Trusted by customers for over 45 years!
Bob Parkes attended his first tractor pulling event with his father in 1963 and instantly fell in love with the sport...
Bob Parkes' love for tractor pulling began in 1963 when he attended his first event with his father. Instantly captivated by the sport, Bob's fascination has only grown stronger over the past 60 years. The seeds of what would eventually become Custom Tire Cutting, Inc. (CTC) were planted in 1967 when Bob, at just fourteen, and his cousin, Bill Schroeder, decided to pull an International Harvester (IH) 560 farm tractor belonging to Bill’s dad at their local county fair. By 1968, they were expanding their participation to more fairs.
The foundation for what would eventually become Custom Tire Cutting, Inc. (CTC) was laid in 1967 when Bob was just fourteen years old. Alongside his cousin, Bill Schroeder, Bob decided to enter an International Harvester (IH) 560 farm tractor, owned by Bill’s father, in their local county fair's tractor pull. This initial experience sparked a deeper interest, and by the following year, Bob and Bill were taking their tractor to compete at other fairs, expanding their reach and gaining valuable experience in the sport.
In 1970, while assisting a neighbor, Tommy Abrams, Bob made a critical discovery that would change the course of his career. He realized that by making specific cuts to the tractor's tires, he could significantly improve traction, giving the tractor a competitive edge. At that time, Bob's tools were rudimentary—a large butcher knife heated with a butane torch—but the concept was groundbreaking. This early experimentation marked the beginning of Bob's journey into tire modification and laid the groundwork for his future business.
Bob's talents and passion for tractor pulling soon caught the attention of Ed Carmichael, a pioneer in the sport. Carmichael was in the process of building an IH "pulling" tractor, and Bob's involvement in the project proved invaluable. The two formed a strong alliance, working together to develop and refine their machines. They utilized an IH 1466 equipped with a specialized pulling kit designed by Jerry Lagod, an employee at International Harvester (IH) at the time. Lagod's expertise would later lead him to establish Hypermax Engineering (HE), a company that played a significant role in the evolution of tractor pulling technology.
By 1974, Bob and Carmichael were among the first five customers to have their tractors sent to Hypermax Engineering for modification. This was a pivotal moment, as HE's innovations allowed customers to order a "tractor pulling kit" for IH tractors, eliminating the need for the tractors to be brought into the shop for installation. This advancement not only streamlined the process but also made high-performance modifications more accessible to a broader audience.
During his time working with Carmichael, Bob's skills and dedication led to numerous victories at prestigious events. Some of the most memorable wins included triumphs at the Indiana State Fair, Illinois State Fair, Fort Worth, Texas, twice at the Pontiac Silver Dome (with Bob himself driving in one of those victories!), Bowling Green, Ohio, and twice at the Louisville National Farm Machinery Show. These successes further cemented Bob's reputation in the tractor-pulling community and fueled his ambition to take his craft to the next level.
In 1981, after years of honing his skills and refining his techniques, Bob officially founded Custom Tire Cutting Inc. This was a turning point in his life, as his passion for tractor pulling had now transformed into a full-fledged business. Initially, Bob continued to cut tractor tires using a chainsaw and a carbide grinding disc, which provided a marked improvement in precision and consistency compared to his original butcher knife method. However, Bob's innovative spirit meant that he was always looking for ways to improve.
By 1985, Bob had mechanized the tire-cutting process by designing the very first tire-cutting machine. This innovation revolutionized the way tires were modified, allowing for greater accuracy and efficiency. That same year, Bob went full-time with his business and became a dealer for Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, further expanding his reach within the industry.
The next few years saw rapid growth for CTC. In 1990, the company contracted with Firestone to produce the first run of 24.5-32 ALL Trac 23° Puller tires, a significant milestone that solidified CTC's reputation for quality and innovation. By 1995, CTC had designed and developed three of the four "Chevron Cut" Giant Puller tires for Dick Cepek—sizes 26-12-12, 31-15.50-15, and 34-18.00-15. As a result, CTC became Dick Cepek's sole distributor, with these popular tires being used across five continents and still widely in demand today.
Custom Tire Cutting Inc. continued to innovate, creating its own line of branded products that meet CTC's high standards. These include Grade 8 "Wheel Rim Screws," a product of Bob's own design, as well as PARKES Grinding Discs, PARKES Cups, and Van Alstine Groovers and Blades, all engineered to CTC's exact specifications.
Reflecting on his journey, Bob often says, "We’ve come a long way from the butcher knife." Indeed, his relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with his deep love for tractor pulling, has turned Custom Tire Cutting, Inc. into a premier tire-cutting company that continues to lead the industry. From humble beginnings to global recognition, Bob Parkes' story is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and hard work. And as for what’s next? The future is wide open, with even more possibilities on the horizon.
