The window to get your fields planted is short – which means you need to keep your equipment moving. Downtime not only costs you productivity, it costs you money. You could lose as much as $2,475 an hour* because of delayed planting.
Regular tire maintenance can keep your fleet in the field, where it belongs. And all it takes is these seven easy steps.
*The $2,475/hour figure is based on the following common industry assumptions: 16-row planter, planting at 30 inches, planting at 5 miles per hour, and field efficiency of 80%. The price of corn was averaged to be $4.80/bu., and the yield was taken from 2023 USDA reports of 177.3 bu/ac. Yield loss from delayed planting was taken from DuPont Pioneer’s Planting Outcome Effects on Corn Yield study.
1. Check tire pressure regularly
Use a calibrated gauge and set the inflation pressure using the inflation calculator as a guide.
2. Check the sidewall
Look for cracks, cuts and other damage.
3. Check the tread
Consider replacing if there’s less than 20 percent left.
4. Check the tread area
Look for stubble damage and exposed cords and replace tires with obvious damage.
5. Check the ground contact
Make sure there is no gap between the lugs and the ground surface.
6. Check the valve stems
Look for cracks, corrosion, and debris, and make sure valve caps are clean and intact.
7. Check the nuts and bolts
Make sure they are tightened properly.
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