You've noticed that your agricultural tyres are wearing down quickly or irregularly, so you've decided to change them in order to maintain good traction performance.
But have you thought about what's causing the problem?

abnormal wear to your agricultural tyresBefore installing your new tractor tyres, you should identify the cause for this abnormal wear, otherwise the problem could reoccur and end up costing you even more money.

 

What is abnormal wear?

Tyre wear is inevitable, and one of the main signs is reduced lug height. This is caused by the rubber rubbing against the soil or road surface, and should usually be uniform across the entire width of the tyre tread. A tyre's life span can be extended if you use the right tyre pressure for the type of work, drive at a moderate speed and store the tyre correctly when not in use.

However, you may still see that the lugs are wearing too quickly or irregularly. This is an example of abnormal wear, and it's important you determine the cause so you can address it. Take advantage of the winter downtime to inspect your agricultural tools and vehicles.

In most cases, an incorrect mechanical configuration of your tools will be responsible for this wear, which you can determine simply by examining it.

 

Identifying the problem based on the observed wear

Below you'll find six examples to help you determine the probable causes behind the irregular wear to your tyres.

1. My tyres are only worn on one side

When a trailer axle is misaligned, the problem is also transferred to the tractor axles; the front and rear of the tractor will thus be pushed in opposite directions (see figure below).

Signs of scraping and lateral streaks on the lugs appear on the trailer's tyres as well as on the tractor's. The towing eye may also show signs of irregular wear.

Tyre wear cause: trailer axle out of adjustment
Maladjusted trailer axle
Misalignment transferred to the tractor's axles

2. "Sloped" wear

If the wear is confined to the outer side of the right tyre and the inner side of the left tyre, this might be caused by an incline in the road.

The problem is exacerbated if the working pressure is too low or if it's different on each side, but it can be rectified by adjusting the tractor's steering to minimise slip towards the bottom of the road.

The tyres can also be swapped over so they last longer. Ask to a local tyre expert to confirm, security first!

sloped wear - outer right - inner left
Sloped wear

3. Regular wear at the front and irregular wear at the rear

If the rear tyres have a "nipple" shape at the tip of the lug (with a higher thickness of remaining rubber), or even a bevelled edge, and signs of scraping while the front tyres are exhibiting normal wear, the problem may stem from road use when the front axle assembly is engaged.

In this case, you must inspect the front differential immediately because pronounced, irregular wear to the rear tyres will result in strong vibrations and will reduce the comfort and stability of your tractor.

Irregular wear to the rear tyresproblem with the front axle assembly

Irregular wear to the rear tyres due to a problem with the front axle assembly

4. Regular but rapid wear at the rear

Your rear tractor tyres look smooth, with more marked wear in the centre. This could mean you almost certainly use your tractor on the road to haul heavy loads. Tyre wear is accelerated by the road surface, which is more abrasive than soft soil, and the higher driving speeds. Check the distances travelled with the vehicle, and the split between roads and fields.

You can also calculate the load and compare it with the load capacity of the tyre you use. If the load is too heavy for the tyre, reduce it if possible or choose an agricultural tyre with a higher loading capacity. Also consider increasing the pressure when driving your tractor on the road with a heavy load.

regular and fast tyre wear

Rapid regular wear due to towing heavy loads on the road

5. Central wear on the lug tip

Greater wear in the middle of agricultural tyres is probably a sign that your tyre pressure is too high, which causes the tyre to bulge and the it's the centre part that bears the brunt of the stress.

centralized wear due to excessive tyre pressure

Central wear when the working pressure is too high

6. Irregular wear to one side of the tyre that's symmetrical on both sides of the tractor

If the wear is predominantly on only one side of the tyre and there is left/right symmetry, check the front differential, the wheel alignment, and the clearance in the steering ball joints and bearings. A combination of causes is also possible:

  • Using the front axle assembly on winding journeys could explain this type of wear.
  • A camber problem may be responsible, i.e. if the wheels are not correctly aligned with the vertical or if they're misaligned (toe in, toe out). The tyres can be swapped over so they last longer.
regular and fast tire wear

Wear on just one side of the tyre

 

wear and tear on agricultural tyres parallelism defect
Misalignment

There may be other causes that have not been discussed in the examples above. If you notice another type of abnormal that's not been mentioned here, get in touch with your dealer so you can resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

Regular maintenance of your agricultural vehicles (checking the drive and brake components, and the shape of the differentials in particular) is key to ensuring your tyres will last.

 


To learn more and boost your farm's profits, Bridgestone Agriculture is offering you a free, detailed eBook that explains the essential role your agricultural tyres play in your productivity.

Download eBook: Increase the profitability of your operation

This information is intended only to make you aware of the technical and functional aspects of agricultural tires and their use. It does not allow you to make a judgment or a definitive conclusion on a given problem. Only your agricultural tire expert is able to make a technical assessment and take a final decision, case by case.