Agrigear heads for FTMTA 2017 with the range of BKT tyres

Agrigear, founded by Fred Clarke, is a tyre and wheel specialist company located in Bailieborough, Co Cavan. Over 30 years in business, it employs over 60 people. Agrigear took on the BKT brand in 2001 and was appointed its sole Irish distributor a short time later.

Over the past 15 years, the two companies have built up a very strong relationship and BKT visits Ireland on a regular basis. This year, managing director Arvind Poddar visited Agrigear to discuss developments in the Irish market and business strategy for the future. Development of new products for the Irish market is key to the future growth and development of the BKT brand in Ireland and hence extremely important for Agrigear. The range of products now carried by Agrigear covers agricultural, industrial, construction, mining and quarrying, forestry and lawn and garden sectors.

Agrigear distributes BKT products throughout Ireland, north and south, through a network of approved agents. Deliveries are handled by Agrigear’s own fleet of vehicles or by courier service.

The success of the BKT product in Ireland is based on high quality at a competitive price, coupled with Agrigear’s after-sales service (which is backed up by the service team and technical department in BKT), which has ensured customers in Ireland get an excellent product.

New trailer tyre options

Among the revised standards, there are new requirements for agricultural trailers to be fitted with flotation tyres to carry 10t per axle in the case of a tandem axle trailer, or 9t per axle in the case of a tri-axle trailer – all fitted with a flexible suspension. According to BKT, it is ready to help farmers to meet the new standards by offering an extensive and complete range of flotation tyres for agricultural trailers and equipment. BKT believes these tyres are designed for combined use on the road and in the fields, featuring extraordinary flotation properties resulting in a minor impact on the land. The strong casing provides excellent traction and perfect grip, even while cornering or manoeuvring. The particular tread design ensures outstanding grip on any kind of terrain, in addition to enhanced self-cleaning properties.

The BKT flotation lineup includes eight different tyre choices: the FL 630 SUPER, FL 630, FL 630 PLUS, FL 639, RIDEMAX FL 690, and RIDEMAX FL 693 M, as well as the latest product novelties FL 630 ULTRA and FL 635. BKT says the FL 630, FL 630 PLUS and FL 639 have been engineered mainly for field applications (70% field and 30% road). The FL 630 ULTRA, for instance, comes up with a modified pattern with more lugs, whereas the FL 635 tread has been specifically designed for grassland equipment.

Unique tread design

The manufacturer goes on to say that the FL 630 SUPER tyre features a unique tread design for multipurpose use on any kind of land or road. It is designed for trailers and sprayers, since the large contact area on the ground allows for perfect weight distribution on the land, reducing soil compaction and increasing load capacity.

The RIDEMAX FL 693 M tyre is rated at class D, which gives it a higher speed rating, and is more suited to trailers used on the road.

BKT states it offers serious tyre options for tillage farmers this season with reduced soil compaction, driving comfort and fast transport both in the fields and on the road.

The Agrimax Force, the high-end product of BKT, comes to the farmers’ rescue, according to BKT. The tyre range itself is based on IF technology, which has been further developed by BKT. Agrimax Force works at lower inflation pressures, reducing soil compaction. New compound technology makes this a good option for tillage tractors. The Agrimax RT 855 features high load capacity and outstanding flotation on the soil, according to BKT.

Next to Agrimax RT 855 there is the 70 series, made of a new-generation compound to operate under the harshest conditions. BKT believes the Agrimax RT 765 is ideal for tractors engaged in heavy-duty operations, thanks to the tyres’ resistance against cuts and wear.

Another product for the specific purpose of soil tillage is the Agrimax RT 657. Comfort, exceptional grip and resistance are the main strengths of this versatile and reliable tyre, says BKT. Suited for working in the field as well as for road transport, this tyre is made of a special compound, so that the tractor can travel long distances with significant savings in terms of operating costs. Agrimax RT 657 is available in 22 different sizes to best equip a vast range of farm equipment.

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Special focus: FTMTA Farm Machinery Show

BKT history

Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) is a family owned business, founded by Mahabirprasad Poddar in 1954. Back then, bicycle tyres were the group’s primary focus. Mahabirprasad was succeeded by his son, Arvind Poddar, who is the current chair and joint managing director of the group, along with his son, Rajiv Poddar.

In 1987, the group opened its first manufacturing tyre plant in western India. Today, the company exports to over 130 countries and the corporate offices and administration base is located in Mumbai. More than 7,000 people are employed at BKT, with an average age of 37. The group has its newest and biggest factory in Bhuj, with existing plants at Aurangabad, Bhiwadi, Chopanki and Dombivali in India. In 2004, BKT made its first agri radial tyre and now supplies 230 tyre sizes.