Tyres for a Massey Ferguson 35 with front end loader

[FordnMassey]

Hi,
I have a MF35 with a front end loader fitted which requires new front tyres. I was looking for some thoughts on what type of tyre to choose, particularly around the choice between tri-rib or implement (which have a much lower tread profile. It currently has implement tyres on the front but they're badly in need of renewal.

The loader is quite heavy on the tractor, making the steering (not power steering) very heavy, even with a rear counter weight in use. Admittedly I need to increase the counterweight from 180kg (400lb) to around 400kg (900lb).

I'm particularly interested in the differences between tri-rib and implement tyres with respect to weight of steering and tyres churning soil when turning and life expectancy of the tyres in the application.

Thoughts and experiences appreciated. Thanks

 

[loggin]

Not sure what an implement tyre is. Tri rib is typically used when doing mostly ground engaging work like ploughing, discing or cultivating fields. Might not be the best for front end loader work because of the limited contact patch of the tyre on hard surfaces. An industrial tyre would be better suited for that. It really depends on what type of work you are doing with that tractor..??

 

[FordnMassey]

Hi loggin,

Thanks for the input.

An implement tyre has shallow tread on a donut shape, so there's no flat face like a car tyre or pronounced tread like a tri-rib. I've attached a screenshot of one. They probably go by a different name in other countries.

The tractor largely does lift and carry duties using the bucket. Hence the heavy steering is a problem to me that I'm hoping to not make worse when I replace these tyres.

 

[loggin]

Hi loggin,

Thanks for the input.

An implement tyre has shallow tread on a donut shape, so there's no flat face like a car tyre or pronounced tread like a tri-rib. I've attached a screenshot of one. They probably go by a different name in other countries.

The tractor largely does lift and carry duties using the bucket. Hence the heavy steering is a problem to me that I'm hoping to not make worse when I replace these tyres.

Personally I think the implement tyre would likely last longer when doing loader work. The ribs on the tri-rib would probably wear out pretty quickly. With regard to the steering effort I would increase rear ballast, as you already mentioned, and maybe see if you can put a narrower implement tyre on to decrease the effort.

 

[FordnMassey]

Thanks for your input loggin. That's my thoughts too. I'm seeing the tri-ribs copping a lot of wear with the additional load.

I will be adding more counterweight, so I suspect that will help too.

Thanks again.

 

[Farmer495]

2wd loader tractors here tri-ribs. Old pickup truck tires also made cheap front end tires for loader tractor back when 15" was common on pickups.

 

[masscity]

I put 10 ply tri-rib from India on my Ferguson TO-35. I had a FEL on it, but I sold it, because I have the Kubota. I don't think you could wear them out that quick they seem pretty tough.

 

[FordnMassey]

Hi,

Took me a while but I now have a 600kg/1300 lb counterweight on the three point. This has enormously improved the situation by reducing the difficulty of the steering and the increasing the load carrying ability.

I tried some "broken bar" tri-ribs from my Ford and found them no better or worse for steering than the implement tyres so have bought some new tri-ribs for the Massey and the steering remains the same as it was with the implement tyres.

The big improvement came with the counterweight.

Thanks for your input.