CEAT Develops New Ag Flotation Tire Based on Dealer’s Recommendation

CEAT Specialty has developed a well-deserved reputation in the North American tire industry for being nimble and responsive to customer input on market needs.

Brad Schmucker, owner of Millersburg Tire Service

Case in point:  Brad Schmucker, owner of Millersburg Tire Service in Ohio, had been asking a leading tire manufacturer to build a 28LR26 tank tire for over 15 years, knowing that there was demand in the market for a quality high speed radial flotation tire. There are a couple in the market now by other manufacturers, but Schmucker felt that there could be an improvement on the current offerings.

Millersburg Tire Service was one of the first US dealers to take on CEAT Ag tires when the company entered the North American market five years ago and is one of CEAT’s top dealers today. CEAT Specialty executives visited Millersburg Tire Service last December and posed the question, “What products do you need in the US market?”

“We mentioned the need for this tank tire and provided input of what we thought would improve the product over current designs,” recalled John Miller of Millersburg Tire Service. “With CEAT’s willingness to grow in this market we had the new FLOATMAX CARGO PLUS in less than a year. We already have well over 100 units performing in the field!”

FLOATMAX CARGO PLUS

Miller continued, “CEAT is a company that is willing to listen to the needs of its customers and tries to meet those requests. They are amazing to work with because they want dealer and customer input to help make them stronger in the market.”

The FLOATMAX CARGO PLUS was unveiled at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL, in August. The tire offers high traction, stubble puncture protection, uniform pressure distribution, and minimal soil/crop damage. Available initially in size 28LR26, more sizes and a VF variant are planned for release towards the end of the year.

This is what sets CEAT apart from other Ag tire manufacturers – a willingness to receive input from valued dealers like Millersburg Tire Service and the ability to quickly put their recommendations into action. This company-wide mindset is one reason why CEAT became the first tire company in the world to receive the prestigious Deming Grand Prize for TQM (total quality management) excellence.

Deming Grand Prize