New Firestone radials on M7040.

Ford850 · Jul 21, 2017

That's good to know. I like the idea of the larger footprint and less compression. What's your guesstimate for cost? Let's say how much more (%) are they than a comparable tread in a bias tire?

sixdogs · Jul 21, 2017

Ford850 said:
That's good to know. I like the idea of the larger footprint and less compression. What's your guesstimate for cost? Let's say how much more (%) are they than a comparable tread in a bias tire?

The price is probably double and a little bit compared with quality bias tires. I traded in my old ones so not exactly sure but you can search the net. My 16.9x30's probably were $1,200 each. The lesser "Performer 85" would be maybe $1,000 each. A 12.4x24 equal might be $550. Mounting is usually $20 to unmount and $20 to mount. That's if you bring the tractor in and they don't have to remove the wheels.

Radials like Firestone or Michelin aren't usually offered in the smaller sizes like a 9.5x24. You have to look around but European makers often sell them but they may also look European.

grader guy · Jul 22, 2017

sixdogs said:
The price is probably double and a little bit compared with quality bias tires. I traded in my old ones so not exactly sure but you can search the net. My 16.9x30's probably were $1,200 each. The lesser "Performer 85" would be maybe $1,000 each. A 12.4x24 equal might be $550. Mounting is usually $20 to unmount and $20 to mount. That's if you bring the tractor in and they don't have to remove the wheels.

Radials like Firestone or Michelin aren't usually offered in the smaller sizes like a 9.5x24. You have to look around but European makers often sell them but they may also look European.

I have not gotten them yet but BKT makes a radial to replace the 9.5-24. It is a 250-85-24. I think this fall i might get some. The 9.5 are terrible, they tear up everything. Matt

sixdogs · Jul 22, 2017

I looked at the BKT and will probably eventually get some for the front. I thought I had a price for them but can't find it. They seemed reasonably priced and I think they had a European looking design. They can still chew things up a bit, especially if the air pressure in higher, the loader is on or you make sharp turns, especially in FWA.

I think there is a guy from Europe or Canada here with an M7040 or 7060 that has those tires on the front. I saw a picture here and am pretty sure of it.

sixdogs · Jul 22, 2017

grader guy said:
I have not gotten them yet but BKT makes a radial to replace the 9.5-24. It is a 250-85-24. I think this fall i might get some. The 9.5 are terrible, they tear up everything. Matt

Here is the tire that I think you are talking about. Not much in the way of 9.5x24 (250/85R24)radials around and this is the only one I could find. If you see a price somewhere, let me know. I recall $290 each but not sure.

BKT Tires - AGRIMAX RT 855 Product

EDIT----Just found the quote-- $285 each

MHarryE · Jul 23, 2017

My L6060 happened to be parked next to my M7, steering tire (540/65R28 Michelin R1-W) alongside the driver (17.5 x 24) on the L6060. There is room to put that large tire on the L6060 but no room for a larger front tire on the CUT to match speed ratios. The R1W tires have a 35% taller lug than a standard R1 ag tire. They also rip up the ground a lot worse than R4s and standard R1s when turning but the traction is great.

sixdogs · Jul 23, 2017

MHarryE said:
My L6060 happened to be parked next to my M7, steering tire (540/65R28 Michelin R1-W) alongside the driver (17.5 x 24) on the L6060. There is room to put that large tire on the L6060 but no room for a larger front tire on the CUT to match speed ratios. The R1W tires have a 35% taller lug than a standard R1 ag tire. They also rip up the ground a lot worse than R4s and standard R1s when turning but the traction is great.
View attachment 516307

I'll bet you have a dramatic increase in pulling power with those Michelins on that tractor.

MHarryE · Jul 24, 2017

sixdogs said:
I'll bet you have a dramatic increase in pulling power with those Michelins on that tractor.

It's fantastic. That little 14' disk behind it isn't normal. My nephew is trying to sell it, wanted the rust worn off the blades, but it started raining while I was disking a week ago. It has rained every day since so it's rusted up again.

BAP · Jul 25, 2017

When I farmed before retiring, we ran Firestone radials and Michelin Agri-Bibs radial tires. The Michelins were a little more aggressive than the Firestone's. If you have never run radials on a tractor, you will be amazed at how much better they pull. They wear better and turn any tractor into an amazing pulling machine.

sixdogs · Jul 29, 2017

So I've been trying to find some 250/85R24's to replace the 9.5x24's that are on the front and no dice. MITAS might be sold all over but my tire guy can't seem to find any. Since I'm trading in my old tires I want to buy through him. MITAS is the only maker in that size.

I sure wish Firestone would make a smaller radial but I guess the market isn't there for it. They sell a bunch of small radials in Europe and I think Canada but I can't figure out how to get one here for a reasonable price.