How to choose tires for your tractor? Settling on the best option isn’t always easy. There are many different types available, with varying pros and cons. Selecting the perfect tractor tires requires a careful analysis of your needs.

We’re here to help with five tips on how to choose tires:

1. Consider tire treads: R1, R3 or R4

While there are exceptions (such as for some small, non-powered front wheels), tractor tires generally fall into three categories, designated R1, R3, and R4.

R1 tires, also known as “agricultural tires,” have large, widely spaced lugs designed to maximize traction for fieldwork. R3 tires are wide “turf tires” with shallow treads and closely spaced lugs, ideal for spreading the weight of a tractor across a larger area and minimizing lawn damage during operation. R4 “industrial tires” fall in between R1 and R3 tires, while adding excellent weight-carrying ability, making them ideal for working with a front-end loader.

For more information on R1, R3, and R4 tires (as well as the less common R2 tires), check out our breakdown of the categories.

2. Radials are awesome, but bias tires have advantages too

The physical construction of a tire determines whether it’s a bias tire or a radial tire. Radials are generally considered superior; they’re more flexible, so they offer greater traction, superior fuel economy, and a smoother ride compared to bias tires.

But bias tires aren’t without benefits. They’re tough and less likely to suffer damage negotiating rough terrain with rocks and tree stumps. They’re also less expensive than radials and can be superior for negotiating sloping ground.

Check out our in-depth guide to the differences between radial and bias tires.

3. IF and VF radials offer extra benefits

Not all radial tires are created equal. Increased flexion (IF) radials can carry 20% more weight than regular radial tires, or the same weight with 20% less air pressure. Very high flexion (VF) radials push those improvements to 40%.

The added weight-carrying ability is obviously appealing, but the ability to carry standard loads with less air pressure shouldn’t be underestimated. Lowering the air pressure can reduce soil compaction while improving traction and fuel economy.

4. Liquid tire ballast can offer big performance boosts

In some cases, what you put into your tires is as important as the tires themselves. Liquid tire ballast can make a huge difference compared to filling your tractor tires with air.

There are many different types of liquid tire ballast you can use; you can view a list of possibilities here. Whatever you choose, the goal is to increase the weight of your tires to lower your tractor’s center of gravity, improve traction, and counterbalance heavy loads. For example, liquid ballast in your rear tires can improve performance with a front-end loader.

5. Sidewalls reveal the secrets of tire sizes

If you’re purchasing a brand-new tractor and have the option to choose the type(s) of tires preinstalled, you won’t have to worry about purchasing the right tire size(s). But if you’re purchasing new tires for an old tractor, you’ll want to check the tire sidewalls. Here you’ll find numbers that denote the size of each tire, so you can ensure your new purchases are a perfect fit for your tractor. For more details, check out our guide to buying new tires for old tractors.

By analyzing your own needs and comparing them against the pros and cons of various tire types, you’ll know exactly how to choose tires that are perfect for your tractor.

This article about how to choose tires for your tractor was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.