Proper tractor tyre maintenance not only helps extend the life of your tyres, but also can have significant impact in helping to improve overall efficiency in the field. Carlow-based Askea Tyre Centre are on hand to offer the best of advice.
Established in 1995, Askea Tyre Centre has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience and are recognised as a leading tyre specialist in County Carlow.
A family-run business, they carry a large range of agricultural, grass, industrial, 4×4 and car tyres, both new and second-hand and, stocking all the leading agricultural tyre brands, they mainly specialise in BKT Agrimax.
All tyres and wheels for all farm machinery are available at very competitive rates and, as they approach the twenty year milestone in business, Askea Tyre Centre has become synonymous with the highest standards in vehicle maintenance.
Their aim is to exceed their customers’ needs and expectations and ensure they are completely satisfied. Customers can be assured of honest value for money at their two depots in Carlow town and Tullow.
Thomas O’Neill set up the business and he has been joined in the day-to-day running by his sons Robert, who manages the Carlow outlet, and Dermot who looks after the Tullow end of things.
Opened Monday to Friday (8am-6pm) and Saturday (8am-5pm), they have nine employees on the payroll and their experienced staff are able to offer expert advice on all tyre queries.
“My father was involved in plant hire for years and diversified into tyres and repairs,” explained Robert. “We moved into our current premises on the O’Brien Road in Carlow in 1997 and later opened the Tullow outlet.”
As well as a large range of agricultural tyres, Askea Tyre Centre also supply row crop tyres and wheels, lawn and grass tyres, ATV tyres, vintage tyres and any type of rim made to order.
The lengthy list of contacts Thomas has built up over the years in his business dealings combined with an unwaivering commitment to providing a top class service has helped to lay solid foundations for the business’s continued growth.
The value of customer service was instilled in Robert and his brother Dermot by his mother Marie, who sadly passed away last year. Their number one priority is to provide customers with a warm welcome and friendly service and their staff are always helpful and approachable.
“We always get new faces coming in through the door but we have also built up a steady stream of loyal customers over the years. As I said my father was dealing in plant hire and drainage for years and a lot of people he came across down would pop in for a cup of tea and a chat with him when they need new tyres. They’re happy with the service we provide.”
On top of their friendly and helpful customer care, for added peace of mind, Askea Tyre Centre provide an emergency 24-hour breakdown service covering Leinster, 365 days of the year.
In addition, they offer wheel alignment and puncture repair as well as NCT pre-checks and car servicing. The fact that they boast one of the most advanced servicing facility in the area allows them to cater for all of your vehicle requirements.
They have eight ramps and four tyre bays making for a fast but efficient servicing environment and they only use parts and oils that meet or exceed manufacturer approved specifications. Robert & Co always guarantee 100% satisfaction coupled with quality workmanship and their success is based around these principles with a customer orientated approach.
The tractor end of things is moving okay, it has it’s time of year and we were very busy after the ploughing season,” Robert added.
“On the car side, it was very busy when the schools went back after the summer holidays. Once the winter comes in, business picks up because people, who have become very safety conscious, are more concerned about their tyres.”
A member of the Irish Tyre Traders Association and SIMI, Askea Tyre Centre hasn’t been immune from the negative impact of the economic downturn but Robert is optimistic about the company’s future prospects.
“The challenges we face are the usual things. Rates are tough and the USC is another charge you have to build up money for along with the increase in Employers PRSI. They are all little things that add up in the day-to-day running of a business.”
“Looking to the future, we’d be hoping to maintain our high levels of service, increase our existing customer base and attract new customers. Advertising campaigns focussing on road safety, on tyres, have helped in that regard because the public are certainly more safety conscious these days.”
Askea Tyre Centre
O’Brien Road,
Carlow
Telephone: 059-9133833
Fax: 059-9137334
Tullow: 059-9180536
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.askeatyres.com
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 3 No 2, March 2015
