Treading New Ground

Each Equipment Spotlight offers highlights on a specific type of equipment for the agriculture industry. These manufacturers have provided details on the model of their choosing. 

AGRIMAX PROHARVEST

BKT’s AGRIMAX PROHARVEST tire is developed specifically for combine harvesters and harvesting equipment operating under demanding conditions. The tire incorporates Very High Flexion (VF) technology, allowing it to carry up to 40% more load than a standard tire at the same inflation pressure. By distributing weight over a larger footprint, it reduces ground pressure and minimizes soil compaction during harvest operations.

To withstand the heavy and variable loads experienced during harvesting, the AGRIMAX PROHARVEST features a reinforced bead and strong polyester carcass combined with three layers of steel belts. This construction is designed to provide higher stability, resistance to deformation, and protection against mechanical stress, helping extend the tire’s service life even in the case of high and cyclic loads.

The tire also includes a cut-and-chip-resistant compound to help protect against stubble, crop residue, and other field debris. The open shoulder tread design promotes traction in a variety of field conditions while assisting with self-cleaning by releasing mud and debris. Cyclic Field Operations (CFO) technology also enables the tire to tolerate temporary overloads beyond its capacity, as occurs when a combine harvester’s tank reaches maximum fill, before returning to standard operating conditions once the load is reduced.

Harvest season creates unique demands on both equipment and soil. As combines move through the field, grain tank loads continuously increase and decrease, creating significant stress on tires and increasing the risk of soil compaction. AGRIMAX PROHARVEST features an innovative design that contributes to reducing pressure exerted on the soil while supporting productivity, efficiency, and more sustainable farming practices.

 

Mach 2 Center Pivot Tire

For generations, pneumatic rubber tires have been the standard in agricultural operations. However, the unique demands of modern farming — including more condensed schedules for application and the high cost of unexpected downtime — are driving a shift toward advanced material alternatives. In irrigation management, a center pivot shutdown during peak watering is rarely due to a major mechanical failure; more often, it is a flat rubber tire or a tower bogged down in a deep mud rut.

The Mach 2 center pivot tire, manufactured in Wisconsin, represents a structural departure from traditional design to address these specific vulnerabilities. Roto-molded from a heavy-duty, 100% recyclable polyethylene, its solid construction completely eliminates inflation-related failures and ensures continuous machine uptime.

To withstand harsh field environments, the plastic compound features a UV-20+ protective rating. This ensures the tire will not dry-rot, crack, or weaken under constant sunlight, while also resisting the corrosive agricultural chemicals and liquid fertilizers encountered during the season.

From a practical standpoint, the system avoids a one-size-fits-all solution. The line includes three tread options designed to optimize traction and minimize soil compaction across varying terrain: an aggressive configuration for steep clay slopes, a standard profile to replace traditional rubber, and a wider, high-flotation tread engineered for loose or sandy conditions.

Built to bolt directly onto existing standard rims, these units allow producers to shift their focus from constant tire maintenance to predictable field performance.

 

CEAT SPRAYMAX PRO

As today’s farms continue to grow and equipment becomes heavier, protecting soil health has never been more important. Soil compaction can restrict root development, reduce water infiltration, limit nutrient uptake, and ultimately impact crop yields for years to come. That’s why choosing the right sprayer tire is no longer just about carrying the load — it's about preserving the productivity of every acre.

The CEAT SPRAYMAX PRO is engineered specifically for modern self-propelled sprayers and features advanced VF (Very High Flexion) technology, allowing the tire to carry up to 40% more load at the same inflation pressure or the same load at significantly lower pressure than a conventional radial tire. The result is a larger footprint that spreads machine weight more evenly across the soil, reducing ground pressure and minimizing soil compaction.

Beyond its VF technology, the SPRAYMAX PRO is suited to the demands of long spraying days. Advanced lug geometry provides traction in the field while improving roadability between fields. Rounded shoulders help reduce crop and soil disturbance, and the stepped lug design enhances grip in varying field conditions. A higher non-skid depth (NSD) contributes to extended tread life, while the tough radial construction supports the heavy loads demanded by today's high-capacity sprayers.

The SPRAYMAX PRO can help farmers cover more acres while protecting one of their most valuable assets — the soil that drives long-term profitability.