What’s the Difference Between R-1 and R-1W Tires?

Bridgestone Team

When choosing to place radial traction tires on a tractor, one of the most common questions we hear is whether R-1 or R-1W tires are best. When looking at the price difference between the two tire types, farmers wonder what they get for the higher price of an R-1W. So, to help you make the most informed decision, here’s what you need to know about the performance benefits for R-1 and R-1W tires.

R-1 vs. R-1W tires

The language itself, R-1 and R-1W, is a tire industry standard defining the minimum designed tread depth of an agricultural traction tire. The Tire and Rim Association defines the minimum bar height based on the tire width and the aspect ratio (height of the sidewall). The R-1 designation is the standard tread depth. The tread depth of an R-1W tire is at least 20 percent deeper than the same sized R-1 tire. In simple terms, R-1W tires have a taller bar height, but all the other dimensions, such as overall diameter and rated load capacity, are the same between the R-1 and R-1W tires.

Understanding R-1 and R-1W tires classification

The R1 meaning refers to the standard designation for agricultural tires with a conventional tread depth, mainly for general-purpose field work. The "W" in r1w tires stands for “Wet,” indicating a deeper tread designed for better performance in moist and sticky soils, giving you assurance when conditions aren’t ideal.

The Tire and Rim Association sets recognized standards for agricultural tires, covering minimum tread depth, bar geometry, and the naming convention for every class. These standards make product selection straightforward and reliable for growers everywhere.

Both R1 tractor tires and R-1W tires serve distinct roles — choosing well comes down to matching tire design with your field’s changing soil and moisture conditions.

What about the soil conditions for R-1 and R1-W tires?

There isn’t a major performance difference between the two tire types—especially for farmers prioritizing soil compaction. Compaction generally occurs due to axle load and the pressure needed to support it; since both tires handle similar loads and inflation pressures, their impact on compaction is about the same. If you want less compaction, consider larger tire sizes or IF and VF tires to carry the loads at lower pressures (below 15 psi).

Traction differences between R-1 and R-1W depend on soil conditions and how the tire interacts with them. While R-1W offers deeper tread, it doesn’t always mean more traction—tread bar shape and angle matter too. For dry or normal moisture soils, R-1 tires perform superbly and are often the cost-efficient choice.
The R-1 and R-1W tires will have similar amounts of traction. Both tires work great in these soils, but if a farmer is debating the two tires because of cost vs. performance, the R-1 tire is more cost-efficient.
In wetter soil conditions, even if they are borderline, consider using an R-1W tire. Just like in dry soils, the R-1W tire doesn’t generate more traction over the R-1, but the deeper skid will help maintain traction in higher slip ranges. The extra cost of the R-1W helps ensure traction in those areas, which helps with time and fuel efficiency.
In wet soils, like those in the Texas Bayou or the Gulf Coast region, neither the R-1W or the R-1 are the best choice. Instead, farmers could look to move up to an even deeper tread on R-2 tires. The tread depth of an R-2 tire is two times deeper than R-1 tires to help gain traction in those wet soils.

The surface matters

After considering the soil conditions, think through how often the tractor will be running on paved surfaces like the roads or concrete feedlots. If a farmer doesn’t have to drive many miles on the road to get to their fields or doesn’t operate in a concrete feed lot, then R-1 tires remain the practical, cost-savvy solution. If a farmer does travel long distances to get to their fields, or if the tractor operates in concrete feedlots, R-1W tires should be your go-to, they handle more hours and wear thanks to their deeper tread.

Best practices to extend tire life & minimize heat

Keep inflation pressures at recommended levels—don’t exceed manufacturer’s limits
Stick to the OEM’s speed limits on the road
Give tires breaks to cool between intense field work and highway travel
Check for stones or debris stuck in the tread that may speed up wear

Tire type quick reference

Keep reading for a list of Normal Tread Tires (R1), Wet/Sticky Traction Tires (R-1W) and Deep Tread Tires (R-2).

Quick Reference – Tire Types:

R-1 (Normal Tread): Standard r 1 tractor tires—everyday field use, moderate soil moisture.
R-1W (Wet/Sticky Traction): r1w tires—built for fields prone to wet or sticky conditions, with 20% deeper tread for grip and longer service life.
R-2 (Deep Tread): Double the R-1 depth, ideal for rice and highly saturated fields.
R-3 (Turf & Lawn): Shallow tread for gentle turf work: sod, golf, landscaping.
R-4 (Industrial & Construction): Loader-backhoe and industrial tractors; balances traction with surface care.

IF (Increased Flexion): Handles standard loads at ~20% lower pressure for more flotation and less compaction.
VF (Very High Flexion): Supports full loads at 40% lower pressure for advanced low-pressure and topsoil protection.

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