How To Choose The Right Tractor Tyre Pattern

12/10/2017 - Big Tyres

Tractor Tyres are the final interface between your machine and the ground, and play a large role in whether or not that power actually is delivered to the ground. Selection of the correct tyre should be through a thorough consideration of the size required, soil conditions encountered, tasks to be done, and price. Keep reading for more information on Tyre Patterns that will help in your decision making.

Farm tyres (R1 agricultural)

Also known as "Tractive", "Tractor Pattern" and "Open Centre". These tyres are found on farm machinery including tractors, backhoe loaders and telehandlers. R1W tyres (also called R1+) have a slightly deeper tread and a wider contact area, offering better performance on the road and in wet conditions.

These are your typical Tractor Tyres that you find on most tractors. They are the most aggressive tyre you can get for your tractor. They are ideal for muddy conditions.

Because they are very aggressive tyres, they are idea for field work. They’ll get you through all the muddiest conditions.

You get the most torque out of these tyres especially if they are radial tyres.

Turf Tyres (R3 turf)

Turf Tyres are also known as "Diamond" or "Grassland". These tyres are used to minimise ground disturbance on soft surfaces such as grass and sand. Because there is very little traction, these tyres are also comfortable and long-lasting when used on the road.

Turf tyres are very common. You’ll see them on the golf course, in the back yard, and just about everywhere.

Turf tyres are grass friendly and tend not to tear the ground up. They won’t leave imprints from their tread like an R1 farm tyre. They also have the most ground contact area since they have the shallowest tread depth. These tyres aren't very efficient in muddy environments however.

Turf tyres don’t offer as much torque power, and will slip in wet conditions. If you use turf tyres, it is best to use them in dry conditions.

Construction tyres (R4 tyres less aggressive)

Also known as "Industrial" or "ATU" (All Traction Utility), these tyres have the tractive lugs of an R1 tyre but with an area of overlap in the centre. These tyres are designed to balance traction with road and hard-surface performance.

Construction Tractor Tyres are made out of a harder material than your typical agricultural tyre. The idea behind this type of tyre is to give a tractor a bit of traction on a construction site.

They can handle high weights and pavement. They are ideal on construction equipment such as rough-terrain forklifts and telehandlers.

The R4 tyre has a very sturdy sidewall construction capable of handling heavier loads. This means that if you have loader work, these tyres will handle it unlike the R1 and R3 with softer sidewalls.

Front tyre Choices

Front tyres can come in the above styles, but often ribbed tyres are the preferred design. Rib tyres come in single, three, four and even five rib styles. Each has its own advantages.

Single-rib tyres get the designation, F-1, and are sometimes known as mono rib tyres. This style penetrates deep into the soil for maximum steering control.

Three-rib tyres get the designation, F-2, and offer maximum steering control as well as minimal lateral side-slip due to the design of the raised center rib.

Four-rib tyres get the designation, F-2M and are suitable for heavy loads on hard surfaces. Four rib tyres also have excellent load distribution and flotation qualities.

Five-rib tyres are industrial designs and offer good road handling and durability.

We carry extensive ranges of Agricultural and Construction Tyres.