Inspect tyres for a problem-free harvest, says CGS

‘Tis almost harvest time, and CGS Tyres UK has a few words of wisdom for the nation’s farmers. The distributor of the Continental and Mitas ranges points out that spending just a few minutes carefully checking the tyres on agricultural equipment before harvest could save farmers significant time, stress and expense at this critical time of the year.

“Most tyre-related problems during harvest can be easily avoided,” emphasised Ron Wood, the company’s automotive engineering manager. “This type of equipment is used very intensively for just a few weeks of the year, after which it is stored away and largely forgotten until the following season. Taking a few quick, simple steps before the peak annual workload begins will pay significant dividends in terms of keeping machinery operating smoothly, efficiently, reliably, safely and at peak productivity.

“Tyres on combine harvesters and other machinery which is used at this time of year can have a very long service life, perhaps ten years or more,” Wood added. “However, the relatively short period of annual usage means that potential problems often remain unnoticed until the equipment is required, while the fact that it is used very intensively and under extreme pressure at this time quickly exposes any deficiencies. The time-critical nature of these operations mean that downtime has to be avoided, so farmers should check tyres carefully for signs of excess wear, damage and correct operation before harvest begins.

“Cracks on older tyres can become relatively deep and lead to gradual pressure loss or sudden failure of the casing, particularly if it occurs in a vulnerable area such as the sidewall. If damage is evident the tyre should be replaced while it is convenient to do so, rather run the risk of unscheduled failure when harvest is in full swing. If tyres need to be replaced, this should be done as soon as possible, because the period just prior to harvest is one of peak demand for agricultural tyres, when stocks become depleted and delivery times tend to increase.

Wood also points out that having a damage-free tyre goes only half way to ensuring a harvest without tyre issues:  “In addition to checking for signs of mechanical damage it is also vital to ensure that the tyres which are fitted are suitable for the application, the load which will be carried and the operating speed.  They must also be inflated to the correct pressure, as operating tyres at excessive pressure will cause rapid, uneven wear, while under-inflation will cause excessive deflection of the casing, resulting in poor handling and heat build-up, leading to premature failure.”