By fitting tyres properly adapted to the specific crop or terrain characteristics, the machines used on the farm will be more efficient. This will make work in the field more productive, also significantly accelerating its pace. What are the characteristics of professional agricultural tyres and what makes this segment of the industry so special?
The right tyres for agricultural machinery can significantly improve productivity.
Characteristics of agricultural tyres
Similarly to truck or van models (available from Oponeo), agricultural tyres are a completely separate segment of the tyre industry. This is because they have completely different specifications to the versions designed for passenger cars. The versions designed for farm work must be able to navigate very rough terrain, including muddy ground. They are also made to withstand much higher loads.
These tyres are characterised by a deep tread with strongly defined blocks, and the rubber compound used in them should be extremely durable and flexible. Special reinforcements ensure an extended service life and increased resistance to mechanical damage, which happens frequently during agricultural work.
When choosing farming tyres, start with considering the profile of the farm. This is because each type of machine requires tyres with different characteristics. Models dedicated to a light tractor will be more geared towards providing adequate traction and efficiently negotiating obstacles, while machines used for harvesting should have tread that minimises the risk of crop damage and be geared towards navigating varied terrain (both dirt and tarmac).
The selection of tyres is not always a simple task, as also in the case of tyres dedicated to passenger cars. To make it easier, we have developed a tyre configurator: a tool that will allow you to quickly and reliably select the right size models for your vehicle.
Types of agricultural tyres
Among the most common tyres for agricultural machinery, we can distinguish between radial (R) and diagonal (D) models. These versions differ in their internal cord structure, which directly affects their properties. Very often, their choice depends on the difficulty of the ground they travel on, but also on the budget at our disposal.
Radial agricultural tyres
Radial models are currently the most common type of agricultural tyres. The applied carcass system makes, the sidewall more flexible, thus increasing its contact area with the road surface. This allows the tyres to exert less pressure on the ground, protecting the soil from damage. Its complex, multi-layered structure not only contributes to increased grip, but also reduces rolling resistance. Radial versions are also more durable than diagonal models, but their price is correspondingly higher. Thanks to their durability, tyres such as the Continental TractorMaster are ideal for machines used for transport, but also for field work.
Diagonal (bias/cross-ply) agricultural tyres
Diagonal tyres are an older type of tyre, but they are still in use. In this version, the carcass of the cord is laid at an oblique angle to the plies. They are definitely cheaper than radial models, but this is due to their lower durability and strength. However, they are still used in farm machinery. Among other things, they exhibit good grip in varying conditions, as well as greater resistance to sidewall damage. Another big advantage is their lower price. This type of tyre, such as the Alliance 324 Farm Pro model, is used on regular tractors or tractors designed for slightly lighter farm work.
IF and VF tyres
One of the latest developments in tyres for the agricultural industry is IF (increased flexion) oraz VF (very increased flexion). These are low-profile models with increased flexibility that can be operated at extremely low pressures. This allows them to work on varied terrain – this way, the machine is more stable, but can also move at higher speeds. However, these features go hand in hand with the highest price.
Some of the best-known brands specialising in agricultural models are Continental, Trelleborg, Alliance, Galaxy, Michelin, Kabat and Mitas.
The right tyres for your agricultural machine allow you to work faster and more efficiently.
Markings of agricultural tyres
The size of farming tyres is recorded in a similar way to that of tyres designed for passenger cars. However, they differ in their values. You can find out what type of carcass a particular model has e.g. by checking its size marking. For example, an R20 agricultural tyre is a radial version that has a diameter of 20 inches. The diagonal structure is noted in a slightly different way: one of the most common sizes is 10/75-15, where the dash in the notation indicates this type of structure.
The tyre marking also features information on the speed rating. Due to the nature of farm work, not all models fitted to agricultural machinery need to be adapted to driving at high speeds. The markings for tyres of this type are expressed by the symbols A1 to A8.
Table of agricultural tyre speed categories
Marking
| Maximum speed
|
|---|
A1
| 5 km/h
|
A2
| 10 km/h
|
A3
| 15 km/h
|
A4
| 20 km/h
|
A5
| 25 km/h
|
A6
| 30 km/h
|
A7
| 35 km/h
|
A8
| 40 km/h
|
The other most popular markings that can be found on a tyre include:
- PR –another term for a diagonal model,
- TL (Tubeless) – stands for a tubeless tyre,
- TT (Tube Tyre) – a model requiring an inner tube,
- M+S (Mud and Snow) – the tyre is suitable for snow and mud.
Agricultural tyres: new or used?
Buying new tyres for machinery used on the farm can be a very heavy burden on the budget. The price of one piece is depending on its intended use. This is why many people wonder whether used agricultural tyres would be a good option. Remember, however, that with models that had been already fitted to a vehicle, we can never be 100% sure of their quality or wear. Even if the previous owner claims that the tyres have not been used for too long, they may have been stored in unsuitable conditions, which significantly shortens their lifespan.
So if you are looking for a good solution on a smaller budget, a much better and more reliable alternative to a used set will be to buy new, cheap agricultural tyres. This ensures that they come from a trusted source. Also, in the event of any irregularities or damage, they are still covered by the manufacturer's guarantee.
When it comes to budget tyres, some of the most highly regarded models are Indian agricultural tyres by Farmking or BKT. The models in the catalogue of the aforementioned manufacturers offer very good value for money.