5 Reasons You Should Go Radial

Bridgestone Team

Looking for longer and smoother rides? It’s time to get over your bias and go radial. Radial tires offer lower fuel consumption, better traction, increased flotation and improved cut resistance in the tread. In fact, the reduction in flats will more than pay for itself. Let’s take a look at five reasons you need to get on board with radials.

What are radial tires?

If you’ve ever wondered what are radial tires and how they compare to other farm tire types, you’re in the right place. Radial tires feature plies arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel, unlike traditional bias (or cross-ply) tires where plies crisscross at an angle. This construction lets the sidewall and tread flex independently, resulting in an ideal blend of durability, comfort, and reliable field performance. 

They’re durable

Because the construction of radials allows the sidewall and tread to function independently, this lends flexibility and strength to the tire, resulting in increased durability and improved tread wear.

Radial tires reduce soil compaction

Radials can operate at lower inflation pressures, creating a wider footprint, which distributes weight more uniformly over a larger area, resulting in less soil compaction for greater yields.

They increase comfort on the road

The increased sidewall flex of radials absorbs shocks and impacts, giving the operator a smoother, more superior ride.

Radial tires deliver more traction

Radials offer a greater, more uniform tire footprint, allowing the tread to hold evenly and more firmly on the ground. More rubber on the ground means less slippage and more traction.

They help improve productivity

Wider footprint, thoughtful construction and increased flexibility allow more work to get done in the field in less time, proving radial's superior performance over its bias counterpart.

Bias vs. radials

See the difference between bias and radial tires – and learn which is best for your needs.

Choose your Firestone radial

You and your farm deserve the best. We recommend these four radials to get the job done right.

MAXI TRACTION™

  • Key Specs: Sizes: 380/85R34–800/70R38. Load Index: up to 180 (23,000 lbs). Speed: up to 40 km/h. Tread Depth: Extra deep for long life.

  • Ideal for: Heavy tractors and high-horsepower equipment on medium to heavy soils, high-yield row crops.

  • Technology: Dual-angle lugs for outstanding traction, patented rubber compounds for durability.

RADIAL DEEP TREAD 23°

  • Key Specs: Sizes: 18.4R38–480/80R50. Load Index: up to 166. Tread Depth: Deep (23° bar angle).

  • Ideal For: Loamy to wet soils, rear and all-position use, tillage, and plowing equipment.

  • Technology: Classic 23° bar angle for self-cleaning and traction, reinforced bead for secure rim fit.

RADIAL ALL TRACTION DT

  • Key Specs: Sizes: 420/85R28–520/85R42. Load Index: up to 158. Speed: 30 km/h typical. Tread Depth: Moderate/deep for hybrids.

  • Ideal For: Multi-purpose tillage, utility tractors, and loaders; sandy or mixed soil.

  • Technology: Multi-angle lugs for smooth operation on roads, advanced carcass for balanced buoyancy and traction.

PERFORMER EVO

  • Key Specs: Sizes: 380/85R28–480/80R42. Load Index: 144–155. Tread Depth: Balanced for livestock operations.

  • Ideal For: Livestock tractors, loaders, and pasture management; lighter-weight equipment.

  • Technology: X-tended wear compound, reinforced lugs for greater performance on mixed terrain.

Radial tires have plies running perpendicular to the direction of travel, allowing the tread and sidewall to flex independently. Bias tires have plies that crisscross at angles. This makes radials smoother, longer-lasting, and less likely to compact soil than bias-ply tires.

 

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