Proactively addressing the needs of a local niche market, an Arkansas tire dealer was instrumental in the development of Titan’s new Goodyear-labeled Special Sure Grip TD-8 Radial R-2 480/80R50 for the rice- and cane-growing industries.
“We were the ones who came up with the idea,” says Bruce Proctor, vice president of Bobby Henard Tire in Brinkley, Ark. “Basically it was a size that was missing in the market,” he explains. Spring and fall field work under wet conditions called for a new type of tire specifically suited for those tasks.
“Titan responds pretty quick,” notes Proctor, citing a 14- to 15-month period from conception to production. “Titan took the lead in working with rice and cane farmers to develop a solution that would address their unique crop production challenges.”
“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,” says Jeff Vasichek, Titan’s vice president of sales and marketing.
“We were looking for a tire that would serve a dual purpose,” Proctor recounts. “This tire serves both of those markets.”
Rice and cane farmers are now able to plant in 30-inch rows to better maximize crop yields. The tires provide additional crop clearance and improved flotation in wet fields, and extra lug bracing provides strength for the horsepower needed in rice and cane conditions, according to Vasichek.
Bobby Henard established the family business in 1965. It has a warehouse in Indianola, Miss. in addition to the Brinkley location.
Titan manufactures the Goodyear Farm Tires line.
For more information, visit www.titan-intl.com. Henard's can be reached at (870) 734-1044.
