The calls are coming in as farmers take their planting equipment out of the shed and realize they need new tires. Luckily, Todd Cavil at Pomp’s Tire Service says availability is better than last year and the price hikes have stalled.
“Things have gotten much better,” he says of tire availability. “In the last two years, there has been significant price increases as well… the good thing is is that has stabilized now. The price increases seem to be over with.”
During the busy season, there’s also incentives from manufacturers, such as rebates, for growers to take advantage of.
Pomp’s Tire Service is a tire distributor, carrying most major brands. The footprint is growing with more than 200 locations. Cavil says that tire technology is improving to carry heavier loads with the same or lower air pressure. This is because today’s farm equipment is getting larger.
To keep those tires working like new — keep that valve stem clean and capped; frequently check the treads and sidewalls; and use an inflation calculator to make sure your tires can do the job you need them for, Cavil recommends. He says you can find an inflation calculator online, noting Firestone has a good calculator.
He says the top concerns during the planting season is either 1) the tire failed and the equipment is stuck in the field or on the road and 2) the wheel hopped, which he says is due to a weight issue.
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