So, you see wear and stubble damage on your tractor’s tires. You may want to run them for another year but, to put it simply, it’s time to buy new tires. No doubt, tires are an important investment, especially when you need to purchase them for your tractor. A tractor’s tires greatly impact its fuel consumption and performance, after all. But with so many tire choices on the market, you may not know how to select the correct tires for your tractor. And, of course, you don’t want to install the wrong tires, as that will only send money and time down the drain. To mitigate any purchases you’d regret, we’ve created a complete guide to choosing the best tractor tires for your specific job.

Think About the Type of Tires You Need To Replace

First, you must decide on the type of tires you might need. Tires range in a variety of ways, and knowing exactly what to look for will certainly narrow down your search. For instance, if you’re replacing your tires, consider if you need front or rear tires for your tractor. You may have to change all four tires at once, but this isn’t always necessary. If you’re just replacing your fronts or rears, maintaining your machine’s proper gear ratio is extremely important, especially if you want to avoid costly transmission repairs. Plus, you must recognize that there’s a maximum speed your tires can handle. As tires age, you’ll need to be more careful when operating your tractor, particularly if you’re hauling larger loads.

We also want to mention that there are two different tire constructions: bias-ply and radial. Often, bias-ply tires cost less, though they’re still decently durable. In fact, bias-ply was a preferred choice for years. On the other hand, radial tires are more expensive but are efficient and won’t disturb the soil. They have a wider footprint and disperse your machine’s weight or load over a larger area. The even distribution reduces soil compaction and ruts as well as provides increased traction and grip. Plus, these tires boast long-lasting tread and a smoother ride. Remember, your tires are the first—and best—shock absorbers on your machine.

A great starting point is to look at the current tires you are running on your machine. If these tires worked fine for you, re-ordering an exact match replacement eliminates guesswork and time. However, if you face a problem such as rutting, decreased traction, or row spacing troubles, now would be a good time to explore other options available on the market to alleviate some of these common issues.

Consider Your Tractor and How You’ll Use It

From their sizes to their overall design and features, tractors drastically differ from each other. So, when choosing tires, you must understand the type of tractor you own. Perhaps you own a utility tractor, or you regularly use a garden tractor. Regardless, you need to know that not every tire will fit your specific model.

Also, you should note whether your tractor has two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Often, for 4WD tractors, you’ll want to match your front and rear tires. Two-wheel drive tractors need front tires that’ll aid in steering, so you should buy tires with tread patterns that encourage control.

Additionally, you must understand your tractor’s purpose. In other words, how do you intend to use it? Do you plan to plow, or do you want to pull loads? Is your tractor for mowing grass, or do you plan to move extremely heavy equipment or materials? Ultimately, the tires you buy will depend on the tasks you wish to complete.

Recognize the Terrain

Certain tires perform better on different types of terrain. Because of this, you must keep traction in mind when making your decision. You want tires that’ll promote good contact with the ground—this way, you won’t slide. To ensure you’re buying the most suitable tires for the terrain, familiarize yourself with the numbered system associated with tractor tire types.

R-1 tires, or agriculture tires, are likely the most common tractor tires. Often referred to as ag tires, these tires are great for farming dry ground, and because they have a good grip, these tires do well in dirt, fields, and mud. Plus, numerous ag tire manufacturers prioritize reinforced beads, which keep the tires working even in the most demanding environments. R-1W tires are the same design as standard R-1s, but they provide an even deeper lug for more traction. R-3 tires, which are commonly known as turf tires, are frequently used for grass because they aren’t as aggressive. They won’t sink into the ground or tear up your grass, and these tires can also handle loose gravel and sand. Many refer to R-4 tires as road tires, as they’re best for tough hard ground applications, such as construction and industrial work.

Generally, tractors do well on terrain with these three tire types. However, you may find that R-2 tires will work best for you. Although most people are less familiar with them, R-2 tires are ideal if you’re constantly working on wet land. They have the deepest treads, so murky conditions aren’t an issue for these tires.

Think About Budget and Maintenance

Lastly, before you buy, reflect on how much you can spend on new tractor tires. There are many different manufactures and tire designs for each tread style, so we can you can find something that fits almost any budget. You must also be aware of how to care for the tires you want. Simply put, you shouldn’t buy tires that you won’t be able to look after. Once you have the tires, you’ll need to properly inflate them; you must reference their load rating, which signifies the maximum PSI with stars. Over and under-inflating your tires will negatively impact them in the long run. For more information, don’t hesitate to consult the data on Dawson Tire & Wheel’s website for your specific tire.

We hope our complete guide to choosing the best tractor tires aids you in selecting the right products for your needs. If you’re ready to buy quality tires, don’t hesitate to shop through our site. Over the course of two decades, Dawson Tire & Wheel has become the most reputable tire provider in North America. Our online inventory includes a wide selection of agricultural tractor tires, and we carry trustworthy brands, such as Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, and Titan. Request a quote today, or, if you have any questions regarding the tires you’ll need, give us a call.