Top Trends in Farm Tires
These days, farming is being taken to a whole new level. Consumer demand for fresh produce and meat is high, and farm size is expanding in response. With the trend toward bigger farms with higher output, the farm industry is being forced to respond by developing bigger and faster farm machines. As crops must still be harvested in the same time window as before, it is essential for farm technology to stay ahead of the curve. Tire manufacturers are amongst the industries that are adapting to new conditions and stepping up the game.
Increased Competition
Previously, only a small handful of companies produced most of the agricultural tires for the U.S. market. Now, international companies are entering the scene, providing stiff competition for American tire manufacturers. While this competition may be painful for the tire companies, it can benefit farmers in the long run, as prices could be driven down for new technologies and innovations.
Larger and Wider Tires
One of the most obvious changes to farm tires in recent years is the need for them to support increasingly large machines. In 2009, the largest tires had a diameter of 81 inches, or 6 feet 8 inches. Now, manufacturers are starting to produce tires with seven-foot diameters. Wider tires are also being called for – these large footprint tires reduce compaction and help protect the ground.
Stubble Resistance
Stubble damage is a problem facing many farmers and tire manufacturers. With the rise of GMO crops with hearty stalks and robust structures, the remnants of the crop after harvesting can be extremely destructive to tires. Companies are being forced to produce tougher tires that are more resistant to puncture.
Increased Flexion Tires
Also known as IF tires, increased flexion tires are a type of radial tire originally developed by Michelin Ag. The sidewalls of IF tires are more flexible than other types, which increases the capability of the tractor to carry heavy loads without increasing the inflation pressure. Another line of tires called VF, or very high flexion tires, offers this feature to an even greater extent.
Sprayer Tires
Even farm implements like self-propelled sprayers are being upgraded to meet the demands of the current food industry. Tires for sprayers are now available with IF and VF technologies to allow them to operate at greater speeds of up to 40 or 50 miles per hour.
Eco-friendly Tires
As protecting the environment is a concern to today’s farmers, tires are currently being developed that address this concern. The less resistance a tire has to rolling, the less fuel it needs to operate, reducing emissions. Additionally, as tires degrade, they can contaminate the air and ground. In European markets, tires made with less harmful products and tougher rubber are in higher demand. This demand may soon be coming to the American markets.
With the push to produce more and more food at faster speeds, farm technology is being forced to adapt quickly to growing markets. The tire industry has responded by developing new technologies to support larger machines and heavier loads. These machines can better cope with the large farm size seen today. As farm technology continues to advance, tires will adapt as we do.
