Tyre tips

Storage tips

When vehicles stand for a long time without working, you should jack the weight off the tyres and cover them against the effects of direct sunlight. Age and exposure to sunlight can cause tyres to crack long before the tread is worn down. Tubeless tyres should be stored vertically unless they are very small. When stored, flat small tyres should be positioned lug against lug. If fitted tyres are stored, inflation pressures should be reduced. Keep stored tyres away from heat, sources of ozone, and contact with grease, petrol, solvents or any other substances which may cause the rubber to deteriorate.

Mechanical lead on FWA tractors

The front tyres on FWA tractors need to turn at a slightly greater speed than the rear wheels to avoid drive-line wind-up which can lead to expensive mechanical failures. This is known as mechanical lead. Tyre sizes, and especially the rolling circumference, is crucial in maintaining the correct lead.

Importance of pressure

Pressure effects traction and load carrying capacity. For example, depending on tyre size, if pressure is reduced during heavy cultivation from 24psi to 9psi, traction can be increased by 22%. Lower pressures increase the number of lugs in contact with the ground. But pressure reductions also need to take into account axle weights, tyre loading and weight transference. Inflation pressures also affect wear. Both under inflation and over inflation cause rapid wear.