Firestone Launches Maxi-Traction Agri-Tyre Range

Firestone has launched a new range of tractor tyres designed for high horsepower tractors above 175 hp. The main advantage of the Maxi-Traction range is that they have been specifically designed to run at a higher inflation pressure than many other brands. The tyres can be inflated to 2.4 bar, thanks to the design and manufacture of the casing. This enables a higher load to be carried. For example, the 710/70 R38 SS can carry a load of 6150kg at speeds up to 50 km/h.

Commenting on the new range, Firestone’s marketing manager, Barry Coleman said: “This is our biggest launch since the R9000 Evolution in 2002. In fact, many of the lessons learnt from our flagship high-speed tyre – particularly the pattern and construction – have been incorporated into the Maxi -Traction range. Recent independent research reveals that farmers’ primary concern when buying tyres is value for money. In response, we are offering state of the art products at prices that compare very well to other market leading brands – across all sizes. Farmers are having to spend an increasing amount of time on the road, pulling larger equipment as average field size increases, but so does the distance between them. These tyres are the perfect accompaniment to higher horse power tractors.”

In terms of the design, Maxi-Traction tyres have a 10 per cent greater bar height than Firestone’s existing Radial All Traction Deep Tread (RATDT) and the major competitors; this is said to result in a longer tyre life. They also have 5 per cent greater tread width, for more traction and less compaction. A large, flat contact area and the addition of round shoulders have also been included in order to reduce soil compaction, vibration and bounce on the road. It also means that farmers are able to tow heavier equipment on the roads.

Another reason why these improvements have been possible is due to the ‘dual angle’ technology. On the leading edge of each lug, there is a dual-angle, which gives a greater surface area on the pushing edge, which means greater traction and a smaller area of soil that is disturbed. The tyres were developed with the assistance of computer models to predict the effects in ideal situations. The tyres were then tested in real applications.

The six sizes in the range will be rolled out from March. Five of them will be classified as suitable for ‘Severe Service’ applications (higher load at high speed with higher pressure).