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When the time comes to change your used tractor tires and get a new set you might start wondering where to start. Since tractor tires can last so long, it is easy to forget what you need to look for.
Well, we are here to solve that problem for you. Read Priority Tire's guide to agricultural or farm tractor tires and shop without a headache!
What Is a Farm Tire?
Farm or agricultural tractor tires are designed to provide reduced soil compaction. They are usually manufactured with a high-flotation tread design, which enhances the soft and loose field traction, without damaging the soil's crop-growing capability.
Why Are Tractor Tires Important?
Tractor tires, especially ones for agricultural use, are designed in a specific manner. They have to perform on loose and soft field surfaces, without damaging the soil or crops.
Therefore, tractor tires have to improve their productivity and fuel economy, while providing better traction on wet land and hard ground terrains. So, the right tire needs to be selected no matter if we are talking about rear tires or front tires.
Using tires which do not sport the necessary tread depth and design can be dangerous. Not only will those tires cause soil compaction, but they do not provide the necessary traction to combat its lateral side slip.
Driving on loose and hard surfaces challenges the tractor tires performing capabilities. If traction is not provided, the model will not be able to provide a secure driving experience on wet soils.
What Are the Different Types of Tractor Tires?
There are three main categories when looking at tractor tires. However, not all of these tires are for agricultural applications.
The main tractor tire categories are:
- Agricultural tractor or R-1 or R-2 tires
- Turf tractor or R-3 tires
- Industrial tractor or R-4 tires
All of these tire types have their specific uses. Choosing the right tires is beneficial, as the tread depth, tread design, construction, and traction optimize their versatile applications.
Tractor Tires: Tire Size
How do you actually need to read a tractor tire size?
Unlike the size of a passenger tire, tractor tire sizes only consist of two numbers. They are the width and diameter ratings, which are located on the tire's sidewall. But, what do they mean?
Let's take an actual tire size as an example: 11.2X28
The first number, in this case 11.2, is the width of the tire measured from one sidewall to the other in inches. The second number, 28, shows the rim diameter in inches as well. If there is an "R" between the numbers, it represents the tire's radial construction, while an "X" stands for bias tires.
So, if you are looking to buy new tires, find this number first on your currently mounted tire.
Tire Pressure
The maximum tire pressure will depend on the size of the tire. However, the tire does not need to perform at this air pressure level per se.
Some tractor tires, especially R-1 and R-1 tires, can be manufactured with special agricultural technologies: IF and VF. If this is the case with your tires, they can still securely perform at lower air pressure levels.
However, the important thing is that the maximum tire pressure measured should not be higher than the recommended by the tire brand. This can ruin the tire's fuel consciousness and performing capabilities.
Load Ratings
Tires use their internal structure to ensure their load durability. However, how much weight and load pressure the steel belts and plies can actually carry, will be highlighted on the tire's sidewall. This is the load rating of the tire.
The load rating is the number which represents the highest load pressure and weight the tire can safely handle. Exceeding this load is not a good idea, as it can lead to damage or a complete blowout.
It is crucial to get a tire set with a high enough load rating, to ensure your vehicle's safe performance.
Tubed vs. Tubeless
Nowadays, more and more tire models are designed to be tubeless. Yet, this does not mean that tubed tires are completely left behind.
Both tubed and tubeless tires are still sold on the agricultural tire market. Basically, at this stage it comes down to preferences. Tubeless tires offer better puncture resistance, but they are harder to install. On the other hand, tubed tires will instantly go flat after being damaged, but they are easier to repair.
What You Need to Know about Tractor Tires: Construction and Tread Design
There are a few crucial things and manufacturing aspects to consider before purchasing your new tires. Depending on where and how you will use the tires, their structure and tread design will need to vary.
The Construction of Traction Tires
Tractor tires are available with two structure types: bias and radial.
The difference between them is the angle the plies are placed into the tire. However, due to this, their performance and application will become versatile. In other words, the tractor tire set for heavy loads will not be the same as one for better fuel economy.
Radial Tires
The construction of radial tractor tires features a two-part structure, which enables slight sidewall flexing. This provides the tire with a uniform footprint. As a result, radial tires tend to decrease the possibility of soil compaction by optimizing their traction on field surfaces.
The radial construction uses its flexibility to optimize pressure circulation as well. This avoids heat and pressure build-up across the tread area. In other words, it offers a longer tread life, while helping to lower fuel consumption levels. Their even footprint also promotes a smoother ride.
Therefore, if you need to use the tractor mainly for fieldwork, a radial tire set might be the better choice.
Bias Ply Tires
A bias construction is a single unit design, as it utilizes a single ply diagonally wrapped from one bead to the other. This means that the sidewall of bias tires does not flex, and it works together with the tread area.
In this manner, bias tire sidewalls protect the casing from external damage, while also providing sturdy driving stability. This makes bias tires better for hillside and harder ground applications as the stability provides extra grip. Additionally, their structure allows their heavier load durability.
However, due to the stronger structure of bias tires, they should not be used on soft fields. They do not offer the needed traction, which can result in slipping.
The Tread Design of Tractor Tires
Apart from the tire construction, the tire's tread design is also of great importance. An agricultural tractor tire usually comes with one of two tread pattern types. It either has a directional lug design, or a raised center rib pattern.
Lugs
A tractor tire which features an interwoven tread design usually also sports traction grabbing lugs. The deep angles of the lugs are penetrating deep into the tread, increasing their tread life and soft or hard terrain traction. Their opposing angles help grip the driving surface with additional biting edges.
While this tread type can be found on front tires, they are usually manufactured for larger-sized rear tires. These are the tires which provide the necessary traction to ensure the tractor's consistent forward motion.
Ribs
The ribbed tread design helps to improve the tractor tire's surface contact. Multiple or single rib tires provide the extra steering control needed on slippery field terrains. Furthermore, their consistent contact with the driving surface also offers a comfortable ride.
The front axle of tractors needs tires specifically ribbed in order to boost their controllability. This pattern increases the tire's surface contact area, which optimizes the handling and maneuvering - which is especially important on slippery terrains.
IF and VF Agricultural Tires
IF and VF are relatively new technologies which are used for tractors tires. These technologies help to increase the load capacity of tractor tires, without causing soil compaction.
Their meaning is:
- IF = Increased Flexion
- VF = Very High Flexion
IF tires can handle 20% higher loads or the same load at 20% lower inflation pressure, while VF tires are able to carry 40% more load or the same load at 40% lower air pressure.
Lowering the air pressure levels in the tire widens its surface contact area. This makes sure that the traction and surface contact does not damage the soil's quality as it reduced soil compaction.
Buy the best Tractor Tires at affordable prices at
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Farm Tires Last?
There is no definite answer to how long farm tires last. Some models are sturdy enough to last a couple of decades, while others rely on the hours driven to determine their service life. Therefore, agricultural tractor tires have a long lifespan, just be sure to inspect them for weather checking often.
What is the Difference between Bias Tractor Tires and a Radial Tractor Tire?
The main difference between bias tractor tires and radial tires is their internal construction. Bias ply tires tend to be used for heavy loads, while radial tires offer better sidewall flexibility. They makes their use versatile, even in agricultural applications.
How Much does a Tractor Tire Cost?
How much a tractor tire costs can vary based on its size, construction, front or rear axle placement, brand, and application type. However, the price of smaller sizes starts generally as low as $40, while larger sizes (especially for rear axle placements) can start as high as $400-$500.
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