If you have a tractor you depend on, you know your tractor depends on its tires. Not all tractor tires are the same, and choosing the right one for your farm or property needs is important. Here’s what you need to know to make a good decision, whether you need used tractor tires, custom tractor wheels, or even combine tires.
What General Type do You Need?
There are three general types of tires to know about. Each has its pros and cons depending on the situation.
Ag Tires
These are the toughest out there, and also the most expensive. They have the deepest tread and can get your heavy equipment through the worst of mud. This also means that they’ll rip your nicely manicured lawn to shreds: so choose wisely as you think about what you’re using any particular piece of equipment for most.
You’ll also have trouble using these on paved surfaces, so if you have to move your equipment down roads all the time, these are probably not the right choice. However, if you need them to get you through mud, you’ll find these not only most effective, but the most durable, as well.
Turf Tires
These are the right tires to keep your grass in good shape and make sure you’re not churning areas of your property into a muddy mess. They’re great for mowers and any machines you use for snow plowing. They work beautifully on sandy soils and have excellent traction in all directions.
Industrial Tires
These tractor tires or combine tires try to give you the best of both worlds. They work fine on asphalt, though not as good as turf tires do. They’re easier on your grass and earth than Ag tires, but they can still give you some good traction in mud: though not as good as you’ll get with the Ag.
How Heavy Is Your Equipment?
The next step in making your choice is to consider how much weight you’ll be putting on your tractor tires. If you have to run really heavy equipment through soil you don’t want to be deeply compacted, your best bet is to get tires with special—typically well-advertised—tech that lets them run at lower PSI. This helps distribute weight better. Not only does all this tech keep you from getting too much compaction, but it also makes things more stable all around.
How’s The Beading?
Beading is the edge of the tire along the wheel, and the more reinforced beads a tire has, the more likely it is that you’ll be pleased with it for the long haul. If you’re continually asking your tractor tires to keep things moving through the most awful circumstances, then you’ll want to get tires with good beading.
Final Thoughts
Whatever type of tractor tires you ultimately spring for, just remember that you’ll always get the most out of your tires if you take care of them. Every tire will come with a maintenance schedule from the manufacturer, and you’ll want to make sure the PSI is always good, keep within the maximum speeds, and keep an eye out for aging.
Your tractor tires are the foundation your heavy equipment success. Make sure you get the right tires for keeping your equipment supported and moving for the long haul.
