2013 - Volume #37, Issue #5, Page #37
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They Make Custom Rims For Any Size Tire
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Purchased in 2012 by Ron and Jennifer Barlow of Francesville, Ind., the business was founded in 1969 to meet the demand for wide rims for floatation tires. That continues to be a big part of the business, Barlow says. He works with rubber tire companies that need custom rims as well as individuals who want tractor tires widened or narrowed.
Creating quality products requires skill and attention to detail.
“When we expand wheels we use the submerged arc process to get 100 percent penetration on the welding so there are no air leaks,” Barlow explains, noting that most tires they make rims for are tubeless. “The most challenging part is to get the wheel to spin true. We spin them here to make sure they spin true up to 35 mph.”
FTC Enterprises carries steel in various thicknesses to meet rim specs and has bolt-hole patterns for every need. They also offer custom rim painting.
Typical ag-related orders include rims for Swamp Buggies and Terra-Gators for fertilizer applicators. But Barlow notes his biggest area of sales is for the petroleum industry, including rims for sonic vibrator equipment. The rims are 25 in. wide by 36 in. tall, and fitted with 6-ft. tall tires.
Besides fabricating wheel assemblies, the company makes and sells sub-assemblies including lock rings, flanges, side rings, bead bands, center flat disks, dual plates and valve protectors.
FTC Enterprises is ready to custom make or fabricate original spec rims for any off-road use, Barlow says. Call for an estimate.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ron Barlow, 4455 S., U.S. Hwy. 421, Francesville, Ind. 47946 (ph 219 567-2441; jen@ftcenterprisesinc.com; www.ftcenterprisesinc.com).
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