Czech tyre maker Mitas a.s. is entering the world of tractor pulling, agreeing to sponsor the European Tractor Pulling Committee (ETPC) and rolling out a prototype of a Mitas Powerpull tyre.
The prototype of the tractor-pulling tyre is based on a manufacturing process similar to Mitas’ high-horsepower tractor tyres, the Prague-based specialty tyre maker said. Commercially viable versions should be available this year.
“We are very confident in the successful development and launch of the new Powerpull tyre. Mitas can build upon its broad experience in manufacturing tyres for high-horsepower tractors,” said Andrew Mabin, Mitas’ marketing and sales director. “Durability, longevity and strength are the main characteristics of Mitas tyres, and the new Powerpull will be of its best example.”
Mitas said it cured the first testing prototypes of the Powerpull tyre in April at its new factory in Otrokovice, Czech Republic.
The tyre maker said tractor-pulling was a logical outgrowth of its growing production of agricultural tyres. Under the sponsorship agreement, the Mitas brand and products will be promoted during international ETPC tractor-pulling events. Financial terms of the sponsorship were not disclosed.
There are 11 ETPC Eurocup events scheduled this year in seven European countries. The first ETPC Eurocup race will take place May 16 in Lidköping, Sweden.
A Mitas spokesman said the company expects the Powerpull will be commercially available in the Americas as well later this year. He also noted Mitas’ “All or Nothing” tractor-pulling team competed earlier this year at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky.