Bridgestone Team | 5 min read
When looking for front steer tires it is important to understand what the tractor’s normal tasks will be and understand which rib configurations are ideal for those tasks.
Front steer tires on your 2WD tractor carry the load of the front axle and generate the lateral force to steer your tractor in soil and on pavements. Since these tires are free rolling, the tread pattern is what develops the force needed to steer the tractor. To generate enough force, 2WD steer tires typically have a deep rib pattern to engage the soil or paved surfaces.
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know when choosing front steer tires.
From a single rib to five ribs, there’s an option that’s designed to work best with your tractor needs.
Three Rib – This pattern was designed for tractors that operate in a mixture of loose soils and paved surfaces. The taller center rib develops the force when steering in loose soil and the outside ribs help carry the load when operating on paved surfaces. This tread pattern is an excellent choice for most 2WD tractors without front-end loaders.
Four Rib – This pattern was designed for tractors that operate in a mixture of loose soils and paved surfaces and have a front-end loader. The four ribs develop the force when steering in soils and on paved surfaces while the constant rib height provides an even load distribution on hard surfaces. This even load distribution contributes to longer tire life on hard surfaces especially when used on tractors with front-end loaders. It should be noted with any loader application be sure to check the load capacity of the tire and compare it with the front axle load of the tractor in combination with the loader and a full loader bucket.
Shallow Five Ribs – This pattern was designed for tractors and backhoes that operate on paved surfaces and have a front-end loader. Operating on paved surfaces requires less rib height to prove a steer force and the larger number of ribs allows for a greater load distribution.
Proper inflation matters
Correct tire pressure for the load and speed can vary, but the FIRESTONE AG TIRE INFLATION CALCULATOR can provide the information that you are looking for. The calculator allows you to select your application, including tractor, sprayer, harvest combine, grain cart, or implements. Next you will input axel position and tire configuration to help the calculator understand how your equipment is set up. Lastly, enter in your tire size and axel load and select “Calculate” to see the correct PSI for your equipment. A handy tool to have in your toolbox, Firestone recommends bookmarking it on your phone or computer.
Between the size, rib, ply, and other choices to consider, picking the right tire can seem overwhelming, and get in the way of keeping your farm running as efficiently and effectively as possible. For help on your purchase decision or guidance on selecting the correct tire for the job, contact your local Firestone Ag Certified Dealer.
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