Are 45 Degree Lugs Best for Ag Tires?

AG TIRE TALK KEY TAKEAWAYS

MICHELIN: There are three primary options when it comes to lug angles of large Ag tires. Typical Ag tires are designed with a 45-degree lug angle; however, in the 1950s, Firestone introduced the 23- degree lug angle, and in the early 2000’s, a new hybrid lug design was also introduced to the market.

YOKOHAMA TWS: The 45-degree lug angle is the better choice for farming on hillsides. This is because this lug angle will help the operator keep the equipment in the rows. The lower angle lug tires contribute to equipment side slippage or dog-tracking. This can let the equipment run over existing crops.

MAXAM: IF and VF technology tires perform at top-tier rates when coupled with the 45° lug tread designs, delivering the load, speed, heat resistance, and endurance that is demanded both now and for the years to come.

BKT: Lower degree angles seem to do well in the field but do not handle the roads as well.

ASCENSO: Why are 45-degree lugs on R1- R1W tires becoming dominant?  Probably because it seems to meet in the sweet spot of traction and ride and gives a good net-to-void ratio for wear.

YOKOHAMA OFF-HIGHWAY TIRES AMERICA: The continuous angle tractor tire lug dates back to the era of steel wheels. It’s an enduring design, but some tire manufacturers have innovated more effective patterns that update tire technology to better serve today’s modern machinery.  

Yokohama TWS

Chris Neidert: AG Marketing, Training and Development Manager for Trelleborg & Mitas Tires – North America

Tread Design Differences

Let’s establish some understanding of what we are talking about with the term “lug angle”.  45- degree and 23-degree lug angles are the most common. The number comes from the angle of the lug in reference to the horizontal. As seen in the graphics below, a typical 23-degree tread lug is usually flatter, or more towards the horizontal and the 45-degree lug will point more towards the vertical.