Why a Tractor Tire’s Tread Pattern is Essential

A farm tire’s ability to deliver traction is a big factor in its overall performance.

A tractor tire providing good traction increases the tractor’s productivity and reduces the tractor’s fuel consumption. It can also minimize slipping and sliding which reduces efficiency, burns more fuel and can tear up a field which has all sorts of negative consequences.

No single part of a tractor tire is responsible for delivering traction, but the tread pattern and lug depth play a major role in determining how much traction a tractor tire delivers.

Tire Lugs

The angle of the farm tire’s lugs is certainly a big factor in dictating traction. CEAT FARMAX radial tractor tires, such as the

The FARMAX R85 features a lower lug angle at the shoulder for superior traction in the field.

CEAT FARMAX R85, feature a higher angle lug and lug overlap at the center of the tread for superior roadability, which is increasingly important as farmers such as Justin Studstill in Georgia work many fields separated by miles of roadway. A lower angle at the shoulder of CEAT FARMAX tractor tires delivers superior traction in the field.

In addition to dependable traction in the field and a smooth ride on the road, CEAT FARMAX tractor tires have a wider tread with larger inner volume which helps reduce soil compaction.

In addition to the higher angle and lug overlap at the center and lower angle at the shoulder, the CEAT TORQUEMAX features a tilted lug tip that reduces vibration and noise. The rounded shoulders of this tractor tire for high-powered tractors ensure lesser damage to soil and crops.

Lug-to-Void Ratio

The space between a tire’s lugs is also a very important factor in traction. The space allows tractor tires to expel mud, dirt, and water for better traction. Treads with lower lug-to-void ratios work better in the field. Tires with higher lug-to-void ratios work better on hard surfaces like the road. Ideally, the tractor tire, like the CEAT FARMAX line, delivers the best of both worlds – dependable traction in the field and a smooth ride on the road.

Tread Depth

An R-1W farm tire, like the FARMAX R70, is a more aggressive type of tractor tire in terms of tread; the W (wet) in the name signifies its ability to perform tasks in deep mud or clay. This ability comes from a 25 percent deeper cleat compared to the R1 tire.

A discussion of tractor tire tread patterns would not be complete without a look at the difference between R1 and R-1W tires.

R1 tractor tires are excellent tires for everyday farm chores. They perform decently in muddy fields and dirt but are not as capable in the snow.

The R-1W farm tire, like the FARMAX R70, is a more aggressive type of tractor tire in terms of tread; the W (wet) in the name signifies its ability to perform tasks in deep mud or clay. This ability comes from a 25 percent deeper cleat compared to the R1 tire.

The Bottom Line

A very important consideration when selecting the tread pattern of the tractor tire is the intended application; is it meant to be used for pulling, plowing, tilling or something else?

Doing some of your own research and getting advice from your local Ag tire dealer, you can make an informed decision on a very importance purchase for your farm.