MITAS highlights new row-crop tyres at Cereals 2012

Mitas Tyres Limited, the UK’s leading off-road tyre manufacturer, chose Cereals 2012 to highlight its extensive range of high-specification row-crop tyres, which is the largest in the UK. In conjunction with with Case IH, Mitas showed a selection of its latest row-crop tyres, as well as emphasising the importance of correct row-crop tyre selection.

Featuring 17 row-crop tyres from 270/80R32 (AC90) up to the latest 320/90/R54 (AC85), the Mitas range of row-crop tyres includes the high load capacity 320/85R32 (142A8) AC85, which the company developed specifically for use on self-propelled sprayers. This extensive choice of allows farmers to select the right size for all row-crop applications.

The new Mitas 320/90R32 and 340/85R48 AC85 row-crop tyres were demonstrated on a Case IH Puma 160CVX, as the row-crop substitute for the standard 540/65R28 front and 600/65R38 rear tyres. Developing up to 203hp, the Puma 160CVX is a popular choice for row-crop applications because of its high power-to-weight ratio and advanced CVX continuously-variable transmission, which optimises power delivery. Introduced by Case IH in 2011, this model is part of the eight-strong Puma CVX line-up, which ranges from the 131hp/171 hp 130 CVX to the 228hp/269hp 230 CVX.

Speaking at Cereals 2012 Ron Wood, Automotive Engineering Manager for Mitas Tyres Limited stated:

“The increasing size, weight and speed of tractors, self-propelled equipment and trailed machinery, makes it critical for farmers to select the correct row-crop tyres. The extensive Mitas range enables them to do so.”

Fitting incorrect row crop front/rear combinations could, says Mr Wood, have severe consequences, not only in terms of equipment failure but more importantly breaches of legal obligations, making it vital to get good advice from the tyre manufacturer or specialist tyre and wheel supplier. Row-crops should not be used for haulage work, as they are not designed for that, but if this cannot be avoided then farmers should choose a combination of the widest-possible tyre and strongest wheel.

Mr Wood’s advice to farmers who are switching to row-crops is:

• Ensure that front and rear tyre rolling circumferences are compatible with the tractor’s inter-axle ratio. This prevents transmission damage caused by ‘wind-up’. Always check with a dealer to ensure the ratios are correct before specifying the same tyre combinations on similar tractors, as it can vary.

• Establish a suitable tyre combination then weigh the tractor, taking measurements of the overall weight of the combination and individual axle loads.

• Get the pressure right. Identify the tractor’s maximum speed, then cross-reference this with the maximum load that each wheel and tyre will have to support. A row-crop tyre can carry the same weight as a conventional one, but is notably narrower, so a significantly higher inflation pressure is required.

• Buy from a reputable manufacturer with a wide range of tyres that includes exactly the right one for your intended application.

• Use cheaper, more durable fixed-centre rims rather than adjustable ones, unless it is necessary to adjust track width. 

Mitas Tyres Limited, Unit 6, Bergen Way, North Lynn Industrial Estate, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2JG. T: 01553 817740 W: www.mitas-tyres.com

NOTES FOR EDITORS

For further information please contact:

Charles Macdowell or Julian Cooksley, Kendalls Communications:

Tel: 01394 610022 or Email: Charles.macdowell@kendallscom.co.uk

or

Jon Ward, Managing Director, Mitas Tyres Limited:

Tel 01553 817740 or Email: jon.ward@mitas-tyres.com

Hi-resolution digital images are available to illustrate this press release.

Please email Kerry-Anne.Rookyard@kendallscom.co.uk

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