Long-term performance and reliability are critical factors in agricultural and livestock operations, where machinery is exposed to demanding working conditions on a daily basis. For the Scaglia family business, BKT tyres have proven their value over time, delivering consistent results across a wide range of tasks.

Over four years ago, Scaglia equipped its Merlo telescopic handler with BKT Con Star tyres 400/70X24 (158A8/B) to support daily operations on its livestock farms. Since then, the tyres have accumulated approximately 6,500 operating hours, handling diverse applications such as forage transport, bulk material movement, and frequent manoeuvring inside sheds—often on wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces.

 

 

Performance Under Demanding Conditions

This combination of tasks places significant stress on tyres, making it an effective test of overall product quality. Throughout its service life, the Con Star tyre delivered strong performance, with operators highlighting several key benefits:

• Excellent lifting stability
• Consistent traction on uneven ground
• Strong casing construction supporting safety and uninterrupted operations

These characteristics proved particularly valuable during repeated short-distance movements and load-handling activities typical of agro-livestock environments.

 

 

 

End-of-Life Inspection Confirms Durability

To assess the tyre’s long-term behaviour, BKT’s Field Engineering team carried out a detailed end-of-life inspection, with special attention given to the front axle, where stress levels are typically highest. Despite undergoing routine maintenance and some patch-and-plug repairs during its service life, the tyre showed no critical structural issues at the end of its operational cycle.

The inspection revealed even wear patterns, helping maintain proper axle balance during lifting and loading operations. While surface marks from abrasion and impacts were present—common in agro-industrial use—they had no negative effect on performance or durability.

Commenting on the results, Piero Torassa, Field Engineering Director at BKT Europe, cited that “It is important to note that the tyre sidewall is particularly difficult to repair, as it is a flexing area. And this is a fundamental point that clearly tells the quality of a product, especially on the last millimetre of its use,”

 

 

A Partnership Built on Proven Results

The combination of structural integrity, uniform wear, and reliable performance allowed the BKT Con Star tyre to deliver high efficiency throughout its full life cycle. As a result, Scaglia has chosen to continue using Con Star tyres, reinforcing its confidence in BKT as a long-term partner capable of supporting demanding agricultural operations.

At Agrigear, we supply BKT tyre solutions designed to deliver durability, safety, and performance in real working conditions. To find out more about the BKT tyre range or to discuss the right tyre for your machinery, contact the Agrigear team on 042 9666 444 or visit our website www.agrigear.ie.