Tires High Flotation Fronts

[CTPhil]

I'm going to need new front tires on my 2WD Ford Industrial, and would ideally like to have more ag type tires. I could go 3 rib, but am not crazy about how they tear up turf. 4 rib fronts offer the vague promise of "flotation". I often have to feed out round bales in extremely muddy conditions, so my thoughts are drifting in that direction.

Years ago I had use of a neighbors IH 684, it had pretty wide implement type front tires. I couldn't help but notice that the front end didn't sink in when I was haying on wetland fields. So I'm wondering about getting 8 inch or wider rims and going in that direction.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[TripleR]

My brother uses truck tires on the front of his Ford.

 

[CTPhil]

My brother uses truck tires on the front of his Ford.

That's the cheapest option, assuming used, but I'd like to at least entertain the notion that there may be a better way to go. (assuming I can afford it).

 

[TripleR]

That's the cheapest option, assuming used, but I'd like to at least entertain the notion that there may be a better way to go. (assuming I can afford it).

Yes, they are used, we all drive trucks from 1/2 to ton, so good used tires are no problem.

 

[CTPhil]

I'm actually having problems locating used truck tires here. (7.50x16)

 

[Dead Horse]

check out the local recycle center....... people bring old wheels and tires there all the time. even junk tires are fine, if you install tubes.

my tractors are both 4wd so I have to stick with properly sized AGs. I hade an old case 2wd and that had what ever we found laying around in the tire pile on it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I never liked using the truck tires especially worn smooth tires on the front end as it didnt steer well in the mud without brake steering. They just tend to slide sideways and plow a furrow rather than turning the tractor. I preferred the 3 rib design or even 4 rib in as wide as possible 10:00 x whatever your rim diameter will give excellent flotation and due to the width, give less ground pressure to avoid tearing up the ground so bad. Some of the 4 rib trailer tires (9:00x16) would likely work well also.

 

[TripleR]

We don't wear tires even close to smooth on any of our trucks. I have 32k on mine and am replacing them this month. A couple of family members are really picky about tires too, so we have plenty to choose from in 16" and even some 17". My son in law has a tire dealership in the family and they sell good take offs reasonably priced.

We just use our Fords for bush hogging and turf/ground damage is less than with ribbed tires. When we farmed with them, we used the ribbed tires.

 

[TrenaryDucks]

I use BF Goodrich Radial Long Trail Load Range R LT 245 / 75R16 on my tractor. They are 10 ply tires that are rated for 3040 lbs at 80 psi.

 

[CTPhil]

The tractor I need tires for is new to me, and needed kingpin repair before I used it. I did the repair and tried the loader, moving manure on the level but with a muddy surface. The existing truck tires (good tread but sidewalls falling to pieces) were no less than worthless steering in the mud. Since a lot of my loader stuff is under similar conditions, I need to move on to considering other options. I don't want to give up on increased flotation, I'm wondering about wide (11L) tri-rib fronts. Any thoughts?

 

[TripleR]

I no longer run in the mud if at all possible, but it was unavoidable when I was farming and feeding cattle; quite a few years ago. Even with ribbed tires about the only way I could get it to turn when I wanted was by using the steering brakes.

 

[kthompson]

How about R 4 (loader) tires? They are flat, still have some thread for helping ot steer, can get in the load rating you need.

 

[CTPhil]

How about R 4 (loader) tires? They are flat, still have some thread for helping ot steer, can get in the load rating you need.

I've looked at those, they're not much different from what's on there now.

 

[TrenaryDucks]

One thought may be to have two sets of front tires and rims: one wide and the other narrow. With a front end loader it takes less than 10 minutes to change out the tires.

Most farmers around here have multiple tractors, and each is used for certain tasks. With only one tractor, I don't have that luxury. When my tri-ribbed front tires finally gave out on my tractor, the farmer next to me suggested used truck tires. Cost me $50 for the changeover, and that included the $5 per tire disposal fee. Bear in mind, though, that I primarily use my tractor to maintain pasture with my rotary cutter for my poultry operation. I'm not on the fields when it is muddy.

 

[whodat526]

a set of 8.00-16's is what you need

 

[SSdoxie]

The tractor I need tires for is new to me, and needed kingpin repair before I used it. I did the repair and tried the loader, moving manure on the level but with a muddy surface. The existing truck tires (good tread but sidewalls falling to pieces) were no less than worthless steering in the mud. Since a lot of my loader stuff is under similar conditions, I need to move on to considering other options. I don't want to give up on increased flotation, I'm wondering about wide (11L) tri-rib fronts. Any thoughts?

My dad used 11Ls on his tractor for years used on muddy cow lots and field work. He felt this was the best combination he could find for floation and steering control. Even put them on rear steering axle of the combine.

 

[CTPhil]

My dad used 11Ls on his tractor for years used on muddy cow lots and field work. He felt this was the best combination he could find for floation and steering control.

What was the tread on those tires?

 

[MarkV]

Used aircraft tires offer high ply and load ratings plus often have a wide profile.

MarkV

 

[CTPhil]

I looked at the aircraft option, it looks good for price and flotation, but I'm wondering how the implement style tread does steering on wet ground.

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you have wide enough rims and clearance for the 11L triple ribbed tires, that would be my choice. You would need at least a 10 " wide rim to properly fit those tires though.