Farm Tires – Tips from the Pros

Expert Tips and Advice for Buying Farm & Tractor Tires

Farm Tires happen to be one of our biggest niches here at Ken Jones. Many years ago, founder Ken Jones decided to stock these tires that most tire dealers don’t want to bother keeping in their inventory.They also tend to be products that consumers have a lot of questions about before they are ready to purchase. That is why we welcome your phone calls, emails and chat messages! We know that choosing the right tire for your tractor or hay wagon may not be that simple. It’s always best to consult a true agricultural tire expert for these types of tires- not a passenger tire company that just happens to offer tires for farm equipment.

What are Farm Tires?

Well, generally you are talking about tractor tires and implement tires for wagons, spreaders and other types of equipment used out in the fields.They usually are offered in various tread designs and lug depths to meet traction and steering needs. Since dependability can make the difference to your bottom line, we feel it is extremely important to offer the best brands and tread styles for all of our customers’ needs. A commercial farmer is going to need a very different type of tire than the weekend farmer, right? So this is not a “one size fits all” type of industry.

 

Considerations BEFORE you buy farm tires

Equipment Type

Most older tractors are 2WD, while newer machines are 4WD. 4WD machines use all R-1 (rear tractor tires), where 2WD machines utilize steering tires (designated F-2) on the front. This is also true for many types of construction equipment such as older backhoes.

Tire Size

This may seem like a given, but there are many factors that go into choosing the right size tire for your tractor. Horsepower and load weight need to be considered when finding the right size.

Bias vs. Radial

While bias tires tend to be the lower priced option, radial tires offer a smoother ride, greater traction (sometimes 10-15% greater traction), reduced soil compaction, and longer tread life. You can also run them at lower air pressure. This can reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency. This is why you may want to speak with a farm tire expert before making a decision.

Ply Rating

Ply rating is determined by the load weight carrying capacity. That is why it is extremely important to have an idea of what equipment will be added and any additional weight for your application.

Other Factors to Consider

• Expected time of ownership
• hours of use per year
• type of use
• tractor age
• tractor type
• soil types
• tillage practices
• distance and frequency of road use
• pavement vs. gravel surface use
• economics

Tractor Tire Tubes

Many tractor and farm tires require the use of a tube. This is designated by the letters “TT” after the tire size. Many equipment operators choose to use a tube even in a non tube type tire. Tubes prevent air leakage (particularly in cold weather) and can sometimes increase the life of a tire if it is a very small leak. Liquid ballast can be added to tractor tires with a tube to increase stability and traction with extra weight.Ken Jones stocks the best selection of tractor tire tubes as well as inner tubes for all of your equipment.

Tractor Tire Chains

Tractor chains will keep your equipment operating in all types of weather and conditions. They provide extra traction for hilly terrain and when operating on hard packed snow and ice. We stock the best selection of styles for all of your equipment. As with all the products we sell, we offer expert product support to help you find what you need.

Ask the Experts