BKT Stories: The Story of Four Bar S
Four Bar S has been a pioneering force in manure management services since 1986, proudly serving clients across Kansas and extending its reach to the Nebraska border. What began as a local business has transformed into a thriving regional operation, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the Schmidt family and their team. Despite its significant growth, Four Bar S remains dedicated to the values that helped it succeed: safety, quality, and a trusted team that keeps everything running smoothly. A major contributor to their operational efficiency is the choice of reliable equipment, including BKT tires, known for their amazing traction, high performance, and ability to reduce downtime in challenging conditions.
Four Bar S’ found BKT tires to be a game-changer, significantly enhancing the company’s performance. Specifically, the company relies on the BKT’s AGRIMAX FORCE and RIDEMAX FL 693 M tires, which are designed to ensure the tractors and spreaders run reliably both in the field and on the road. John Curtain, a tractor operator at Four Bar S explains, “the traction is amazing, and farmers don’t want to wait on you, they want the manure spread.” The tires' ability to handle heavy loads at high speeds has greatly reduced downtime, enabling Four Bar S to maintain its top-tier manure management services while keeping operations running smoothly.
At Four Bar S, collaboration and hard work are key to the company’s success. The company has 7 tractors and spreaders, and a dedicated team of 12 employees: three co-owners who oversee different areas of the business, supported by 9 other employees responsible for everything from machinery upkeep to managing daily job site tasks. Chad Schmidt, one of the co-owners, shares: “We have a lot of good employees. They really interact well with each other, and it’s a fun place to work.” Employees like John Curtain appreciate the supportive culture and strong team bonds, adding, “This is my second season at Four Bar S and so far it's been great. Really hard work, tough work, but I enjoy every moment.” The company relies on the expertise and commitment of each individual, and also invests in modern, nicer equipment, making it easier for employees to put in long hours. While work-life balance can be difficult, especially with the time spent away, Four Bar S remains a fantastic place to work, with passionate employees who love what they do. Four Bar S believes that a successful business starts with a strong team, and the company has worked hard to build just that.
In an industry with long hours, comfort of the rider is essential and John Curtain has found that the AGRIMAX FORCE tire consistently exceeds expectations. He shares “It contributes a lot to the comfort of riding because we drive on rough terrain, and it’s really comfy in the cab.” This is the case even in challenging conditions; as John explains, “The AGRIMAX FORCE just pulls through and gets you through the areas where you would have got stuck.” Another key advantage of using BKT tires is their ability to reduce soil compaction, which is crucial for no-till farmers. With a focus on maintaining soil integrity, Four Bar S uses flotation tires on their tractors and spreaders, playing a vital role in preserving soil health. Chad Schmidt reflects on this, saying, “We have a lot of customers that are strictly no-till farmers, and soil compaction is a really big issue for them. The flotation tires we run on the tractors and the spreaders really play a big role in having a happy customer at the end of the day.” In addition to reducing soil compaction, BKT’s RIDEMAX FL 693 M tires have also drastically reduced tire failures. These tires are engineered to support higher air pressures, offering greater load capacity and durability, fundamental qualities for Four Bar S’s demanding operations. Four Bar S started using them over a year ago and have already noticed their improved durability. As Chad mentions, “Since we switched to the new RIDEMAX FL 693 M tires, we have not had a single bead failure.” The positive impact of switching to BKT’s tires is undeniable, ensuring the company can continue providing top-tier manure management services without worrying about unnecessary downtime. Check out the episode to discover how BKT tires play a vital role in Four Bar S’ daily operations!