Correct sprayer use depends on numerous factors. This piece of equipment has a much higher center of gravity than other agricultural equipment and in addition to working in the field, sprayers must also travel on road with very high loads. Often, these machines pass through narrow rows of vines, orchards, olive groves and fields with crops of various heights, located on very different types of soil, with different inclines. Think of a high-altitude apple orchard, where, in addition to working in tight areas, the operator will have to face climbs, descents and oscillations in uneven, slippery or arid soil.

In these environments, driving safety becomes a variable that impacts overall vehicle performance. The latter depends on many factors, but also on choosing the right tire, depending on the type of work, the period and the set-up of the machine.

Thanks to its experience in the field and constant dialogue with its users, BKT has tips for operator comfort while driving a sprayer as well as a range of tires suitable for the type of performance required and the working environment.

Correct tire pressure is important to minimize discomfort while driving. In the case of crops that require row crop tires, BKT advises operators use VF (Very High Flexion) tires. These have 40% higher load capacity at the same pressure as the standard size. This gives the sprayer adequate load capacity, minimizing vibrations during transport. It is important to set the tire pressure based on the total weight that the tires will have to bear.

Due to the reduced volume of these row crop tires, BKT recommends more frequent checks than for other agricultural tires, which are generally wider.

Bouncing refers to the hopping that occurs, especially during road transport. If it should occur, it is important to perform an accurate analysis in order to identify the causes of this effect which may vary.

First, it can be triggered when the critical frequency of the tire, due to the speed, interferes with the frequency of the vehicle on which it is mounted. To analyze this, a technician can intervene with instrumentation that can read the harmonics caused by the bending of the side of the tires. The latest-generation tractors, which exceed 30 km/h, use shock absorbers on the front axle that can absorb the critical frequencies of the tires, thus eliminating bouncing.

At low speeds, this bouncing effect can also be created by inprecise mounting of the tires on the rim, or by small shape imperfections in one or two elements that make up the wheel. When you add together these two imperfections, even if minimal, they generate a bigger problem that can give rise to bouncing. This phenomenon is resolved by matching the tire and the rim to compensate for the two imperfections. It is necessary for farmers to utilize their tire dealer who can eliminate the disturbance.

The sizes and types of tires mounted on sprayers are different, depending on the width and height that the vehicle must face on different types of crops. In general, in the case of spraying along narrow rows, it is necessary to have tires of adequate width. If spraying and weeding applications take place in a long, open field – for example, in corn crops considering that the distance between the rows is 75 cm- it is necessary to mount tires with a width that does not damage the rows. On other occasions, the most important parameter is the ability not to compact the soil, where it is then recommended to use larger volume tires that enable good load capacity and reduced tire pressure.

The range of BKT branded tires for sprayers is wide and offers high performance. In addition to the benefits for operator comfort, BKT’s products make it possible to guarantee high performance in terms of vehicle stability, reduced soil compaction and traction, with can lead to savings in time, fuel and money. The distinctive feature common to all BKT products is durability.

BKT’s flagship sprayer tire is the Agrimax Spargo, a row crop line equipped with VF technology that allows more load at the same pressure or less pressure with the same load. Available in seven sizes, it is a versatile product, perfect both in the field and on the road thanks to a higher number of lugs that improve the uniform motion.

The Agrimax RT 955 is a radial row crop tire available in 23 different sizes, ideal for applications on row crops and for spraying. It offers excellent load, traction and self-cleaning capabilities.

Similar features are also on the Agrimax RT 945, available in eight different sizes and equipped with a narrow tread to protect crops. Its self-cleaning qualities also make it ideal for road trips, BKT says.

Finally, the Agrimax RT 855, available in 47 sizes, can also be used for spraying and for combined road and field transport. It is a radial tire that combines high load capacity with low compaction.

This content is sponsored by BKT Tires.

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