Measuring 2.32 metres in diameter – that’s 7 feet and 7 inches for those of you reading this in imperial – the new 850/75R42 Firestone DT23 is the world’s largest agricultural tyre. The first delivery of this giant was recently made to a farm in Denmark.
Over the last decade or so Continental has focused heavily on its automotive businesses, and with an annual turnover of 32.76 billion euros it today ranks as the world’s third largest automotive supplier (behind Denso and Robert Bosch). But now the pendulum is swinging the other way. During a recent press conference, Nikolai Setzer outlined the company’s current strategy of investing into non-automotive areas in order to balance Continental’s footprint. The Tire division head also said investment is being undertaken to reduce vulnerability to automotive sector downturns.
“Agritechnica 2011 impressively demonstrated the global importance of agriculture and agricultural technology”, according to the organisers, which also added that: “With over 2,700 exhibitors, 420,000 visitors, including 100,000 from abroad, the show has reach a new dimension”. Held every two years at Hanover Trade Fair, the German Agricultural Society host the world’s largest exhibition for […]
Michelin has launched an optimum tyre pressure calculator for tractors, harvesters, sprayers and trailers, which is available at www.michelin-agricultural-tyres.co.uk. Michelin reports that it has developed the tool to help farm machinery operators get the maximum performance out of their tyres.
Trelleborg has announced plans to launch what it calls ProgressiveTraction technology with a feature at the forthcoming Agritechnica 2013 exhibition which is due to take place from 10 to 16 November in Hannover, Germany. The technology is designed to improve grip and weight distribution, while also improving wear and fuel consumption performance.
Trelleborg has been selected as the official partner for Massey Ferguson’s Super6 Demo Tour, a European wide road show across ten key markets presenting the Massey Ferguson tractor range. Trelleborg views the tour as an opportunity to strengthen further its strategic partnership with the leading tractor manufacturer, while taking the opportunity to showcase its latest product innovations. The tour’s latest stop is in Rome on 17 July with its interactive mobile stand, the ‘Blue Box’, displaying the latest Trelleborg innovations and digital services.
Within an industry that in past years has increasingly and openly distanced itself from manual handwork and developed into a commercial business with single-use consumer products, skills such as tyre repair have played an ever smaller role. Yet this trend, as many within the industry are discovering – particularly those who consider themselves specialist tyre dealers – is simply wrong. A company that has vigorously fought against this trend and attempted to (re)establish tyre repair as an accepted and, most importantly, high-end craft is Rema Tip Top. The globally active German workshop outfitter and parts supplier views itself as a world leader in the field of tyre repair and in its home market alone is supported by a network of more than 100 ‘MTR partners’. These are audited and certified dealers who place great value on performing professional tyre repairs according to set provisions, and by doing so pursue quite interesting business aims – just as Rema Tip Top does.
Trelleborg is supporting the Massey Ferguson Super6 Demo Tour, a European wide road show across 10 key markets presenting the Massey Ferguson tractor range. The event, which will see Trelleborg further strengthen its strategic partnership with the leading tractor manufacturer, will allow Trelleborg to showcase its latest product innovations.
Current estimates place the global container trade at around 600 million teu, or 20 foot container equivalents, per annum. And if the experts’ predictions pan out, this business will grow significantly in the coming years. Continental has thus identified harbour and port users as an interesting segment and has developed a completely new product range catering to their requirements. At this week’s TOC Container Supply Chain Europe exhibition in Rotterdam, the company launched its new harbour tyre portfolio, and explained the technology it hopes will optimise end-user total cost of ownership.
Trelleborg and AGCO Corporation have renewed their long-term agricultural tyre development cooperation agreement.
"Following the recognition of Trelleborg as the best EAME (Europe, Africa and Middle East) Supplier in September 2012, this new agreement with AGCO is an important confirmation of our solid business relationship. It provides a firm foundation for the accomplishment of our ambitious future mutual goals,” says Stefano Bettinelli, OE Director at Trelleborg’s Agricultural and Forestry Tyres division.
Earlier this year US firm Kiene Diesel Accessories – whose products are distributed in the UK by Liftmaster Garage Equipment – introduced a new adapter for its K-1350 Wheel Grabber. This “Extender” allows a technician to safely remove seized wheels from vehicles on a floor lift.
Titan International has announced “another record quarter” during the first three months of 2012, however the figures behind this impressive-sounding statement make for rather modest reading. While sales are up 24.9 per cent over the first quarter of 2012, the tyre maker only managed a small increase in gross profit, while adjusted net income declined significantly. Earnings per share were less than half what they were a year ago, although admittedly they show an improvement on Q4 2012. Titan says it remains focused on its goals, however, and sees many opportunities in the agricultural and mining sectors where it is most active.
In recent times, Starco has placed a significantly stronger focus on one specific business area. While the firm has been guided by the vision to become “the global market leader in special wheels” for a number of years now, its group strategy for the period from 2010 to 2014 singles out the agricultural sector for particular attention. This focus is influencing Starco’s numerous operations, including its development of new products and the company’s wholesale business. Indeed, the agricultural sector was a crucial factor in the company’s recent expansion into a new continent.
Financing is now available for UK purchasers of Michelin agricultural tyres through the company’s new ‘Flexelagri’ credit scheme. The tyre maker says qualifying UK farmers and contractors looking to purchase Michelin agricultural drive or trailer tyres, or the rims required for its Ultraflex technology, will be able to spread the cost over two years at a 0 per cent finance rate. No deposit is required, however a £100 administration fee applies.
When you think of Trelleborg you will probably think of industrial or agricultural tyres. You may think of rubber products in general. But would you associate the Swedish firm with the movies?
Trelleborg has launched a new 3D animated movie which is available on YouTube via its social media channel, TrelleborgAgri. The film, created using 3D animation techniques, tells the life story of a smart cartoon cricket that starts his own agricultural business and miniature farm. The story, which begins in 1955, follows the cricket ‘farmer’ through the ages, following his journey as he comes face-to-face with evolving tractor generations. From x-ply tires, through to upgraded tractors equipped with radial technology tires; the cricket must learn how to survive and work alongside these new technologies.
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