Decoding Tractor Tire Sizes – Countryside
Understanding the gibberish printed on the sidewall of your tires is the first step to understanding what you need to buy. Different sized tractors require different tractor tire sizes and styles.
Standard Size Expression
Manufacturers can express tractor tire sizes in two ways: the standard format uses the “standard” format, and the metric format uses the “metric” format. A tire in the standard format is 14.9 x 42, which means it is 42 inches wide by 42 inches deep.
Metric Size Expression
A metric tractor tire size expression might look like this: “520/85R42.” The “520” part indicates that the tire is 520mm wide, “R” indicates that it is a radial tire, and “42” indicates the rim size in inches.
Aspect Ratio
The number “85” in the metric example is a percentage ratio; a tire labeled “520/85R42” has a sidewall height of 442mm (520 x 0.85 = 442). This percentage is known as the tire’s “aspect ratio.”
Other Numbers
The dash “-” indicates that this is a bias-ply tire, and “42” is the wheel diameter. “A8” is a speed index number (A8 means this tire can go up to 25 MPH), and “R1” indicates the tread style of the tire.
Radial or Bias-Ply
Many tractors still come from the factory with bias-ply tires, primarily as a cost-cutting measure. Radial tires offer better traction, better weight distribution across tread width, and longer tread life.
Load Rating Systems
Load ratings vary depending on tractor tire sizes and star ratings, but this is usually marked in plain English near the star rating on tires labeled with the metric sizing method.
Selecting Proper Tractor Tire Sizes
Most tractors have a shorter front tire than their rear tire (most modern farm tractors are 4u00d74), and changing this size ratio can destroy your gear train. If you have questions about different tire size compatibilities, consult your tractor’s manufacturer.
What you Need to Know
The metric system is a convoluted expression system that uses millimeters to show width, a percentage to indicate sidewall height, and an inch-based wheel size. The standard method of tire size expression is straightforward, but it leaves you searching for additional information such as load ratings and style.
What is the diameter of a tractor tire?
Standard Size Expression The standard method of size expression is simple, but not as descriptive as metric. For example, a tractor tire size expressed in the standard format would be ” 14.9-42,” where the “14.9” indicates the tire width and the “42” indicates that the tire fits a 42-inch diameter wheel.
How do I know if my tractor tire is bias or radial?
A radial tractor tire is made up of two parts that allow the tire’s sidewall to flex independently of the face or tread area, whereas a bias tractor tire is made up of a single ply wrapped diagonally from one side to the other.
What do tractor tire size numbers mean?
The three-number system for lawn tractor tires works a little differently: the first number before the “x” indicates the tire’s diameter when inflated and not under load, the middle number between the “x” and the “-,” indicates the tire’s width, and the final number indicates the rim’s width.
How do you read tractor tire sizes?
How to Measure the Size of a Tractor Tire
- The first number (16.9) represents the tire width sidewall to sidewall in inches, and the second number (30) represents the rim diameter in inches.
Which TYRE is best for tractor?
India’s Top 6 Tractor Tyre Manufacturers
- BKT Tyres
- MRF Tyres
- Good Year Tyres
- CEAT Tyres
- Birla Tyres
- JK Tyres
- Apollo Tyres
- BKT Tyres
Which is better radial or bias tires?
Radial tires, on the other hand, perform better than bias tires, and the difference is immediately noticeable: the ride is smoother, the trailer does not bounce and sway as much, and radial tires have a longer life. The ability to carry a heavy load is the most important characteristic of any trailer tire.
Do tractor tires have steel belts?
Radia tires, on the other hand, are made up of two parts: the body plies run perpendicular to the bead, and the undertread hugs the circumference of the tire with steel belts, preventing sidewall movement from being transferred into the tread, resulting in reduced soil compaction.
Is Radial better than bias ply?
Radial tires dissipate heat better than bias-ply tires, allowing them to travel at higher speeds for longer distances. “Radials are much more effective at reducing heat due to a rigid tread, single steel body ply construction, and the absence of multiple nylon plies,” Mills says.
What does SL mean on tractor tires?
SL stands for Standard Load, and it refers to implement tires.
Can I put bigger tires on my riding mower?
Larger tires will provide additional clearance, though you may need to make adjustments to the deck and blades, and you may need to extend the axle to fit the new tires. We’ll also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a larger tire.
Do tractor tires have date codes?
– Last two numbers – This is the year your tire was manufactured. – “0819” 0 Indicates a tire manufactured in the 8th week of 2019.
Can you put different width tires on the same rim?
Simply put, the larger your tire, the better your vehicle’s grip on the road. For example, your vehicle’s rims are a specific size, but you can buy different sizes of tires to fit those rims as long as the middle of the tires is the correct size.
What are the different types of tractor tires?
Tractor tires are available in three different types on the market. Tractor Tire Types
- Industrial Tractor Tires (R4)
- Agricultural Tractor Tires (R1)
- Turf Tractor Tires (R3)
What do the 3 numbers mean on tire size?
B: TIRE WIDTH The three-digit number after the letter is the tire’s width in millimeters (from side to side, looking at the tire head on), also known as the section width. In this case, the aspect ratio is 65, which means the sidewall is 65 percent as high as the tire is wide.