Even better agricultural tyre maintenance

Even Better Agricultural Tyre Maintenance

With our agricultural machinery hard at work here in the Northern hemisphere, we asked our in-house tyre experts to revisit their top tips for agricultural tyre maintenance.

Our AG heat pads for crown repairs in agricultural tyres have proved a game changer for operators in this sector.

These new lug filler heat pads compliment the original Monaflex AGRI system and together with the tips below will equip you to tackle the demands of the season ahead.

Agricultural tyre maintenance in focus

Gentle buffing is needed when repairing sidewall injuries

A thin sidewall requires particular finesse… especially when prepping the liner. Too heavy a buff can remove more than just the butyl liner.

Treat damage where the lug meets the tyre early

Regularly check agricultural tyres for signs of damage where the lug meets the tread. This can occur via very high torque loading of the lugs on hard surfaces, lower than needed tyre pressures and/ or overloading.

Spotted early, these types of injuries can be buffed back and repaired easily. Early treatment prevents more serous repairs further down the line.

AG heat pads for crown injuries fit neatly in between the tread void for quicker, more effective repairs in this area.

Ensure your external heat pad makes adequate contact

When curing repairs on the crown, especially those with high tread values, you must always ensure there is adequate contact between the external heat pad and the injury site. Use the AG crown heat pad alongside your standard tyre repair set up for a snug fit.

Provide additional support for the repair unit

As with all tyre repairs, but particularly for repairs to tyres with thinner sidewalls, it is good practice to surround the patch with strips of cushion gum prior to the cure.

Adjust your tyre pressure when terrain changes…

Many farmers lower their tyre pressure to improve traction and reduce soil compaction. Returning the pressure to a road suitable level when leaving the field is absolutely vital. Unsuitably low pressure will quickly generate heat and the added bulging will risk sidewall and shoulder splits.

…and adjust your pressure when load increases

Check your agricultural tyre manufacturer guidelines, they often offer a calculator to work out the optimum pressure for each axle. If the load on the rear increases, pressure needs adjusting. Again, this reduces tyre stress, uneven wear, damage and premature failure.

Get in touch with your questions or comments on agricultural tyre maintenance.