When to Replace Ag Tires?

By: James Tuschner

Worn out treads on ag tires can cause slippage and reduce traction, adding more time in the field, and burning excessive amounts of fuel. Tire experts weigh in on the best time to replace them before losing out on productivity.

If your tractor is experiencing more tire slip, and further inflation isn’t working, they may be too worn out for your operation, says Greg Gilland, vice president of global agriculture for Maxam Tire.

Soil types and moisture content play a role in how effective tires are when they start wearing down, and replacement timing may vary by tractor usage, says Dave Paulk, field technical services managers at BKT Tires. Generally, ag tire slippage should be in the 8 to 15% range. Once tires reach about 20% of their original tread depth, it may be time to replace them.