“Tyres form part of the total mechanisation solution,” says Willie Stander, the new manager of Bridgestone SA’s agricultural section. “The role of tyres in agricultural mechanisation is becoming more important by the day. That is why we can say that farmers have much to look forward to.”

“The correct tyre for your soil conditions can make a marked difference in the profitability of farming and can even improve yield results. With the correct load on a tyre the farmer makes better use of the power of his tractor, saves diesel and limits soil compaction.”

Stephan van Staden, product specialist of the agricultural section of Bridgestone SA, says the correct tyre at the correct pressure makes a definite difference to what the farmer puts in his purse because it improves the efficiency of the tractor. Firestone is the leader in this regard with a complete tractor tyre range covering everything from cross-ply to all radial ply types. “We also stock a wide range of tyres for agricultural use – from trailer tyres to the correct tyres for harvester combines and high-rise self-propelled spraying machines.”

“The present situation with the COVID-19 lockdown limitations has not prevented us from still rendering the best service to farmers. Since farming has been classified as an essential service, Bridgestone SA can, in cooperation with our dealer network, still provide our known excellent service and high quality products to South Africa’s farming community,” says Stephan.

Both Willie and Stephan literally gush when they start talking about a new range of tyres which will come on the South African market later this year – the Firestone RowCrop tyre. This tyre is especially suited for high-rise sprayers. Tyre widths vary to suit the row widths of the farmer. The tyres will be available in IF as well as VF variations.

“IF means that these tyres can carry the same load efficiently at 25% lower pressure; in other words, it can deal with a 25% heavier load at the standard tyre pressure,” explains Stephan. “The VF tyres work on the same principle but allow a variation of 40% in freight. This means that the variation in load when the spray tank is either full or empty, will not affect the efficiency of the sprayer. Furthermore the lower tyre pressure assists in combatting soil compaction.”

Firestone is dedicated to become even more involved with the agricultural industry in South Africa. “It concerns much more than merely selling tyres to farmers,” says Willie. “That is why Firestone and agents of its dealers’ network do not hesitate making random visits to farms to establish exactly which tyres will comply with the requirements of the farmer.”

“There are varying characteristics of a farming business which may influence the choice of tyres. Among others the soil type and farming methods play a major role in the tyre choice of the farmer. Stephan and I realise this all too well; consequently both of us believe that we have to find the correct tyre solution that will fit the needs of every individual farmer and his farm.”

“For example – there are three different types of Firestone tyres that can be used on agricultural equipment depending on the soil type,” says Stephan: “R1, R1W and R2 tyres. The difference between the tyres lie in the depth of the lugs on the tread. The R1 and R1W types will be more suitable for lighter, sandy soil types, while the R2 tyres are ideally suited for heavier clay soil types.”

To find an efficient agricultural tyre solution that will comply with the unique conditions of your farm, visit the web page https://www.firestone.co.za/products/agricultural-tyres. You can also contact Stephan van Staden by email svstaden@bridgestone.co.za for more information.