What is the average lifespan of an Ag tire? And what steps can a farmer take to prolong it?
The lifespan of agricultural (Ag) tires can vary widely based on factors like the type of tire, usage conditions, maintenance and load. Generally, you can expect:
- Radial Ag tires: 3,000 to 5,000 hours of use
- Bias-ply Ag tires: 2,000 to 3,000 hours of use
The first way to maximize tire life is to buy high-quality tires like CEAT. Pay attention to the materials used in their construction. For instance, the CEAT FLOATMAX RT for Ag trailers, has steel belted construction for resistance to puncture and stubble damage. Steel-belted construction is best for durability and heat dissipation. This tire also incorporates stubble guard compounds to minimize punctures and stubble damage. Many CEAT Ag radials also feature special design features ranging from reinforced sidewalls to bead guards to boost tire life.
The lifespan of an Ag tire is dependent on how it is used and for what purposes. If the tire is used only in the field, it will last much longer before wearing out. Unfortunately, with farms scattered and tractors traveling on the road quite a bit these days, Ag tire life is diminished due to road wear.
Proper maintenance, like regular inspections, inflation checks, and proper storage, can significantly extend tire life, while heavy loads and rough terrains can shorten their lifespan. Always consider the specific tire model and usage patterns for a more accurate estimate . . . your trusted tire dealer can provide good estimates based on the above criteria.
Ag tires have made tremendous gains in longevity in recent years. Ag tire manufacturers like CEAT devote considerable R&D resources to develop chemicals and other ingredients in the tire compound to help with ozone cracking, stubble damage and wear.
Of course. Good practices will add to the life of a tire. Proper inflation relevant to the load is critical. Make sure to have them set at the proper recommended pressure for the load, speed and application. This will prevent unnecessary damage and wear on the lugs and casing of a tire.
If possible, take the weight off the tires by lifting the machine slightly during prolonged periods of storage. This will help to prevent stress at the top of the tire casing and cause flat-spotting.
Washing off the tires from manure, oils or other foreign substances is a good practice. Storing tires out of direct sunlight when possible will also pay off in tire life.
The tread pattern has a huge influence on tire life. For instance, deeper lugs are not always better when it comes to choosing among R-1, R-1W and R-2 tires because tire life is not just a matter of how much rubber you have. If you’re operating primarily in mud, the deeper lugs of the R-1W or R-2 can be a great investment. But if you’re operating primarily in dry or hard soils or (are) doing a lot of roading, deep lugs will scour off more quickly or flex and crack, actually reducing your tire’s life. In those cases, you’d be better off with a shallower R-1 tread.
The most important factor in extending the life of farm tires is minimizing the buildup of heat. Don’t overload your tires. Don’t operate at speeds higher than they are built to handle. And the single best thing you can do for your tires is to operate them at the correct inflation pressure, which minimizes the chance of overheating.
On the road, an overinflated tire will bulge in the middle, reducing contact with the ground in the center of the tread, which is likely to lead to faster, more marked wear on the central part of the tire.
There are different drawbacks to driving with underinflated tires. Excessive casing deflection due to underinflation leads to a rise in internal temperature and the structure of the tire deteriorates progressively, which may lead to a sudden puncture or break in the casing. When a tire overheats, the rubber become more supple and therefore more vulnerable to wear. Ideally, you should adjust inflation pressure based on the load, the application and the type of ground.
Tires are a significant expense for any farm operation. Following these steps will help you get the most value out of your tire investment.