You’d expect the tractor’s four tires to be large considering that they are massive vehicles that weigh at most 19,000 pounds. You’re probably curious now that you think about it. How heavy are tractor tires?
Each large tractor tire weighs between 400 and 600 pounds. Add these numbers together and you will find that your tractor tires can weigh anywhere from 800 to 2,400 pounds each!
This article will cover everything you need to know regarding tractor tires. We will discuss the size and weight of tractor tires in greater detail, as well as how you can determine the weight of your own tires. We will also share tips to prolong tractor tire life. Continue reading!
How Much Does the Average Tractor Tire Weigh?
Tractor enthusiasts aren’t the only ones passionate about tractor tires. These tires are popular with weightlifters and athletes because they are heavy and can be pushed around.
There are four sizes of tractor tires. They can be either lighter or heavier depending on their size. Here is a closer look at the tractor weights according to size.
Small Size Tractor Tires
The smallest tractor tires measure 17.5 by 25 feet. These tires weigh 300 pounds. This isn’t light considering that the average car tire weighs 25 pounds. These tires are around 200 pounds each, even if you compare them to a tractor or pickup truck. A tractor tire will still be 100 pounds heavier than a pickup tire.
Medium- or Mid-Sized Tractor Tires
Next, a tractor tire measuring 20.5 by 25 feet. The mid-sized tire doesn’t weigh as much as a small one, so it’s not too heavy. Medium-sized tractor tires can weigh up to 400 pounds.
Large Tractor Tires
We’re now going to be tackling some seriously large tires. Large tractor tires are those that measure 23.5 by 25 feet. They could weigh between 400 and 800 pounds, according to the intro. Large tractor tires can weigh between 550 and 650 pounds. This size of tractor tire is determined by the wear patterns and metal content.
Extra Large Tractor Tires
You can get an extra large tire measuring 26.5 by 25 feet. These tires are also the heaviest, with an average of 1,000 pounds per tire. This would add 4,000 pounds to your tractor’s load. That’s extraordinary!
How Do You Determine How Much Your Tractor Tires Weigh?
It’s not difficult to want to learn more about the tire tractors you own and what they weigh. But where do you start? You can’t just take your tires off your tractor and put them on a scale. Then you can see the results. It’s impossible to lift a tractor tire that heavy.
You don’t need to do much lifting. Instead, look at the sidewall of your tire. You should find a five-digit number. Separate the first two digits by a period. Between the third and fourth numbers, a dash should be used.
Here’s an example: 16.9-30.
These numbers are not placed arbitrarily. This example’s 16.9, or the first number, is the width of your tractor tires from one sidewall. This measurement is in inches. This is also represented in inches.
It would be nice to have that as all it was, but it isn’t. You can have standard, metric, and radial sizes of tires. Let’s take a look at each type.
Metric Tractor tires A metric tire can also be called a European tire depending on the system of measurement. Your tractor tire will be referred to as a metric size if it has an R somewhere along with a slash. For example, 280/85R20 is one example. 420/85R24 is another.
How can you make sense of all these letters and numbers? Start with the first number. This is the width of the tractor tire when it’s properly inflated and mounted. It’s not in inches. Instead, it’s measured in millimeters.
The aspect ratio is the next number for metric tractor tires. This ratio is the tire width divided by its height after it has been properly inflated and mounted. This number is also in millimeters so it will be smaller.
What about the R? This indicates that the tire is radial constructed, which is common for metric tractor tires. The wheel diameter is determined by the number after R.
Radial Tractor Tires
Radial construction is the R on the sidewalls of radial tractor tires. Radial construction refers to tires with 90-degree cord piles, which move in the same direction as your tires. However, not all tires are radial.
Radial tractor tires will have two numbers separated with a period. Then, one number, the letter, and then two numbers. Example: 11.2R20, 18.4R26.
Standard Tractor Tires
Standard is the first example of size for tractor tires that we have discussed in this section. You may also see an alternative expression such as 11.2X20, 16.9X28 or another representation of the size. These numbers are not different from the original; they are just printed differently on the sidewall.
You can convert between different sizes of tractor. This handy conversion chart is also available from Ken Jones Tires. A blank spot means that there is no conversion available for this tire size.
| STANDARD | RADIAL | METRIC |
| 11.2X30 | 11.2R20 | 280/85R20 |
| 12.4X20 | 12.4R20 | 320/85R20 |
| 9.5X24 | 9.5R24 | 250/85R24 |
| 11.2X24 | 11.2R24 | 280/85R24 |
| 12.4X24 | 12.4R24 | 320/85R24 |
| 13.6X24 | 13.6R24 | 340/85R24 |
| 14.9X24 | 14.9R24 | 380/85R24 |
| 16.9X24 | 16.9R24 | 420/85R24 |
| 18.4X26 | 18.4R26 | 420/85R26 |
| 11.2X28 | 11.2R28 | 280/85R28 |
| 12.4X28 | 12.4R28 | 320/85R28 |
| 13.6X28 | 13.6R28 | 340/85R28 |
| 14.9X28 | 14.9R28 | 380/85R28 |
| 16.9X28 | 16.9R28 | 420/85R28 |
| 14.9X30 | 14.9R30 | 380/85R30 |
| 16.9X30 | 16.9R30 | 420/85R30 |
| 420/90R30 | ||
| 18.4X30 | 18.4R30 | 460/85R30 |
| 12.4X32 | 12.4R30 | 320/85R32 |
| 12.4X34 | 12.4R34 | 320/85R34 |
| 14.9X34 | 14.9R34 | 380/85R34 |
| 16.9X34 | 16.9R34 | 420/85R34 |
| 18.4X34 | 18.4R34 | 460/85R34 |
| 20.8X34 | 20.8R34 | 520/85R34 |
| 12.4X36 | 12.4R36 | 320/85R36 |
| 13.6X36 | 13.6R36 | 340/85R36 |
| 13.6X38 | 13.6R38 | 340/85R38 |
| 14.9X38 | 14.9R38 | 380/85R38 |
| 16.9X38 | 16.9R38 | 420/85R38 |
| 18.4X38 | 18.4R38 | 460/85R38 |
| 20.8X38 | 20.8R38 | 520/85R38 |
| 18.4X42 | 18.4R42 | 460/85R42 |
| 20.8X42 | 20.8R42 | 520/85R42 |
| 20.8X46 | 20.8R46 | 520/85R46 |
Tips for Caring for Tractor Tires
It was not easy to determine the size of your tractor tires. It’s important to keep the tractor tires that you have for as long as possible so that you don’t have any more complicated conversions.
These handy tips will help you keep your tractor tires in top shape.
Clean Your Tractor Tires
Dirt and dirt build up in your tractor’s daily operations, particularly on the tires. If your farm duties are finished for the day, give your tires a good scrub.
Use water, soap, and a quality tire brush. Clean the tires from the top by getting into the grooves. Let the tire’s air dry. You will be able to enjoy your tires for longer if they are clean.
Avoid Driving on Pavement Often
A little bit of driving on the pavement is possible with your farm tractor, but not enough. Tractor tires are not the same as a truck or car tires. Traversing soft terrain, such as dirt, grass, and hay is easier with tractor tires. You should limit your driving on the pavement as much as possible.
Another reason to keep your tractor on the farm is the following: You can’t drive your tractor in public without having it titled. This is the case in Pennsylvania.
Don’t Wait to Get Replacement Tires
You run the risk of damaging your tractor’s tires if you don’t replace them as soon as possible. Your tire could pop if it hits a sharp object or other debris. You’d feel it, given the tire’s size and height, if your tractor is in motion when this happens.
If your tires slip more than usual, you will know that they are near the end of their life. Your tires should not slip if the outside conditions aren’t too wet.
It is possible that your tires aren’t maintaining proper air pressure, even though you filled them yesterday.
Dry rot can also occur in your tires. Tires can crack from dry air and sun exposure. Tire brittleness, fading, and paleness may be signs of a problem. These are all signs that your tires should not be driven on again.
Buy Quality Tires
Although you may pay several hundred dollars for a tractor tire, it will end up costing you more. You may get a great deal right now, but you will be disappointed when your tires burst or fall apart a month later.
It is better to spend more upfront on tires of higher quality that can last for many years.
Conclusion
Tractor tires should not weigh less than 200 lbs, while the largest ones can weigh in at around 1,000 lbs. The sidewall of tractor tires can be used to determine the size and weight. You will see numbers on the sidewall that indicate the tire’s diameter and width.
Good luck with the size and weight of your tractor tires.