Today, our focus has been on one of the most relied-upon and often overlooked vehicles on British farms: the all-terrain vehicle (ATV). But beyond the machine itself lies a component so fundamental to safety and performance that no farm vehicle can function without it: the tyre.
“Rural roads and agricultural environments present very specific tyre safety challenges,” says Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe – the UK’s leading tyre safety charity. “Sloped ground, uneven terrain, heavy loads and variable weather conditions all demand that tyres are in good condition to ensure grip, stability and safe braking.”
It’s for this reason that we are proudly working with TyreSafe to raise awareness of tyre safety and help reduce the risk of tyre-related incidents – in the field and on the road.
We asked TyreSafe for their expert advice on what to look for when it comes to this critical, often underappreciated, element of every moving vehicle and this is what they told us…
Across the UK, farmers are preparing for the busiest stretch of the year. Machinery is getting ready for harvest – a season dictated as much by the weather as by the workload. When the sun shines and the crops are ready, there is no time to waste. Operations run from dawn until long after dusk and every machine must be ready to perform.
That makes NOW, not later, the time to check your tyres. Because once the harvest begins, downtime is more than inconvenient; it’s expensive.
As Stuart notes: “A major tyre defect on heavy farm machinery isn’t just a breakdown risk, it’s a threat to safety and livelihoods. Taking five minutes to check tyre pressures and condition could prevent hours, or even days, of lost productivity and potential harm.”
And it’s not just the ATVs, combines and tractors that deserve attention. Trailers that have stood idle since last autumn, often tucked away among the nettles, will soon be hauling up to 14 tonnes of grain or silage, frequently at speed and on public roads. Many will be pressed into service with little more than a cursory glance.
Yet tyres, though rarely in the spotlight, are bearing immense loads often at speeds similar to HGVs, but without the same regulatory oversight. They are, quite literally, where the rubber meets the road in farm safety.
So, Don’t Let Tyres Be the Weak Link
A flat tyre at 3am in the middle of harvest is the last thing you want. And yet, that’s exactly what can happen if tyres aren’t checked properly before the season begins. Worn, underinflated, overloaded or damaged tyres can fail without warning and this causes delays, costly repairs and most importantly puts lives at risk.
While the big-ticket machines are often stored and serviced meticulously, trailers and secondary equipment don’t always receive the same care. That can lead to hidden issues, especially on rough ground or when machinery has been standing idle for months.
Top Tips for Tyre Safety
Pressure Check
Adjust pressures for field and road conditions. It might feel like a hassle, but correct inflation improves grip, protects soil, saves fuel and extends tyre life.
Use the Right Tyres for the Task
VF (Very High Flexion) tyres are ideal for heavy loads at low pressures, reducing soil compaction. Matching tread patterns to terrain also ensures safer, more efficient performance.
Respect Load Limits
Don’t overload trailers or equipment. Check manufacturer weight limits and spread loads evenly to avoid blowouts or structural tyre damage.
Inspect Before You Roll
Check for cracks, bulges, cuts or uneven wear. Don’t forget the rims, especially if you’re working on uneven or stony ground.
Store Smarter
If equipment is off the field for a while, take the weight off the tyres or inflate them slightly more. It helps preserve their shape and reduces long-term damage.
One More Thing… If You’re Using Contractors
It’s worth casting a glance at their tyres too. If you’re walking the field to check how the harvest is coming along, take a moment to check the contractor’s tractor or trailer tyres while you’re at it. Because if something goes wrong, it’s your harvest that’s on the line.
In Short, It’s Time to ACT
Check your Air pressure, Condition, and Tread once a month—and especially before any long haul or heavy season.
To learn more visit www.tyresafe.org
To learn about trailer safety visit www.tillypass.co.uk
