When should tractor tires be replaced?

Replacing tractor tires is a big expense, but working on worn-out tires wastes fuel and time and is dangerous on the road.

Tread depth

A field tire's grip comes from its lugs. As they wear, slip increases and the tractor does the same work slower and with more fuel. Worn front tires reduce steering grip.

Sidewall cracks and bulges

Sun and age harden rubber and cause fine cracks. A bulge means internal plies have separated; the tire can burst and must be replaced at once.

Cuts and punctures

Cuts deep enough to show the cords may not be repairable. Constant air loss on a tubeless tire can also be a sign.

Age

On low-hour tractors tires age before the tread wears. Check the date code on the sidewall.

Uneven wear

One-sided wear points to pressure, alignment or a 4WD ratio problem; fix the cause or the new tire will wear the same way.

When replacing

• Replace both tires on an axle together.
• Keep the 4WD front/rear ratio.
• Find your factory tire pairs from the home page.