Choosing Tractor Tires

Tractor tires can be a big expense that’s hard to take into account when budgeting, so it’s extra important to make the right decision on tires that are right for what you need from them. Fortunately there are a lot of options for you to choose from. Unfortunately that means a lot of information to sort through to make a good decision.

At Magnum Power, we know there are a thousand and one different things to worry about when it comes to your tractor. Tires shouldn’t be one of them. While it might be overwhelming with all the options available, all it takes is knowing what you need out of your tractor tires and narrowing down your choices to make a purchase. We’ve gone ahead and written up a quick guide to tractor tires to help our customers make the best choice possible. Read on for more information or call or visit our dealership in Lawson, Missouri. We’re just a short drive from Kearney, Liberty, Gladstone, Kansas City, MO, and serve all of Clay County.

Tire Types

Modern tractors utilize several basic types of tire. Agricultural tires (referred to as R-1) are the go-to option for dry land farming. They have traction-grabbing lugs running at deep angles perfect for getting a grip on dry land. R-2 tires have increased tread depth for wet, mucky ground like those found in rice paddies and other farming operations uncommon in North America. R-3, or turf tires, are suited for general use and have suitable traction on loose material like gravel or sand while also having the least impact on the ground beneath. R-4 are common in industrial use and offer much more traction through an interwoven tread and lug design while also having a less harmful impact on turf but might be too big for many rigs. Most will be satisfied with R-1 or R-3, but if you’ve got wet land or are operating on hard ground, look for R-2 and R-4 tires respectively.

Any of these can be used for the back tires depending on your specific needs. Front tires can also come in these styles, but usually it’s best to go with front tires specifically ribbed for extra grip. Single-rib tires (F-1) are great at penetrating deep into soil for extra steering control. Three-ribbed or F-2 tires also for control but offer minimized lateral side-slip from the raised center rib. F-2M have four ribs and are best for heavy loads on hard surfaces.

Bias Ply vs. Radial

While this distinction has been long-solved in the automotive industry, with tractors the difference is still important. At lower speed, bias ply tires tend to be less expensive to maintain and replace, and they’re more durable with a sidewall less prone to damage from obstacles. Radial tires tend to be more expensive, but they give operators a smoother ride, have a longer tread life (especially on harder ground), and do less to impact the soil. They run at lower air pressure more effectively as well, saving on fuel and improving efficiency.

Load Rating

Perhaps most important to your decision will be the load rating of the tractor tire. Without a high enough load rating, your tires won’t be able to operate efficiently while overweight. Load ratings come in the form of stars that designate the maximum tire pressure measured in PSI. These stars generally show up after the width and diameter ratings. The ratings are as follows: 1-star have a maximum of 18 psi, 2-star have a 24 psi maximum, and 3-star have 30 psi maximums. Those psi numbers combined with tire size determine total capacity.

Any decision with a lot of choices can be overwhelming, but as long as you know what you need and know what to look for you’ll be able to narrow down the options and pick the right tires for your tractor. For more tractor tire tips, or if you’ve just got a powerful need to check out the best new and used tractors around, head into Magnum Power in Clay County, MO. We proudly serve the farming communities of Kearney, Liberty, Gladstone, and Kansas City, MO. Come in today and talk with our team of experienced and courteous professionals who’ll help you find what you’re after.