John Deere dealers source the ideal tyres for their customers’ requirements
“Tyres need to carry loads - the temptation to use wider and wider tyres should be avoided as that just flattens a larger area of grass”
Mike Taylor, Ben Burgess Ltd
there is the potential to fit higher capacity loaders, or tow bigger chippers etc., so our wide Twin Implement range, originally developed for agricultural machinery is more appropriate because of its greater load capability, higher speed rating and more suitable, harder rubber compound for roadwork.” Totrax supplies specialist tyres and wheels to a number of industries, and product manager, Dave Raynes, explains that groundcare tyres are specified on a decidedly bespoke basis. “We take the gear ratio of the vehicle in question, the desired width and footprint and then match the data with a tyre from one of a number of manufacturers. This may be the American brand, Carlisle, or a Far East make. The ideal combination for the larger machines, that we are increasingly seeing in the industry, has a large surface contact area and rounded shoulders to avoid scuffing. However, the footprint of the tyre can be restricted by the application - in a football stadium for example, access to the pitch may be via a narrow entrance, which can limit the width of tyres used.” Nordic Tyres is the UK importer for
the Finnish Nokian brand, which features radial tyres designed to offer the flat footprint required for turf. “Tyres for higher horsepower tractors tend to be developed for agriculture rather than groundcare, so it is a matter of taking their best qualities and matching them to the required application,” explains the company’s Alan Lindsay. “Many flotation tyres are of cross ply construction with the tread and sidewall the same thickness. This gives a ‘dome shaped’ footprint which can cause rutting and compaction. We use radial tyres which have a radial band around the tread and a separate carcass, allowing
it to be as thin as necessary and produce the desired flat footprint.” Nokian’s ELS range is described as a true flotation tyre, with a shallow tread and wide cross section to spread the weight of the tractor. “These are specialist tyres for contractors, groundsmen and turf growers who need to use large tractors on turf for maximum productivity - they are used at Arsenal FC’s training ground for example,” explains Alan. However, local authorities may find that they need a harder wearing tyre for travel between work sites, and may also find it difficult to justify the extra cost of special rims required for the ELS. “The TRI 2 tyre gives a half way house,” suggests Alan. “It is kind to turf, but more natural rubber compound in the construction means that it has a longer life even than an agricultural tyre. Its radial construction also makes for a comfortable drive at road speeds.” A further benefit for those looking to get year round use from their tractors comes from the tyre’s Nordic origin. “These tyres were developed to run in
severe conditions, and local authorities have reported to us that they coped superbly last winter when used for snow clearing and gritting,” Alan reveals. Cost conscious purchasers may also note that the TRI 2 is also considerably cheaper than the ELS equivalent, as Alan explains. “A set of ELS tyres can come to £5,500 but, if the tractor is used for more general duties, TRI 2 versions can be supplied for £3,000. However, contractors tell us that specifying the right tyres can be the key to winning the tender, so money is not always the issue.” Also of radial construction, Michelin’s
CargoXbibs are extensively used for cutting in parks and recreation grounds,
golf courses and by turf growers, who use them for drilling, treatments and cutting the new turf. Spokesman Paul Cordle points out:
“We don’t specifically make tyres for grasscare.In my experience, most of the proprietary products are of cross ply construction, which suffer from punctures and heat build up at current road speeds. The CargoXbib can put down a flat footprint, which significantly reduces damage to the turf.” Other features of this tyre include a
large block tread pattern and rounded shoulders to avoid scuffing on turns. It can be run at low ground pressures and, due to its agricultural heritage, the range of sizes and carrying capacities are more than adequate for groundcare needs.
The specialist dealer’s view
Choosing turf tyres for a specific task can be a complex decision, according to Andy Hipkin of leading supplier Fieldens. “Whilst small tyres for compact tractors
are relatively straightforward, as horsepower increases, many factors have to be taken into consideration. These include the amount of roadwork to be carried out, the nature of the turf itself and the load the tyre has to carry. Some purchasers need tyres to fulfil more than one role, such as golf course contractors who use the same tractor for construction and for the ongoing maintenance. Every application and every tractor is different and, therefore, it is best to contact a tyre specialist.”
Some machinery manufacturers, including John Deere and New Holland, offer a choice of tyres at the time of purchase, but many prefer to leave it to the customer’s local dealer.
And, whilst some of the agricultural tyre manufacturers have turf models in
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