Tractor Tire Buying Guide

A tractor’s tires are what gives it the traction it needs to perform its role. Without the right tires, your tractor may not be able to get anywhere, much less tow anything. That’s why the experts at Flieg’s Equipment have created this helpful tractor tire buying guide.

Tractor Tire Types

There are four primary tractor tire types, each designed for a different kind of farming. R-1 tires are used for general-purpose dry land farming. They can handle a variety of different terrain types. There is also a variation of R-1 tires called R-1W tires designed for use on wetter ground. R-2 tractor tires are designed for use on ground that is very wet. While somewhat specialized and not commonly used, R-2 tires are great for situations like rice paddy or sugar cane farming. R-3 tires are designed to maximize weight distribution. If you want to minimize the amount of impact your tractor has on the ground, use R-3 tires. R-4 tractor tires are used to haul heavy loads over hard ground. Since R-4 tires are designed primarily for use on pavement or gravel, they are usually used for industrial purposes rather than farming.

Using Different Tires On The Tractor

If your tractor is a two-wheel drive model, then the front tires will be used for steering rather than providing traction. It’s not uncommon for a 2WD tractor to have R-1 or R-3 tires in the back and a special tire type in the front designed to maximize steering grip. Your options for these front tires include F-1, F-2, and F-2M. F-1 tires have one rib, giving them good traction on muddy ground. F-2 tires have three ribs, making them a good general purpose option that will work on most terrain types. F-2M tires have four ribs and are commonly used on tractors that have a front loader.

Bias Ply Or Radial Ply

When it comes to automobiles, radial ply tires have almost completely replaced bias ply tires due to offering better handling and performance. However, bias ply tires continue to be used in certain tractors and other farm equipment due to them being cheaper and having tougher sidewalls. Radial ply tractor tires are preferred by many farmers due to offering a smoother overall riding experience and having less of an impact on the soil.

Shop our selection of tractors at Flieg’s Equipment. Our dealerships in Leadington and Ste. Genevieve, Missouri offer convenient access to communities like Farmington and Park Hills, Missouri. We also have promotions, parts ordering, servicing, and financing.