Agrimax V-Flecto is the flagship tyre within the BKT agricultural range, and BKT is broadening its application with the addition of four further sizes. One dimension – VF 710/70 R 42 – is already available and will soon be joined by VF 750/70 R 44, VF 710/75 R 38 and VF 710/55 R 38 tyres. Their introduction will increase the range to 22 sizes in total.
A new tyre from BKT offers a solution to anyone needing to minimise soil compaction in confined areas. The BKT Agrimax Turf RT 333 is suitable for fitment on small tractors such as those used in gardening applications as well as in orchards and vineyards. The first available sizes in the range are the 280/70 R 16 and 280/70 R 18 front axle dimensions.
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.
Indian OTR tyre manufacturer BKT estimates its global market share at “around six per cent” in the off-highway tyre segment, but following its appearances at major European trade shows Intermat and Sima in 2015, it stated that an increase in market share is one of BKT´s goals in terms of strategic growth. The company aims at a turnover of 2 billion US dollars by 2020; a challenging target based on a positive trend of growth of 30 per cent over the last five years corresponding to six per cent market share in the specialist segments for agriculture, earthmoving, mining, and industrial vehicles and machinery as well as port, ATV and gardening applications. The last financial year ending on March 31, 2014 closed with BKT’s turnover at 780 million US dollars. The company employs more than 7,000 people and sells over 2,300 products in 130 countries worldwide.
Liverpool wholesaler Kirkby Tyres, a market leader in the UK agricultural tyre sector, has recently expanded, purchasing a further three acres adjacent to its site for the expansion of warehousing and logistics. The company now has nearly 10 acres at its HQ; the latest development represented significant growth. “Support from our key suppliers is enabling Kirkby to expand in the OE and aftermarket within the UK and Ireland,” MD Dave Dorrity told Tyres & Accessories. The wholesaler supplies Alliance, BKT and Malhotra brand tyres to the segment, as well as becoming the exclusive Trelleborg wholesaler for the UK last year. Ahead of LAMMA, Dorrity gave T&A a rundown of current activities with its major brands, as well as detailing a new deal with Linglong.
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