Choosing Tractor Tires

The right tires can help optimize your tractor's performance. They can be tailored for your property's terrain type, the weight of your tractor, and the type of farming you do. But with so many tractor tire options on the market, how do you know which ones to buy?

Here at Arnold's Inc., we strive to make your life easier, which is why we've created the following guide to choosing tractor tires. If you have any questions or need help determining the right ones to get, stop by and chat with our expert staff. We proudly serve those throughout Minnesota.

1. Pick the Type of Tractor Tire

Tractor tires are broken down into different categories based on the type of farming they are well-suited to handle. The default option for dryland farming is R1 tires, which are also commonly called agricultural tires. They are built with traction-grabbing lug treads that get a great grip on the ground's surface.

R2 tires are designed for wet and mucky ground. They are made with increased tread depth to help them handle the slippery surfaces. These tractor tires are used in types of farming not common in North America, such as rice paddy farming.

R3 tires, also commonly called turf tires, are general use tractor tires that work well on loose material. They are able to handle the traction challenge posed by gravel or sand. They also have the least impact on the ground beneath them, which can be great if you are worried about damaging the turf.

R4 tires are usually used for industrial projects. They offer lots of traction due to their interwoven tread and lug design. But they also won't impact the turf as much as other tires can. 

Another consideration to make is the importance of getting front tires that are specifically ribbed for extra grip. Single-rib tires (called F1) can deeply penetrate into the soil and offer extra steering control. Three-ribbed tires (called F2) offer great control but have minimized lateral side-slip due to the raised center rib. F2M tires offer four ribs and are great for carrying heavy loads across hard surfaces.

2. Pick Bias Ply or Radial Tractor Tires

Another key decision to make is whether you want bias ply or radial tires. Bias ply tractor tires, when used at lower speeds, tend to be more affordable to maintain and replace. They are a great option for the more budget-minded. They offer impressive durability and a sidewall that is less prone to getting damaged from obstacles.

Radial tractor tires tend to be more expensive to purchase and maintain. But they are able to offer a smoother riding experience. Their tread tends to last longer, especially on harder ground, and they impact the soil less. These tractor tires can also effectively run at a lower air pressure, helping you save fuel and improve efficiency.

3. Consider the Load Rating

As you shop for tractor tires, you will need to consider the load rating. If you don't get a high enough load rating, your tractor tires won't be able to effectively operate. Load ratings are given in the form of stars, which correlate to the maximum tire pressure (measured in psi). You can usually find the stars after the width and diameter ratings. 1-star means a 18 psi maximum, 2-star means a 24 psi maximum, and 3-star means a 30 psi maximum. You can combine the psi number with the tire size to determine the total capacity.

We hope you found this buyer's guide useful. Remember you can always ask the experts at Arnold's Inc. for help deciding on which tractor tires to buy. We also offer a range of tractors for sale if you are looking to buy. We proudly serve those throughout Minnesota, so stop by your nearest location today!