Tyre manufacturer Mitas has followed through on its promise; it staged an unusual, eye-catching demonstration in the run-up to this year's Farm Progress Show in the US.
The manufacturer fitted massive floatation tyres to a New Holland tractor to enable it to 'swim' across water.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Mitas (part of Trelleborg Group) staged such a publicity stunt; it did something similar back in 2016 when a 4t Claas Axos 320 "walked on water" in Offingawier (Netherlands).
Below is a video (from Tractor World) showing the tractor/tyre pairing in action.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2rn15BeJxw&feature=youtu.be
Preparing for the "stunt", a spokesperson told outlet Wallaces Farmer: "We’ve done a lot of R&D (Research & Development) with this and we haven’t lost anyone yet."
He explained that the demonstration is a conversation starter. He said: "If visitors remember it and what the meaning is, we hope it will help them think about compaction and their business."
He concluded: "We will not be giving any rides."
According to Newton Daily News - a US-based outlet - the "floating tractor" is one of the displays that is likely to draw the crowds.
It explained: "Using tyres specially designed for flotation, Mitas has unveiled its floating tractor. Using a retention pond on the edge of the Farm Progress Show site, the blue tractor paddled effortlessly through the water during an early morning demonstration."
The outlet went on to say that the three-day Farm Progress Show (which takes place on August 28-30 in Boone, Iowa) is expected to attract 160,000 visitors from 46 states. The event is claimed to have an economic impact that exceeds $13 million for the surrounding area each year.