Tall Tractor Tires For Narrow Rows

Tall tractor tires for narrow rows TIRES/WHEELS Miscellaneous 10-5-3 If you're thinking about switching to 22-in. or narrower rows, you'll want to take a look at "Tall Tires" that sugarbeet growers are using on their high horsepower tractors. The 74-in. tall, 14-in. tread width wheels and tires were developed by Mike Keltgen, Olivia, Minn. Sugar-beet growers in his area were switching to 22-in. rows for corn and soybeans so they could use the same equipment on all three crops. The problem was that big tractors (150-200 hp) equipped with small tires to fit the narrow rows rode lower and farmers had problems with 3-pt. equipment height and reduced traction. Keltgen's Tall Tires are duals with special-built rims and modified radial tires that make the tractor ride about 5-in. higher which is enough to make a big difference when using 3-pt. equipment, says Keltgen. An added Tall Tires advantage, says Keltgen, is that the opening between the duals ù where the crop row goes through ù is tapered up in an inverted æV' shape. This protects the crop from the tires and helps clear out mud. Keltgen uses altered heavy-gauge 20.8 by 42 rims and puts on a 18.4 by 42-in. tires that have the shoulder and tread trimmed to fit. Keltgen notes that he now has TallTires in a 13.6 by 46 size for 90-200 hp. tractors. "The wheels have the same axle height as the 18.4 by 42's but don't have the same carrying capacity. However they work well in many applications such as cultivating," says Keltgen. Tall Tires also work well with 22-in. ridge-till operation and are being tested on combines. Cost for four modified 18.4 by 42 in. tires and wheels, which fit most large-sized tractors, is $4,500. Other sizes are available. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Keltgens, Inc., 204 N. Ninth St., Olivia, Minn. 56277 (ph 612 365-3611).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.