Stubble Damage Causing Headaches for Industry, Producers
Farm tires are under attack, and it is of increasing concern to tire manufacturers as well as farmers as they try to develop solutions. The culprit it seems is crop stubble.
While producers have always seen the occasional tire deflate due to a corn stalk puncturing the inner linings of a tire, the past several years have seen a significant increase in the severity of tire damage due to stubble. The crop itself is the problem. New biotech hybrids and varieties that are bred to withstand environmental stresses like insects, disease and weather are producing extra strong stalks and stubble.
"Four or five years ago, a 40-mph wind storm would lay over a mature corn crop," says Skip Sagar, sales representative, Titan Tire. "Today, a 40-mph wind doesn't seem to have any effect on the plant. That's good for the producer, but the new hybrid stalks can also do more damage to a tire."
There's also been a significant change at harvest. Stubble that was once cut nearly a foot high is now cut much lower to the ground. Growers may harvest more crop but they're leaving shorter tire-damaging stubble in the field. "When the stubble was cut higher, a tire would be able to knock it down while it was rolling through the field," Sagar says. "The shorter more durable stubble picks at the tire over and over, causing premature failures."
Now tire manufacturers are seeking ways to decrease the damage. "The industry is looking at new tire compounds and constructions, which are in various stages of testing," Sagar says. "But it could still be some time before we can come up with an economical solution."
In the meantime, growers are looking at aftermarket items to help mitigate damage, including attachments to equipment that actually push down stubble ahead of the tire. "I've seen several companies marketing these products at various farm shows, and they appear to be working," Sagar says. "There is a significant level of frustration with growers who are looking for options that will reduce or eliminate downtime."
Replacing a tire is an expensive endeavor, and emergency replacement at an inopportune time increases that expense in the form of lost productivity. Sagar says the best offense is to ensure judicious inspection of tires at regular intervals. "Once stubble damage begins, it is not likely to get any better," he says. "Monitor tires closely and check air pressures."
And that means more than a simple cursory glance. Damage that may seem minor at first glance may be more serious and require immediate attention.
Sagar also says that farmers can benefit by fully understanding their tire warranties and any timelines. "A lot of warranties are time-sensitive," he notes. "So if you notice damage in the fall, work with your local independent tire dealer right away instead of waiting until spring. By then, the warrantee may have expired."
There are no easy answers, but farmers can help themselves by staying on top of any problems.
To see a video of Sagar discussing stubble damage, visit Farm Industry News at http://farmindustrynews.com/farm-tires/farm-tire-trends-and-maintenance-tips
