Tyres have long been the go-to solution for weighting down silage clamp covers. But they come with some major drawbacks: they can’t be stacked for easy storage, they collect stagnant water, and they create an ideal environment for pests and disease. Worse still, they can pose a serious risk to livestock if tyre wire contaminates the silage.
Fortunately, there are better options. Whether you’re looking to improve silage quality, save time, or simply clean up your yard, here are three smart alternatives to tyres that are gaining popularity:
1. Lorry Tyre Sidewalls
Lorry tyre sidewalls are a cleaner, safer, and more practical way to secure silage sheets. These flat rubber rings are created by removing the tread from large lorry tyres, eliminating the risk of tyre wire contamination.
Why they’re better than standard tyres:
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Safer: No wire means no risk of tyre wire disease
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Stackable: Easy to store neatly between uses
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Hygienic: Won’t hold water, reducing the chance of harbouring pests and pathogens
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Heavier: Provide more consistent weighting than smaller tyres
While not a Silostop product, they’re a popular alternative for those transitioning away from traditional tyres.
Gravel bags are quickly becoming a favourite for farmers aiming to improve their clamp seal and eliminate oxygen ingress. Their long, flexible shape allows them to conform to the contours of the silage surface, unlike tyres, which leave gaps.
Benefits of gravel bags:
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Exceptional sealing around edges and joins
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Ideal for use in a 3–5 metre grid pattern across the clamp
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Can be used vertically to secure side sheets on bunker walls
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Easy to store: Stackable on pallets and fully drainable
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Recommended fill: 15kg with smooth 5–10mm pea gravel
Using double rows on seams and edges ensures your covers stay firmly in place even in windy conditions.
3. Intershape Rubber Mats – New for 2025!
After high demand, we’re excited to introduce our brand-new Intershape Mats a practical and effective alternative to tyres for open clamp faces.
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Size: 1.8m x 600mm
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Weight: 22kg
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Designed for single-person handling
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Handles on each end for easy carrying
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Excellent wind resistance on open silage faces
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Keeps silage sheets in close, even contact with the crop
These mats can be stacked on pallets, making them easy to store, and are particularly effective at preventing wind uplift at the front of the clamp.
Available now from Silostop – perfect for those looking to modernise their clamp sheeting setup.
Make the Switch from Tyres Today
Replacing tyres with purpose-designed alternatives like gravel bags and rubber mats not only improves feed protection but also saves time, reduces labour, and keeps your clamp area cleaner and safer.
Visit Silostop.com to explore the full range of clamp covering solutions trusted by farmers worldwide.
