TRACTOR TYRES

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 201, 23 May 1944, Page 4

TRACTOR TYRES

Conversion From Steel To Rubber Not Possible

The position in regard to tractor tyres was referred to last evening by the Mlister of Supply and Munitions, Mr. but livan, who stated that he had received i> number of inquiries about e°“ v^. l “ u tractors at present on steel wheels to pneumatic equipment. He said it realized that in general there were advantages in making the change, so Imposition had been closely investigated in the last few months. Ilns had discloses that New Zealand was particularly fortunate to receive the tractor tyres coming forward at present. Such tyres covered replacements only; no provision could be made for tyres required for conversion. ' ~ In the circumstances, said Mr. bullivan, he thought it desirable to draw the attention of tractor operators and tractor selling firms to the fact that conversion could not take place. As an illustration of the difficulties of tyre Prod« c ; tion this year throughout the Unite! Nations, Mr. Sullivan quoted the following advice, .dated March 18, from the Office of War Information, U.S.A.: lhe production of large size tyres is limited by rubber manufacturing facilities. Hits is due to the enormous increase in the demand for these sizes occasioned by the war. Military trucks, bombers, amphibious. landing craft ... all have itiven rise to this increased demand. New tread designs and new technologies have required new moulds and new facilities. Irrespective of the limitations which arise from these sources, some desirable conversions ai* now impossible because of a shortage of sufficient rayon tyre cord . . . Consequently, in planning production for the next six months the whole picture is closely tied to, and absolutely dependent on completions on time of new’ programmes for both rubber manufacturing facilities and rayon tyre cord. .. Our present analysis of supply and' requirements show we will fall short of meeting a<l stated requirements of the various claimant agencies.” . “Since New Zealand is a recognized claimant agency under the Lend-Lease Act the foregoing information is of paramount interest to tyre users.” said the Minister. “Notice should be taken of the warning given.”