Many farmers will be replacing worn or damaged equipment tires this spring before heading to their fields. Selecting the right tires is key to receiving the best value and performance, according to James Crouch, farm segment market manager for Michelin Agricultural tires.
Crouch identifies these five key factors farmers should take into account when purchasing replacement tires:
- Select the best tire for your application – Start by looking at the same tire size that you currently have on the machine, and then explore what options are available in that size to meet the specific conditions on your farm. For example, this might entail specific load carrying requirements or environmental issues, such as the need for stubble resistance.
- Deliver more horsepower to the ground – As farm equipment gets bigger and more powerful, larger tires are needed to efficiently transfer power to the ground. Make sure you have enough rubber, since undersized tires can result in poor traction, reduced fuel economy and an increased tendency for compaction.
- Consider value, not just cost – A replacement tire that offers the best value is not necessarily the one with the lowest price. Select a tire that is best for your application needs while also offering good performance and durability. That’s the best measure of the overall cost of ownership and return on your tire investment.
- Maximize tire life – For additional durability, run with tires as close to the tire manufacturer’s recommended air pressure as possible. This allows the tire to perform as it was designed, which promotes maximum casing and tread life.
- Reduce soil compaction – IF (increased flexion) or VF (very high flexion) tires offer a larger footprint, spreading the machine weight to help reduce soil compaction that can damage roots and reduce yield potential. Higher flexion tires also provide for a more comfortable ride during long hours in the field.
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