How To Choose Tractor Tires

As a tractor owner, one of the largest maintenance costs you face is replacing your tractor’s tires. It’s true; eventually, your tires may wear down or develop a puncture and need replacing. But as we said, tractor tires are pricey. That’s why it’s important to carefully think about all your options so that you can make the right purchasing decision. 

True Value Trailers & Power Equipment is your Colorado tractor dealer, with locations in Penrose and Florence, CO. Read on to learn about the different types of tractor tires on the market so you can determine which ones you should purchase for your own machine.

Tractor Tire Types

There are several types of tires that are utilized on today’s tractors: R1, R2, R3 and R4. It’s important to know the distinctions between these types when shopping for your tractor’s tires.

R1 tires are also known as agricultural tires and they are the most common option when it comes to farming on dry land. Their lugs help to gain traction which is perfect for this usage.

R2 tires have deeper treads which helps them to navigate wet and muddy ground much better, which is why you might find these tires on rice paddies and other farms that aren’t very common here in the United States.

R3 tires are called turf tires, and they are good for general usage while also providing better traction over loose materials such as gravel and sand. These tires don’t have as much of an impact on the ground underneath them.

R4 tires are most often used in industrial settings. Their interwoven tread and lug design allows them to provide better traction without impacting turf too much. However, these tires are very big and may be too large for the model you own.

Most tractor owners can make good use of R1 and R3 tires. If your land is especially wet or you’re operating on hard ground, then you may wish to check out the other styles, too.

Bias-Ply Vs. Radial

Your next distinction to make is between bias-ply and radial tires. For decades, cars have had radial tires, but things are different with tractors. Bias-ply tires are less expensive to maintain and to replace when operated at lower speeds. These tires are also much more durable, with a sturdier sidewall that is more impervious to damage.

Radial tires do have their use on tractors, too, however. Radial tires may be more expensive, but they provide a much smoother ride and have a longer tread life on hard ground. If you’re worried about soil damage, radial tires are also less likely to do this. Finally, radial tires run more efficiently on lower air pressures, which helps to save you money on fuel.

Load Rating

The final decision you’ll need to make is on the load rating that the tires have. If your tires don’t have a high enough load rating, then they won’t operate very well when the tractor is loaded up. Load ratings are represented with stars which indicate the tire’s maximum psi levels. One-star tires have a maximum load rating of 18 psi, two-star tires have a maximum load rating of 24 psi and three-star tires have a maximum load rating of 30 psi. The size of the tire combined with this load rating determines the full capacity of the tire.

We hope this guide has helped to demystify the tire-buying process for you! In search of a new tractor instead? Visit one of our dealerships in Florence or Penrose, CO, today to take a look at our vast inventory of new and used tractors for sale. True Value Trailers & Power Equipment proudly serves the Colorado cities of Pueblo and Colorado Springs.