Bridgestone Team

Choosing between tracks and tires for your tractor comes down to weighing the pros and cons for your unique equipment, field needs, and working environment, plus a bit of personal preference. The right move is the one that fits your operation best, and we're here to make that choice clearer.

Keep reading for three key ways to know if you should replace your tires.

To understand the differences between tracks and tires, we'll start with tracks themselves. Tracks are a continuous tread system on a self-propelled vehicle, rather than rolling like wheels, track lugs push the tractor forward. This push vs. pull effect often leads to the misconception that tracks always result in less soil compaction and offer better flotation. Firestone tracks aren't just a single slab of rubber. They use self-centering technology to significantly reduce guide lug wear, which is the leading cause of track failure. And thanks to their tapered inner surfaces, the lugs stay centered naturally for reliable performance.

While you might know tracks from steel-plate designs, lighter agricultural rubber tracks resemble oversized tread bands reinforced with internal steel wires. Riding on tracks gives your tractor a larger surface area in contact with the ground compared to tires. This spreads the machine’s weight more evenly, potentially resulting in less compaction.

Whether your job is row cropping, tilling, plowing, or harvesting with combines, you’ll find 2-track, 4-track, and hybrid track options built for the task.

Both systems have pros and cons, so it is important to understand the facts and benefits about each system and determine which is best for your operation. In many operations, it could be a combination of both systems depending on your soil needs, overall cost and individual farming needs. Learn more about the different influential factors below.

Tracks vs. Tires Comparison

After all this, it’s easy to see there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it’s a personal choice based on what really matters for your farm. If you’re width-limited or working wet ground, tracks may suit you best. Want to lower up-front costs and can dial in inflation for your axle loads? Tires might be your pick. Keep in mind: wet soils mean compaction risk for both. Think through the price, upkeep, your field conditions, and the local weather.

Because all of these decisions are costly when it comes to purchasing tractors tires or tracks, it can be helpful to talk with your nearby Firestone Dealer to help you understand your options and make the right decision for you. 

For many farmers, reducing soil compaction is one of the biggest reasons to consider tracks. A wider, longer footprint means better flotation and fewer deep ruts; tracks spread their weight out instead of piling up a mound of soil out front like a tire trying to pull itself forward.

That advantage shows up especially in wet or muddy ground, though it’s important to remember that, in extreme conditions, both tracks and tires can create compaction and ruts. Ultimately, side-by-side studies show that the comparison depends a lot on tire inflation, equipment configuration, and actual soil moisture. 

Firestone Ag has conducted studies on soil contact pressures on two and four-track systems and wheeled tractors and has published technical papers with the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). The results show:

• If the tires' inflation pressure is less than 20 psi, tires transmit less contact pressure to the soil compared to tracks. 

• From 20 to 35 psi, the tracks and wheel systems were comparable.

• If the tires' inflation pressure is above 35 psi, the track system had lower contact pressure than the tires, a valuable investment. 

While some claim that tracks improve fuel efficiency by preventing vehicles from getting stuck in soil, studies show no significant fuel consumption difference between tracks and tires. Nonetheless, some track manufacturers report fuel savings in wet or muddy conditions.

Track systems are most efficient with 0-3% slip, while wheeled systems are best at 5-9% slip. Although tracks provide better traction, they often require more horsepower, potentially increasing fuel consumption. Tracked and properly inflated wheeled tractors usually consume similar fuel levels for the same task. However, overinflated tires reduce a wheeled tractor's traction, emphasizing the importance of correct tire inflation for optimal fuel economy.

The last item a customer should consider would be the total cost of ownership. Typically, a tracked tractor will cost more to purchase versus a similarly equipped wheeled tractor. Both systems require regular maintenance during the life of the tractor. For a tracked machine, it is important to make sure the track tension is set correctly, and boggy wheels are greased or oil levels are maintained.

On wheeled tractors, the inflation pressure must be set based on the axle load and maintained when operating the tractor. If the tractors are driven over abrasive stubble (corn or cotton), both tracks and tires will experience stubble damage. The track system has the advantage of not going flat because of punctures but exposing the steel in the tracks still requires replacing the tracks, just like seeing the cords in a tire.

Other cost factors also need to be considered. Cost of ownership is always the ultimate deciding factor, yet it comes down to where you want to spend your money and what is important to you. Tracked tractors will cost more to purchase versus a similarly equipped wheeled tractor. However, both tractors will require regular maintenance during the tractor’s life and will provide cost efficiencies if they are well maintained. 

Sample 5-Year Cost-per-hour Comparison (Estimated, 300-hp Tractor):

*For reference only, consult your dealer for your situation

For tracked tractors, it is essential to pay close attention to maintenance details. This includes setting the track tension correctly, greasing the drive wheels, and keeping the oil levels adequately maintained. Typically, rubber tracks have an average lifespan of around 1,200 working hours.

Wheeled tractors, on the other hand, require careful management of tire inflation pressure based on the axle load. The pressure should be maintained during operation, with adjustments made for ballasting if necessary.

Both tracked and wheeled tractors are subject to wear and tear, especially when driven over abrasive materials like corn or cotton stubble or on poorly maintained roads. This can result in tread damage for both tracks and tires. While only tires can go flat if punctured, track systems will show wear over time. When the steel in a track becomes exposed, it is necessary to replace them just as you would replace a tire that has become threadbare.

Find the tire that's right for you

Try our interactive Tire Selector Tool. Enter your equipment, row spacing, and soil type to get Maxi Traction recommendations, pressure settings, and nearby dealers.