Tractor tires by design

Kickinbull · Mar 16, 2014

A while back there was a post about the industral tires on a lot of smaller mfwd tractors. It was said that they lose traction easier on hills and snow and ice. I have also read in the past that on hillside combines they use simular to turf tires. Would these also be better traction on a tractor in hilly conditions, or does it work best on the hillside combine because they tilt?

Bob Bancroft · Mar 16, 2014

I've had two backhoes, both came with "industrial" tires. (Sorry- I can never recall the R-1, R-4, etc. designations)
The tread was tractor like, but much shallower and wider. Made for a hard surface. Not so good for farm use.

The "diamond" tread on side hill combines, and elsewhere, I believe holds as well sideways as it does fore and aft.

Pete76NY · Mar 16, 2014

R4 tires: industrial tread are notoriously bad in mud; they fill up quick and become a racing slick. Same in snow to a certain extent. We sell 'em like crazy on compacts though as a compromise between turf (horrible traction) and R1 ags (damage to lawns) and because people think they look tough. No matter what tire you get, if you are on ice ya need chains.
Personally if I were purchasing I'd go ag tires unless the vast majority of your work is mowing (turf) or industrial type work (R4).

Mark - IN. · Mar 16, 2014

I have never seen turf tires on a combine. I had a set once on a smaller compact tractor. Turf tires grab absolutely nothing. They are made not to damage grass because they float and grab absolutely nothing. If you are working on absolutely flat, dry surface with zero grade, you could get away with turfs IF you don't have to pull anything. If there is any grade what so ever, and it gets damp, you are screwed because even on flat wet surface they become slicks, especially if you have to pull something. If there is any hill what so ever, even if its dry, with turfs you are screwed. I gave mine away at 90% to an elderly couple through the Deere dealer because they couldn't afford new tires, and the dealer gave them to and mounted them for free. To be honest with you, I felt bad that even though they got them for free, that I saddled them with them in a round about way, which in my mind makes me a bad guy. Ag tires, either bias ply or radial, or nothing.

They say that there are uses for turf tires, although my experience with them is that I can't think of one, other than a sand box for kids to play in.

Mark

Tractor tires by design

Kickinbull

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Bob Bancroft

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Pete76NY

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Mark - IN.

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