In the heart of Kansas, amid vast expanses of farmland and ranches stretching as far as the eye can see, operates Four Bar S, a family-owned business established in 1986 thanks to the vision and determination of the Schmidt family. Today, Chad Schmidt, the founders’ son, holds the reins of the business, proudly carrying on the work started by his parents.
Four Bar S began as a small business dedicated to manure removal and customized work for local ranchers. Over time, the company has expanded its reach, now serving a vast area covering hundreds of thousands of hectares, from north-central Oklahoma to the Nebraska border. The secret to this growth? Quality service, dedication, and the use of reliable equipment.
Every day, Chad and his team tackle complex challenges every day with peak working hours of 12 to 15 hours a day during the busiest times, operating on a wide variety of terrains depending on where they are located. They must ensure efficient operations, work with precision and maximize productivity, all while keeping both land and animals in top condition. And that is right where BKT tires come into play – key allies in the success of the company’s success.
When operating with heavy equipment in harsh environments, the choice of tires is crucial. Four Bar S relies particularly on AGRIMAX FORCE and RIDEMAX FL 693 M, which have proven to provide optimum performance in terms of strength, durability, and ride comfort.
Four Bar S’ equipment needs tires that can handle heavy weights and fast speeds. AGRIMAX FORCE provides good traction and flotation on any type of soil, reducing soil compaction and improving operating efficiency. A key feature of this range is IF technology that ensures a limited impact of the machinery on the soil, which results in a healthy soil. Even under low-pressure conditions, these tires demonstrate their robustness and endurance over time, both on farmland and on the road.
RIDEMAX FL 693 M, on the other hand, is a tire that distinguished itself through its heat resistance and ability to withstand heavy loads without the risk of premature wear. “In the past we had many problems with other tires, especially bead and sidewall damage, mainly because of the heavy weights we carry and the speeds at which we operate. Since using BKT’s RIDEMAX FL 693 we had any more issues. This makes a huge difference to our operations,” Chad Schmidt says. “The BKT tires have allowed us to have a high load on the rear tires and have held up well, delivering great performance on complex terrain such as ours.”
For a company like Four Bar S, pausing is no option. BKT tires have enabled Chad and his team to reduce downtime, avoid replacements and improve job safety. “Knowing that you can count on strong, reliable tires means you can work with more peace of mind and less interruptions“-comments John Curtain, the company’s tractor driver. “The less tires that need to be replaced, the more efficient the job gets done, plus greater time savings.”
But that’s not all the benefits: BKT’s advanced product technology also results in greater driving comfort, a key consideration for operators spending long hours on tractors and spreaders. “Our operators are satisfied: driving is smoother and less tiring. This means, they are more efficient and, at the end of the day, also happier.”
Yet, customer contentment is certainly not a secondary consideration: “The BKT tires help us to have less soil compaction. We have several customers, who are very attentive to this aspect, so it is a really important thing for their satisfaction at the end of the day,” Chad says.
Four Bar S continues to grow and look ahead with ambition. Supported by BKT tires, the company is ready to take on new challenges, while maintaining its commitment to more efficient and sustainable agriculture. “We know we can count on BKT for our operations. This is a security that really makes a difference.” – concludes Chad Schmidt.
