Having changed its tyre strategy four years ago, Scottish potato farmer James D Reid & Partners from Montrose is now reaping the rewards and is set to achieve 5,000 hours from its original Michelin AgriBib Row Crop tyres.
On contract to frozen potato products producer McCain’s since 1987 and farming 750 acres from its site in Milton of Mathers, the farmer specified its first ever set of 320/90 R54 AgriBib Row Crop tyres as original equipment for its Fendt 720 tractor, rather than the more traditional wider alternatives.
Commenting, Jimmy Reid, a partner at James D Reid & Partners, says: “The 320s have proven perfect for our row crops, and we’ve since added an identical set for our sprayer too. It is much easier following where the planter’s been when the sprayer has the same tyres on it.
“With many other crops you’re trying to spread the load over a wide area, but we need to keep our footprint narrow and not damage or compact the side of the ridge, which makes these tyres perfect for the job.”
The company uses the row crop tyres and wheels for 60 per cent of the average 1,200 hours the Fendt spends in operation each year, and expects to get up to three years more life from the tyres before they are replaced.
According to Michelin, its AgriBib Row Crop tyres are designed with thick, rounded tread blocks and deep tread lugs, built to reduce soil compaction and improve traction, road handling and directional stability – essential for row crop work.
