6 Agricultural Tyre Tips You Need To Know
11/10/2017 - Big Tyres
If you are looking to get the most out of your current tyres or take great care of your new ones, then these are the best practices and regular checks you will need!
1. Inflation Pressure Matters
The use of proper inflation pressure is one of the most important factors that go into the satisfactory performance and maintenance of tractor tyres and implement tyres. Correct inflation pressure can be determined by weighing the loaded axle (i.e. rear tractor axle with implement in raised position) and then referring to the load\/inflation tables shown for the tyre size. All tables give load per tyre.
Under-inflation - Can cause damage to the cord body of the tyre. The continued abnormal flexing of the tyre causes premature failure of the tyre carcass.
Over-inflation - Should be avoided except for hillside ploughing and when the tractor is required to operate on hard surfaces for any length of time.
Inflation pressures should be checked regularly (at least every two weeks). For accurate inflation use a special low pressure gauge which should be checked for accuracy at least once a year. A special gauge is required for testing tyres filled with water or antifreeze solutions. To determine the true operating pressure for water inflated tyres; the valve should be at the bottom of the tyre. Tyres should be tested when they are cold and before the tractor is put into operation. A tyre that appears to have sufficient pressure when it is hot will be under-inflated when it cools. So make sure you check the pressure outside, and not in the warmth of a garage.
Road and field work require different inflation pressures. Make sure that all times, the inflation pressures are adjusted according to the work conditions.
2. Recommended Rims are Recommended for a Reason!
The use of rims narrower than the recommended brings potential mounting problems because the rim shield or flange cover moulded into most tyre designs tends to interfere with the seating of the tyre beads on a narrow rim. Once mounted on a narrow rim, the tyre rim shield applies undue pressure on the rim flange, with possible tyre sidewall separation or premature rim failure at heel radius.
On a narrow rim the tread is rounded. As with over-inflation tyre tread-wear will be concentrated in the centre area of the tread and traction in the field will be reduced. Always use the recommended rim.
3. Spinning Causes Tyre Wear
Tractor tyres with insufficient wheel weights or excessive inflation pressure will wear the tread bars smooth or will snag and cut the bars when subjected to tyre spinning on abrasive surfaces. Addition of weights, adjustment of inflation pressure to recommendations, decreasing of draft load and proper operation will remedy this condition.