QUINCY, Ill. (March 2, 2010) — Titan Tire Corp. has introduced the Goodyear Special Sure Grip TD-8 Radial R-2 480/80R50 farm tires for the rice and cane markets.
“Titan has made a commitment to this market and the unique crop production challenges experienced by rice and cane farmers,” said Jeff Vasichek, vice president of sales and marketing for Titan. “Until now, farmers used R-1W or R-2 46-inch tires, which limited their ability to plant 30-inch rows and didn't give them the clearance needed in wet fields with tall crops.”
Titan said it engineered the Special Sure Grip R-2 tires while working with rice and cane farmers and Bobby Henard Tire, one of its dealers in Brinkley, Ark.
The Special Sure Grip tires allow rice and cane farmers to plant in 30-inch rows, helping to maximize crop yields. In addition, the tires provide additional crop clearance and improved flotation in wet fields, and the extra lug bracing provides strength for the horsepower needed in rice and cane conditions.
“Titan took the lead in working with rice and cane farmers to develop a solution that would address their unique crop production challenges,” said Bruce Proctor of Bobby Henard Tire. “The Goodyear Special Sure Grip addresses the major limitations of using standard R-2 tires in rice and cane crop production. These tires really open up a number of opportunities.
“Research shows planting in 30-inch rows can help increase yield, but farmers did not have a tire until now that would effectively allow them to take advantage of 30-inch planting and still have a tire capable of harvesting in extremely wet conditions while providing greater clearance and added traction.”