Tractor tyre tread codes: R-1, R-1W, R-2, R-3, R-4, F-2, I-1

Farm tyre sidewalls often carry short codes such as R-1, R-1W or F-2. They describe the tread pattern class and tell you what job the tyre was designed for. Two tyres of the same size behave very differently in the field if their tread class differs.

Rear (drive) patterns

• R-1: Standard agricultural tread. Classic angled lugs; good traction in dry and normal soil, self-cleaning.
• R-1W: About 20% deeper lugs than R-1 (W = wet). Better grip in wet, muddy fields and longer life. The most common rear choice today.
• R-2: Very deep lugs for rice paddies, cane fields and permanently wet ground.
• R-3: Shallow, dense turf tread for lawns, golf courses and parks where the surface must not be damaged.
• R-4: Industrial tread for loader and backhoe tractors; durable on hard ground and road, a compromise between field and pavement.

Front (steering) patterns

• F-1: Single-rib front tyre on older 2WD tractors.
• F-2: Three-rib (sometimes four) front tyre, the most common on 2WD tractors; gives steering control and resists side slip.
• F-2M: A multi-purpose F-2 with a more pronounced centre.
• F-3: Industrial front tyre focused on load.

On 4WD tractors the front axle also drives, so front tyres are usually the same class as the rear (R-1 or R-1W).

Trailer and implement tyres

• I-1: Rib implement and trailer tyre for free-rolling wheels that need no traction.
• I-3: Traction implement tyre for towed machines on loose soil.

For more, see the trailer tyre selection guide.

Which should I choose?

For most fields R-1W is a good default on the rear. If the tractor mainly works on roads and hard ground, consider R-4. Orchard, vineyard and greenhouse tractors favour narrow sizes; see the narrow orchard tyres guide. Changing tread class does not change the size, but because lug depth differs, both tyres on one axle should share pattern and wear level.