BKT for Escorts’ automated tractor

During its Escorts Exclusive 2018 dealers and partners event in September, Indian agricultural machinery manufacturer Escorts Limited presented its first driverless tractor. The Automated Concept Tractor was produced in collaboration with seven technology firms – Microsoft, Reliance Jio, Trimble, Samvardhana Motherson Group, Wabco, Bosch and AVL – and utilises sensor-provided data and applications. Tyres were provided by BKT.

BKT’s involvement in the project stretches back to the very start, and the off-highway tyre specialist provided its Agrimax V-Flecto. It selected the BKT Agrimax V-Flecto due to its ability to minimise soil compaction, its suitability to both field-and-road usage and its ability to drive from field to road and vice versa within needing a change in inflation pressure. In addition, it allows for up to 40 per cent higher load capacity at the same inflation pressure compared to a same-size standard tyre.

Other members of the Agrimax range include Agrimax Force and Agrimax Sirio: the first was specifically developed for high-powered tractors suitable for use both in the fields and on the road; the second is a high-speed tyre designed for high-performance tractors. For harvesting operations, BKT offers Agrimax Teris, which can amply accommodate the increased weight of modern combine harvesters and their loads. Row crop models include the Agrimax Spargo, Agrimax RT 855, Agrimax RT 945 and Agrimax RT 955.