Traction better with R1 size 12.4/38 or 14.9/30?

[geneP]

In non row crop use, which of the above sizes would give better traction on typical ground with grass/vegetation cover, some of it being occasionally wet? I ask because I'll probably get a 4000 Ford or 165 Massey in a few months and I see the variety of rear tire offerings. I can visualize a longer footprint with the 38" wheel and a wider one with the 30". If one is heads and shoulders above another, I'll plug it into my decision making.

 

[SPYDERLK]

With equal weight I think traction will be very similar. The larger dia tire will ride better and take you across obstacles more easily
larry

 

[MHarryE]

Have run into this in the past - the difference might be with the 38 inch rim you might get effective use from an additional lug making effective contact. If the lugs are spaced the same on the 30 and 38 inch tire, geometry is going to dictate that the lugs fore and aft of the lug at the bottom will be loaded higher on the 38 inch tire than on the 30. Note that most of the larger Ag tractors have now gone to 42 inch wheels.

 

[Zebrafive]

My vote is the 38" it would take a bigger hole, log, rock to stop it than the 30"
Which would be easier to push a wheel barrow with an 8" tire or 15" tire?

 

[vtsnowedin]

What about the sidewall height or profile. Is the outside diameter in direct proportion to the rim diameter.

 

[SPYDERLK]

The same occurred to me, but figured 8" inside would amt to more than the difference of 2" width. ... Maybe not.

 

[farmer2009]

Normally you gain traction faster by going taller instead of wider. Look online for a surface area calculator and calculate each footprint.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Surface area stays pretty close to supported weight/inflation pressure.