TyreSafe, a UK tyre safety charity, has introduced the 'Have a Happy Harvest Campaign' to highlight the importance of tyre upkeep for farmers during Farm Safety Week.

The initiative seeks to increase awareness about the need for inspecting tyres on all farming vehicles, including heavy machinery, 4x4s, and trailers, among others.

According to TyreSafe, the load on agricultural tyres can be vast, with a fully loaded combine harvester potentially weighing over 30t.

This considerable weight applies significant stress on the tyres, making them prone to wear and tear, consequently increasing the risk of defects if not correctly maintained.

TyreSafe emphasised: “The consequences of a tyre failure in such heavy machinery can be catastrophic, leading to costly downtime, expensive repairs, and potential injury,

“Which means that unnecessary and unforeseen downtime during harvest could cost a farmer crucial lost revenue.

“Additionally, the cost of replacing a single agricultural tyre can easily climb into the thousands, not including the potential damage to the machine itself or the crop losses incurred due to delays.”

TyreSafe advises that maintaining the correct tyre pressure is vital for minimising soil compaction, ensuring good traction, and reducing fuel consumption.

While it may seem inconvenient, adjusting tyre pressures for both field and road use is crucial for optimising performance, the charity said.

Farmers are encouraged to consider using Very Flexion (VF) tyres, which feature softer sidewalls and can carry heavier loads at lower pressures, helping to reduce soil compaction. Additionally, choosing the right tread pattern for specific tasks is essential for maximizing efficiency and minimizing wear.

Overloading machinery can damage tyres, leading to punctures and downtime. Therefore, farmers should always check the weight limits for tyres and ensure they do not exceed them.

Properly balancing the load on machinery will help extend tyre life and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Farmers should regularly inspect their tyres for wear and tear, cuts, and cracks. Wheel rims should also be checked, as they can crack on rough terrain. Routine maintenance and early issue detection can prevent more significant problems later.

When storing machinery, farmers should take the weight off the tyres to prevent cracking. If this isn't possible, inflating the tyres to a higher pressure can help maintain their shape and integrity during periods of inactivity.

Stuart Lovatt, chair of TyreSafe, stated that a major tyre defect on heavy machinery could be disastrous for both profit margins and safety.

He said: “Proper tyre maintenance is essential to prevent mishaps that could disrupt the harvest and compromise the well-being of our farmers.

“By taking the time to check their tyres, farmers can protect their investments and ensure a successful and safe harvest season.

“We understand the pressures farmers face during harvest, but neglecting tyre maintenance can lead to significant setbacks at this crucial time.”

Stuart concluded that TyreSafe aims to support farmers by providing them with the knowledge and resources needed to keep their operations running smoothly and safely.