Polyurethane tires perform well on electric forklifts used for indoor applications. They have a small turning radius and can support substantially more weight than tires made from other materials. However, they cannot be used outdoors – regardless of the work required.
Did you know that consumers can see a 15 to 20 percent difference in fuel economy depending on the type of tire that they purchase? In fact, numerous studies show how picking the right tire directly affects fuel consumption, which can save consumers hundreds of dollars in the long run.
To save your agriculture tires from stubble damage, try this: Attach a frame, and suspend a two-inch well pipe in front of the front tires. Fill the pipe with sand or concrete, and it will knock down stubble before it damages your tires.
Did you know a blowout can happen if your tires are under-inflated or over-inflated? Proper tire pressure is vital to your safety and the longevity of your tires, and we can help you make sure your tires are properly inflated.
When choosing industrial tires, keep in mind that pneumatic tires are best at extending the life of any forklift or machinery, particularly in heavy-duty applications. This is because they cushion the machine against rough surfaces.
Did you know that a punctured tire can be repaired with a professional patch job? If you ever have a punctured tire, instead of replacing the tire, bring the tire in for a professional and lasting patch application.
Does tractor type play a role in my tire choice? Absolutely! In fact, 2WD, MFWD, and 4WD tractors have significant differences in the ways they are used, how hard they are worked, and where and when (such as row crop versus open field applications) that determine tire needs.
Does it really make a difference what I keep stored in my car? Experts say it does because the heavier the load, the greater the heat buildup while driving. That heat buildup is one of the primary factors contributing to the breakdown of your tires over time.
A radial tire is popular among agricultural tires. In this design, the cord plies are arranged at 90-degree angles to the direction of travel, and allow the sidewall and tread to function as two independent features.
In 2010, the tire industry made $140 billion. The top five manufacturing companies of tires, by revenue, are Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin, and Pirelli.
The tread designation is used to describe the tread and indicate usage of agricultural tires. There are three specifications: R1, R1W, or R2. R1 is a standard tread, R1W is a wet traction tread, and R2 is used typically with cane and rice or other crops grown in wet muck or flooded fields.
Tires were made using solid rubber soon after vulcanization was discovered. These tires resisted cuts, absorbed shocks, and were generally very strong. However, they did not provide people with a smooth ride.
Some farms produce tires, not crops. Firestone, for example, operates a research farm in Columbiana, Ohio, where all its agricultural tires are evaluated and subjected to rigorous tests that replicate real-world conditions and demands.
Tires aren’t just ring-shaped covers fit over a wheel rim. They protect the rims and enhance the performance of a wheel with flexible cushion, absorbing shock as the wheel contacts the ground.
While you may be somewhat slow to check the tires on your car, the tires on industrial equipment needs to be carefully monitored, especially with vehicles used for transporting heavy loads. Do not let the tires fall below their recommended pressure.
Winter tires are specifically designed (in terms of the rubber type used and the size and design of the treads) to maximize traction in snow, sleet, ice, and cold winter conditions. They can make a huge difference in safety in terms of winter driving.
When using a bias tire instead of a radial tire for agricultural use, be aware that, due to the stiffness of the tire, it does not absorb bumps well. All impact and shaking are felt by the driver and machine.
Your spare tire needs the same care and periodic inspection as the tires that you are riding on do. Check the air pressure (you do not want to replace a flat tire with a flat spare), and look for signs of aging or deterioration.
The type of industrial tire you need depends in part on the particular application. For instance, pneumatic tires are ideal for outside use on rough terrain, while polyurethane tires should be used for indoor applications.
If two of your tires have a lot of remaining tread depth but you need to replace the other two, they should be replaced with a pair of tires that comes as close as possible to matching the existing ones. Otherwise, this can pose a safety issue for the vehicle.
Ozone will attack the rubber on your ag tires, and is one of the leading causes of deterioration. As the rubber breaks down, it begins to crack and split. When the tire is under pressure, the gaps grow, exposing more area to ozone and accelerating breakdown.
One of the best ways to keep your rims in tip top shape is to clean them on a regular basis. Avoid harsh chemicals which could remove metal treatments; use a mild detergent and warm water instead to remove dirt and debris.
Did you know that soil compaction is one of the principal soil damage processes for farmers? This is generally caused by increasingly heavy agricultural machines passing over the soil, often in difficult climatic conditions. In most cases, the right type of tire can make all the difference.
The outside of a tire has a ton of information and numbers. Each one of them refers to a specific piece of information, which means that can get very confusing, very fast. Fortunately, a tire expert can help you not only understand them, they can help you find the right tires for your car.