealer located in Brinkley, Ark.
"These tires really open up a number of opportunities,” says Bruce Proctor, vice president of Bobby Henard Inc., which does business as Bobby Henard Tire. “The Goodyear Special Sure Grip addresses the major limitations of using standard R-2 tires in rice and cane crop production.
"Research shows planting in 30-inch rows can help increase yield, but farmers did not have a tire until now that would effectively allow them to take advantage of 30-inch planting and still have a tire capable of harvesting in extremely wet conditions while providing greater clearance and added traction.”
Goodyear farm tires are manufactured by Titan Tire Corp., a subsidiary of Titan International. For more information on Goodyear farm tires, visit www.titan-intl.com.