Heavy-duty tarps provide crucial protection from environmental hazards like rain, snow, hail, and sun exposure that can quickly damage unattended agricultural and livestock equipment. Agricultural tarps are constructed from durable, weather-resistant fabrics engineered to withstand exposure to UV rays, wind, moisture, and wide temperature fluctuations.
Characteristics of Quality Agricultural Tarpaulins
For withstanding demanding agricultural applications, only heavy-duty tarpaulins constructed from the strongest materials deliver the protection and longevity needed. Lower-quality tarps may seem affordable initially but require replacement much sooner. Investing in a few well-made covers pays off over years of use.
Heavy-Duty Materials
Top-quality agricultural tarpaulins feature industrial-strength fabrics such as polyester or vinyl that can take a beating from the elements. Reinforced seams and stress points prevent tearing at connectors or from flapping in high winds.
The thickness and density of the materials are crucial – heavier grade fabrics of 10-12 oz hold up to weathering better than inferior light Heavy Duty Tarpaulins UK only good for short-term use. Over many seasons and different conditions, thinner tarps will decompose faster from sun damage.
UVA and UVB Pr protection
Tarps designed for long outdoor use include UV protective additives blocking over 99% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which are the primary cause of material degradation over the years. This preserves fabric color from sun fading and prevents cracking and brittleness that leads to leaks.
Properties like UV guard coatings extend the usable life of agricultural Tarpaulins UK protecting expensive assets for 5+ seasons rather than just one or two growing cycles. Covered equipment preserves its paint finishes and coatings longer as well from blocked sun exposure.
Grommets and Tie-Down Points
An agricultural tarpaulin needs beefy fittings and attachment mechanisms that don’t tear out under pressure. Top tarps feature sturdy corrosion-resistant forged steel grommets, rated higher than the fabric weight, spaced appropriately along the perimeter and interior.
They accommodate varied tie-down points using straps, rope, rebar stakes, or chains to secure the tarpaulin in all weather. Wind-rated tie loops, reinforced hems, and edge channels stand up to violent gusts that would rip a lower-quality cover.
Heavy Duty Tarpaulin Applications
When selecting the right agricultural tarpaulin, it’s important to match intended uses and equipment types. Heavy-duty covers excel across a wide variety of livestock and agricultural/construction machine applications.
Trucks and Heavy Equipment
For machines that see daily use but require weather protection during inactive periods, roll-up tarpaulins transform any open-bed truck into a mobile shelter. Folding rear flaps secure payloads of equipment, feed, or materials during transport.
Additionally, interior cab covers block sunlight that fades dashboards while letting units dry out after cleaning or use in wet conditions. Heavy equipment left outside gains added protection from cab tarpaulins.
Livestock Shelters
tarpaulins support a variety of livestock shelter needs. Semi-permanent low-profile field shelters constructed from tarpaulins and pipes or steel hoops provide covered areas for cattle. Hay and straw bale construction requires seasonal protection from forage tarpaulins.
Three-season calf huts and hutches keep Youngstock safe and dry through early growth. Horse shelters paired with tarpaulins and sidewalls make all-weather turnout areas. Temporary traps, sorting, and veterinary areas use portable tarps.
Agricultural and Construction Equipment
For machinery exposed to weather but only used seasonally, agricultural equipment tarpaulins maintain function. Row-crop tools, trailers, and specialty equipment withstand storage outdoors. Construction equipment gets similar protection between job sites.
Temporary staging and storage areas for mixed tools stay clean and organized under tarpaulins. Project tarpaulins lay over stacks of building materials like fencing, pipe, or siding on pallets.
UVA and UVB Protection
The sun emits strong ultraviolet (UV) rays that are the number one cause of degradation and weakening of materials over time when exposed outdoors. There are two main types of UV rays that damage fabrics and other surfaces:
UVA Rays
These long-wave ultraviolet rays account for about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth. UVA rays penetrate deep into surfaces, breaking down materials on a molecular level. This leads to fading, cracking, and embrittlement.
UVB Rays
The remaining 5% are short-wave UVB rays. While less abundant, UVB rays are higher in energy and contribute more to sunburns and burning of exposed skin. They also accelerate the photo-degradation of surfaces along with UVA.
Agricultural and Construction Equipment
A wide variety of machinery essential for farming and building projects remains outdoors yet only operates seasonally or occasionally. Heavy-duty tarpaulins provide invaluable cover for these valuable assets during inactive periods.
Farm Equipment
Farm equipment such as tractors, tillage implements, sprayers, and planters face weathering when not in use across growing seasons. Tarps prevent exterior surfaces like painted metal and electronic components from deteriorating in storage.
Construction Equipment
Similarly, construction equipment at job sites like bulldozers, excavators, dump trucks, and cranes receive protective covering between projects. Tarpaulins furnish weatherproof transport and staging areas covering mixed fleets.
Livestock Shelters
Providing shelter is a basic requirement for the health and productivity of livestock. Tarpaulins support a variety of applications meeting animals’ needs in agricultural settings.
Field Shelters
Field shelters constructed from tarpaulins, treated wood posts, and steel hoops or pipes furnish covered loafing areas for cattle on pasture. The modular low-profile designs withstand the weather while protecting hundreds of heads from sun, rain, and snow.
Calf Hutches and Shelters
For young animals, calf hutches and shelters pair durable tarps as three-season sides with wood shelters. Keeping pre-weaned calves protected and dry through early growth prevents illness and boosts weight gain.
Barns and Feeding Areas
Hay barns and feeding areas containing stored forage like small square bales or round bales pair tarps with 3-sided wood construction. Tarps prevent wasted spoilage from moisture and extend bale longevity undercover.
Temporary Shelters
Horse owners appreciate temporary shelters using tarps and steel tubing for turnout areas, veterinary prep zones, and shelters during events. The portable designs quickly set up temporary coverage as needed.
Conclusion
heavy-duty tarps deliver a versatile shelter solution indispensable for agricultural and livestock operations. Their weatherproof barriers preserve the function of valuable equipment, facilities, and animal welfare through changing seasons and weather extremes.
By blocking environmental hazards from sunlight, rain, snow, and winds, heavy-duty agricultural tarps lower long-term operating costs and boost return on investment. Their protective covers extend the usable lifespan of assets under shelter for improved productivity over years in the field.
