A heavier-duty version of BKT’s Agrimax Spargo row-crop tyre has been developed to cater for especially demanding crop spraying operations where added carcass and tread stability, and increased puncture resistance, are needed.

The Spargo SB is a steel-belted alternative to the regular synthetic material reinforcement, and both meet VF parameters in terms of the strength and flexibility of the sidewall structure.

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That means they can carry 40% more load than the equivalent standard tyre running at the same pressure and speed or operate at a 40% lower inflation pressure for a given load and speed.

The latter results in a longer and broader footprint that fully exploits the tallest versions – 46in, 50in and 54in – to the full to minimise the tractor or sprayer’s impact on the soil.

Steel belts

However, the new Spargo SB combines a strong polyester casing with steel reinforcing belts to help keep the tread structure as stable as possible under heavy loads when working across sloping ground and during high-speed road travel.

They also add resistance to punctures caused by sharp objects and are said to contribute to stress distribution within the tyre structure as it repeatedly deforms with each rotation.

The Spargo SB has some differences when it comes to the tread pattern; being formed with slimmer but taller lugs, it has a deeper, more open tread that should provide greater traction potential in the field, especially on loose or wet surfaces.

But this pattern still has favourable road-travel characteristics, says BKT, with a 65kph ‘D’ speed rating illustrating that using the steel-belted tyre does not compromise journeys from farm yard to field.

The new tyre is available in 11 sizes from VF 270/95 R32 to VF 380/90 R54, the latter being the widest of the tall sizes; the widest is a VF 420/85 R34.