Types of Tractor Tires

There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all tractor tires. A single farm can have loose, soft soil, hard-packed soil, rocky ground, pavement, and well-manicured grass. Each surface requires different types of tractor tires for optimal traction, and the properties that make a tire perfect for one will be unsuited for the next.

Since purchasing tractor tires is a long-term investment, it pays to carefully consider which tires will give you the best performance.

Agricultural Tires

If you’re picturing “tractor tires” in your mind, you’re likely thinking about agricultural tires. These tires have diagonal, widely spaced lugs that angle toward the center of the tread. Their design channels loose dirt, sand, and mud to avoid clogging and reduced traction. The treads can dig deep and reach firmer ground to improve handling.

Also called “ag tires,” agricultural tires come in several types.

R1

With a lug height of around 1 ½ inches, R1 ag tractor tires provide excellent all-around performance in the type of soil typically found in a rural or agricultural setting.

R1W

For improved traction in wet conditions, R1W tires extend the depth of the lugs by 20%.

R2

These are the most extreme ag tires, featuring lugs with twice the depth of R1 tires. Typically, R2 tires are used in the wettest terrain, such as rice paddies.

Turf Tires/R3

Tractor tires intended for use on grass and turf must provide secure traction without harming the ground. Turf tires, or R3 tires, feature wide, shallow treads with tightly packed lugs. By spreading out the weight of the tractor, these tires provide minimal soil disturbance yet still have enough tread for decent grip.

Where R3 tires are not suitable is in snow and mud. The treads will rapidly become clogged, making the tires too slick to move the tractor.

Industrial Tires/R4 Tires

Heavy machines such as wheel loaders operate on hard earth, gravel, and paved surfaces, which is why industrial tires, also called R4 tires, have thick, robust sidewalls and large, narrowly-spaced tread blocks.

In general, users can expect long lifespans from their R4 tires. Their rugged, durable, hard rubber compounds resist wear and punctures. However, these tires are not designed to handle deep, soft soil and can get stuck if the terrain is too muddy or wet.

Specialty Tires

For tractors that have to traverse specific conditions, standard tires may not be ideal. In these cases, users may need one of the following.

Snow Tires

With soft rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold weather and aggressive treads that channel snow and ice, snow tires can offer dry-weather performance through heavy precipitation.

Flotation Tires

These tires offer excellent traction in sand and loose sediment. They are exceptionally wide to create the largest footprint possible, spreading the tractor’s weight over a large area. This reduces soil compaction and disturbance to avoid creating ruts.

Hybrid Tires

To create more versatile tractor tires, manufacturers have combined the durability of industrial tires with the traction of farm tires. This allows machinery to traverse from one surface to the other without sacrificing performance.

Understanding Tractor Tire Sizes

When purchasing tractor tires, you need to make sure they’ll fit your tractor. There are two main measuring systems — metric and standard.

Metric

If your tire size is 450/85R30, this corresponds to:

  • Width: 450 millimeters
  • Aspect Ratio: Height is 85% of width
  • Construction: R for “radial”
  • Rim Diameter: 30 inches

The tire may also have a load index or ply rating. These indicate the amount of weight the tire can handle. After this may be a speed index, which shows the tire’s top speed. Finally, the tire can display the tread style, such as R1, R2, etc.

Standard

Let’s say your tire size is 18x8.50-8. This corresponds to:

  • Height: 18 inches
  • Width: 8.5 inches
  • Rim Diameter: 8 inches

The hyphen between the final two numbers indicates that the tire is bias ply construction. If there’s an R, it’s a radial tire. There may also be an “L” after the first number, indicating a reduced aspect ratio.

To measure your tractor tires, start with the rim width. Measure from the inside of the bead lip on one side of the tire to the inside of the bead lip on the opposite side. For diameter, measure from the flange of the bead lip on one side of the rim to the other.

Common tire sizes include:

  • 7.50-16
  • 11L-15
  • 13.6-28
  • 18.5R38

Typically, smaller tires, such as the 7.50-16, will be used as front wheels for a larger tractor or rear wheels for a smaller tractor. The larger the tractor tire, in general, the larger the tractor. The tire needs to be stronger to withstand the extra weight.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tractor Tires

Buying new tractor tires isn’t cheap. Consider them an investment, so choose wisely, taking into consideration:

  • Terrain and soil type
  • Tractor type and load capacity
  • Weather conditions and seasonal usage
  • Cost vs. performance

One aspect that can dramatically impact how your tires behave is whether they are bias ply or radial. Bias-ply tires tend to be much cheaper and have strong sidewalls, but they offer poor handling and decreased longevity.

Radials have dramatically improved handling characteristics and a long lifespan but are more expensive than bias-ply tires and require strengthened sidewalls to avoid punctures.

When to Replace Your Tractor Tires

Unfortunately, your tractor tires won’t last forever. To know whether they need replacement, look for several signs.

Wear and Damage

Inspect your tires for cracks, broken lugs, punctures, and exposed plies.

Poor Performance

Once your tires stop gripping well or exhibit negative handling characteristics, they may be too far gone.

Age

In general, a radial ag tire should withstand between 3,000 to 5,000 hours of use. Bias ply ag tires typically handle 2,000 to 3,000 hours. Regardless of use, most tires will need to be replaced after around eight years due to the rubber hardening or rotting.

Why Buy Tractor Tires From Us?

Purchasing from Tires4That doesn’t just get you new tractor tires; it’s also how you make a long-term tire supply partner!

We have decades of knowledge that can help you make smart tire-buying decisions, whether you’re purchasing for a small lawn tractor or a fleet of heavy machinery. Check out our gigantic selection of farm tires and contact Tires4That today!

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