Ag tire technology has seen a lot of advances in the last decade or so. New tire designs like the IF (increased flexion) and VF (very high flexion) types have pushed tire performance to new highs. Now, new materials are also making tires more durable.
In September, BKT announced it is now able to offer several ag tires that use aramid belts, rather than steel belts, for strength. What is aramid? BKT says it is a lightweight, high-density fibre that is lighter and stronger than steel. In fact, an aramid belt that weighs the same as a steel belt will be five times stronger.
The aramid belt design guarantees greater puncture resistance, says the brand. “Aramid is made up of a high-density fibre used to reinforce mechanical structures in the aeronautical field, for instance, or for the production of fireproof clothing. Aramid belts extraordinarily combine high tensile strength with lightness.”
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BKT says it has also taken that durability one step further by offering HD (heavy duty) versions of some ag tires that use aramid belts. They are made from a stronger rubber compound to make the tires more resistant to cuts. These tires also offer improved resistance to lateral shocks.
For front axle tires on a two-wheel drive tractor, the brand offers its aramid technology in the Multi-Rib tire line. It also uses it in the AS 504 tires designed for telehandlers and in the TR 137 line for combines, where puncture resistance is particularly important when harvesting some hybrid corn crops with very rigid stalks.
