Tractor Tires 101: Picking The Best, Common Problems, And More
ShareWhen it comes to maintaining the tractor that you use to tend to your property, few things are more important than the tractor tires on the piece of equipment. While the tires on your tractor are comparable to any other tire, they can be quite different. Take a look at a few common questions people tend to have about tractor tires, how to pick the best, how to avoid problems, and more.
What should you look for in good tires for your tractor?
There are three primary things to consider when you are looking for the best tires for your tractor, including:
- Sizing
- How you use the tractor
- Your budget
The most important thing is to look for tires that are the right size for your equipment. From here, look at how you generally use your tractor and the types of terrain you will be driving on. For example, if you commonly use your tractor for tending the fields, ag tires with good lugs and better gripping action are best. By contrast, if you spend more time on grass, you may need turf tires that are less likely to cause damage.
Is it true that driving a tractor on paved surfaces causes damage to tires?
This is a general fact that can apply to most types of tractor tires. It is not uncommon for tractor owners to run into issues with their tires and end up needing 24-hour commercial roadside service because there is some truth here. However, not all tractor tire types are going to face problems from driving on paved roadways. In most cases, tires with larger treads or lugs (which are the most common) can sustain excessive wear on paved surfaces.
Should you fill tractor tires with fluid?
Some owners do indeed add fluid to their tractor tires using what is referred to as liquid ballast. However, installing liquid ballast to tractor tires is not a necessity and does require using a special innertube so you do not inadvertently cause wheel corrosion or other issues. The liquid in the tires may be beneficial when you need a higher level of traction, such as on a muddy or slippery slope.
What are the most common problems with tractor tires?
Tractor tires are incredibly resilient, but they can face problems just as any other tire. A few of the more common problems include cracks, uneven wear, and surface bulges. Many of these issues are preventable. For example, uneven wear can be caused by wheel misalignment and cracks can be caused by overexposure to sunlight.
For more information, contact a company like East Bay Tire Co.