Keeping your farm vehicle tyres in top condition is essential for keeping your business going. There are a few things to keep in mind when considering the maintenance and management of your tyres. Below are some key tips to keep in mind and remember, always use a professional company when the task is beyond your means.
Fitting and Moving Tyres
Agricultural tyres can only be dismounted and mounted by trained, qualified professionals using the appropriate tools and correct procedures. Without the correct training you are liable to cause yourself and others serious or even fatal injury. From quad tyres to tractor tyres, you need to ensure the mounting and dismounting is handled by several people. A compressed air circuit equipped with an adjusted pressure gauge should be used.
The problem with Compaction
Another problem that faces the tyres of agricultural vehicles is soil compaction. It’s one of the main soil damage processes and is usually caused by heavy vehicles passing over soil in difficult conditions. Compaction results in ruts and ruts result in your machinery consuming more energy – it basically costs you more money. A field which is full of ruts needs completely reconditioning, and soil regeneration work, which can take months. The right tyres can significantly reduce compaction.
A tractor wheel in direct contact with the soil is part of the solution to this problem. The highest quality of agricultural tyre for this type of job needs to be able to carry heavy loads at low pressure. High tyre pressure leads to further compaction and rut formation. The tyres traction capability is also important in avoiding soil compaction as the process is amplified by slipping.
Avoid Over Inflation
Over inflation too causes soil compaction which in turn limited the development of microbial life and stagnated water pools can easily gather too. All this grouped together results in low yield, low quality produce and increased operating costs due to extensive reworking of the land.
Over inflation also causes increased levels of spin and depth when a machine sinks into the soil. This makes steering difficult and high resistance to forward movement becomes common as ruts are prevalent. Further results include excess fuel consumption, considerable time wasted and your tyres wearing down much more quickly than they should. That being said under inflation is just as bad and can result in irreversible damage to the tyre casing and make manoeuvres more difficult to carry out.
Increase your Tyres Life
If you want your tyres to last longer keep these quick tips in mind. It’s important to check the pressure of your tyres regularly. As we said above there are dangers in both over and under inflation. It’s also recommended that you rotate the positions of your tyres regularly, every 5000 to 10,000 kilometres or even more frequently if your agricultural machinery is used regularly. Another tip to keep in mind is to regularly keep an eye on your tyres for signs of wear and tear. Before it becomes a problem you can then discuss replacements with a reputable firm.
