Following feedback from farmers, tire manufacturer BKT says it has developed the latest Agrimax Fortis tractor tire to better survive the rocky conditions found in some European areas, such as Catalonia in Spain and the Massif Central in France.
Drawing on knowledge gained from the industrial machinery sector, BKT now offers the tire with a new compound that provides enhanced reinforcement and can withstand cuts, tears, sharp stones and other stresses associated with working in rock-covered areas. BKT states that the compound has a harder durometer, around 10Sh(A) greater than its regular compound, reducing the chance of a puncture.
The tire is designed for use in soil preparation, planting and treatment operations, and BKT notes that it has good traction on uneven terrain and a high flotation capacity. This results in less soil compaction and a lower rolling resistance to bring down fuel consumption and consequently reduce emissions.
“First-hand accounts and feedback from our customers have proven really essential in developing the special compound for Agrimax Fortis,” explained Piero Torassa, field engineering manager at BKT. “Each application requires a very specific product [and] this is why we work so hard to translate the needs of the various agricultural businesses into unique products. It is not just a question of having [a] greater choice available, [but by] using the right tire it is [more] sustainable and cost-effective [because] the product lifecycle is extended and fuel consumption is reduced.”
The tire was tested extensively on rugged terrain in Spain and France to assess its resistance to damage compared with versions using the regular compounds. The company found that after 200 hours, the normal tire was seriously damaged and needed seven repairs, whereas the special-compound tire completed 500 hours without needing any remedial work.
