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How to Choose Agricultural Tyres for West & East African Soils

  • Writer: Tyres Without Borders
    Tyres Without Borders
  • Oct 3
  • 3 min read

Introduction

Africa’s farmers work across some of the most diverse soil conditions in the world — from sandy soils in Kenya, to sticky clay in Uganda, and loamy fields in Nigeria. The wrong tyre choice can mean wasted fuel, soil compaction, and reduced yields.

That’s why it’s vital to choose agricultural tyres designed for local conditions. BKT tyres — including the AgriMax, TR, and Flotation ranges — are trusted worldwide for durability, traction, and soil protection. At Tyres Without Borders, we help African farmers match the right BKT tyre to their soil type and machinery.



1. Why soil type matters for tyre choice

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Different soils react differently to weight and tread pressure. Using the wrong tyre can cause:

  • Soil compaction — crushing pores, reducing root and water movement.

  • Slip and sliding — wasting fuel and damaging crops.

  • Excess wear — sandy soils grind tyres down faster.

A study on African farming systems confirms that soil compaction is one of the biggest threats to sustainable yields (FAO Soils Africa). Choosing the right tyre is therefore both a productivity and sustainability decision.



2. Matching tyres to African soil types

Soil Type

Regions

BKT Tyre Solutions

Sandy / Loamy

Kenya, Tanzania, drier zones of Nigeria

BKT AgriMax RT 600 – wide tread, flotation design for soft soils

Lateritic / Red soils

Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda

BKT TR 135 – deep lugs for firm grip in dry and wet conditions

Heavy clay / Black cotton

Uganda, Sudan, DR Congo

BKT AgriMax Teris – strong sidewalls, self-cleaning tread

Mixed loam / transitional

Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia

BKT AgriMax RT 855 – balance of durability and traction



3. Features that make BKT tyres ideal for African farms

  • Radial technology (AgriMax line): Distributes pressure evenly to reduce soil compaction.

  • Self-cleaning tread designs: Essential for sticky clay soils.

  • Wide flotation tyres (Flotation 648): Reduce soil damage in sandy and loamy regions.

  • Durability: BKT compounds are built to withstand heat and abrasive African terrain.

BKT Official Agriculture Tyres



4. Why BKT works for African agriculture

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BKT has invested in IF (Increased Flexion) and VF (Very High Flexion) technologies, allowing heavy loads at lower inflation pressures — perfect for protecting fragile soils. Farmers across Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana already rely on BKT for reliability and value.

For instance, AgriMax Force tyres are designed for high-horsepower tractors, while TR 135 is a versatile choice for traditional tractors in mixed conditions.



5. Steps for choosing the right BKT tyre

  1. Assess soil conditions – sandy, clay, loamy, or mixed.

  2. Match machinery – tractors, harvesters, sprayers, trailers.

  3. Check load requirements – use BKT’s technical charts.

  4. Choose radial when possible – reduces compaction, improves traction.

  5. Adjust inflation – follow BKT’s recommended load/pressure tables.

  6. Monitor performance – rotate tyres and inspect regularly.



6. Mistakes to avoid

  • ❌ Overinflating tyres on sandy soils.

  • ❌ Using narrow tyres on heavy machinery.

  • ❌ Ignoring sidewall strength for off-road conditions.

  • ❌ Buying purely on price instead of lifecycle cost.



Conclusion

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The right agricultural tyres in Africa don’t just keep tractors moving — they protect soils, save fuel, and improve harvest outcomes. BKT’s AgriMax, TR, and Flotation ranges offer solutions for Africa’s sandy, clay, and mixed soils.

At Tyres Without Borders, we connect African farmers with tyres designed for their unique challenges.

👉 Read more on our blog. 👉 Browse our full catalogue. 👉 Contact us today for advice: tyreswb.com/contact.



FAQ 

Q1: Why are BKT tyres good for African farms? They are designed with durable compounds and radial technology that reduce compaction and handle extreme soil conditions.

Q2: Which BKT tyre is best for sandy soils? The BKT AgriMax RT 600 provides flotation and reduced soil damage.

Q3: How do BKT tyres help reduce fuel use? With better traction and less slip, they improve fuel efficiency in field operations.

Q4: Can one tyre work for all African soils? Not ideally — different soils need different tread designs. BKT offers a wide range for this reason.

Q5: Where can I buy BKT tyres in Africa? Through Tyres Without Borders. Explore our catalogue or contact us for supply options.


 
 
 

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