UK tyre safety charity, TyreSafe, has launched the ‘Have a Happy Harvest Campaign’ to emphasise the importance of tyre maintenance for farmers during Farm Safety Week.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the necessity of inspecting the condition of tyres on all farming vehicles, including heavy machinery, 4x4s, trailers and other means of transportation, to ensure a safe harvest and appropriate agricultural tyre husbandry year round.
The load on agricultural tyres can be immense, Tyre Safe said, for example, a fully loaded combine harvester can weigh upwards of 30t.
This significant weight places enormous stress on the tyres, making them susceptible to wear and tear, and increasing the likelihood of defects if not properly maintained.
“The consequences of a tyre failure in such heavy machinery can be catastrophic, leading to costly downtime, expensive repairs, and potential injury,” TyreSafe said.
“Which means that unnecessary and unforeseen downtime during harvest could cost a farmer crucial lost revenue.
“Additionally, the cost of replacing a single agricultural tyre can easily climb into the thousands, not including the potential damage to the machine itself or the crop losses incurred due to delays.”
Tyre safety tips
TyreSafe said maintaining the right tyre pressure is essential for minimising soil compaction, ensuring good traction and reducing fuel consumption.
Adjust tyre pressures appropriately for field and road use to optimise performance, even though it “might seem like a hassle”, tyre safety charity said.
Properly inflated tyres can make a significant difference in farm operations.
When it comes to tyre type, farmers are urged to consider using Very Flexion (VF) tyres, which have softer sidewalls and can carry heavier loads at lower pressures.
This helps reduce soil compaction. Additionally, selecting the right tread pattern for specific tasks is important for maximising efficiency and reducing wear.
Overloading machinery can damage tyres, leading to punctures and downtime, so farmers should always check the weight limits for tyres and ensure they are not exceeding them.
Properly balancing the load on machinery will help extend tyre life and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Farmers are encouraged to regularly inspect their tyres for wear and tear, cuts and cracks.
Wheel rims should be checked as well, as they can crack when used on rough terrain. Routine maintenance and early detection of issues can prevent larger problems down the line.
When storing machinery, farmers should try to take the weight off the tyres to prevent cracking.
If this is not possible, inflate the tyres to a higher pressure to help maintain their shape and integrity during periods of inactivity.
Tyre safety
TyreSafe chair, Stuart Lovatt, said a major tyre defect on heavy machinery could spell disaster for both profit margins and safety.
“Proper tyre maintenance is essential to prevent mishaps that could disrupt the harvest and compromise the well-being of our farmers,” he said.
“By taking the time to check their tyres, farmers can protect their investments and ensure a successful and safe harvest season.”
“We understand the pressures farmers face during harvest, but neglecting tyre maintenance can lead to significant setbacks at this crucial time.”
Lovatt said TyreSafe’s goal is to support farmers by providing them with the knowledge and resources to keep their operations running smoothly and safely.
