How to Choose the Perfect Tractor Tires

The right tires can make a big difference in optimizing your tractor's performance. But with all the options on the market, it can be hard to know which ones will best fit your unique needs. We've created the following beginner's guide to buying tractor tires. If you have any questions or want advice on finding the best tractor tires, get in touch with us at our dealership.

Different Types of Tractor Tires

Tractor tires are broken down into different categories. A great place to start your shopping experience is to settle on a specific type of tractor tire.

R1 tires (also known as agricultural tires) are usually used for dryland farming. They are constructed with lugs running at deep angles, which help them grip the land with ease.

R2 tires are usually used on wetland, such as the grounds found in rice paddies and other farming that is more common outside of North America. Their increased tread depth allows them to navigate the slippery turf.

R3 tires (also called turf tires) are known as general use tires. They offer traction needed to cruise over loose material, such as gravel or sand. They also have the least impact on the ground below.

R4 tires are often used on industrial projects. Their interwoven tread and lug design provide great traction while also minimizing the impact on turf. But it's important to note these tires may be too big for some tractors.

For most tractor needs, people tend to stick with R1 or R3 tires. For exceptionally wetland, choose R2 tractor tires. For very hard ground, pick R4 tractor tires.

Bias Ply or Radial?

Both of these tire styles offer benefits. Bias-ply tractor tires, when used at a lower speed, are going to be more budget-friendly to maintain and replace. They are also more durable and are built with a sidewall that is less prone to damage.

Radial tractor tires are going to cost more upfront. But this higher cost leads to many perks. They lead to a smoother ride, offer a longer tread length (especially on rough terrain), and will impact the soil less. They also run at a lower air pressure more effectively to give you more efficient performance and help you save money on fuel.

Load Rating

Another important decision to make is what load rating you will need in your tractor tire. It's important to get a high enough load rating. Otherwise, your tires won't operate efficiently while overweight. Load ratings are shown as stars that correlate to the maximum tire pressure measured in PSI. You can usually find these ratings after the tire's width and diameter ratings.

We hope you found this buyer's guide helpful. For more advice or to shop tractors for sale, visit Central Arkansas Mahindra. Our expert staff is happy to answer questions, provide advice, and assist you with whatever you need. We are based in Little Rock, AR. We also proudly serve those in Sherwood, Conway, and Hot Springs.