Choosing a tractor tyre is not a decision to be taken lightly. Behind this apparently basic choice lies an element that is actually important in terms of farm performance, especially in mixed polycropping-livestock farming where the extensive range of activities requires more versatility.
Working around the farm, in livestock buildings and on hard surfaces, places a very different strain on your tyres than crop farming in the fields. Failing to choose a suitable model may have multiple consequences: premature wear, loss of yield, increased risk of accidents, high replacement costs, without forgetting the agronomic long-term impact of soil compaction.
There is no “universal tyre” capable of carrying out all these tasks perfectly. Each farm must reach its decision based on its specific needs, how powerful its machines are, the frequency with which its lifting equipment is used and the type of agricultural operations carried out.
Choosing the right tyre therefore becomes a real management strategy for improving performance levels and making long-term savings.
This article gives you a chance to look at the stakes, identify the most efficient tyre models for each activity and to understand why investing in specialised tyres has clearly become the best way ahead for any forward-looking polycropping-livestock farm.
As a mixed crop-livestock farmer, your days are made up of a wide variety of tasks.
One morning you may be loading or unloading fodder with a front loader in the farm courtyard, while in the afternoon you are out in the fields sowing. In between time, you drive on the road.
For all these activities with the same tractor, the strain placed on the tyres is totally different. One tyre is actually very different from another, which means that the wrong choice may have costly consequences:
The trick is to choose tyres which correspond to all these situations.
They must offer a sufficient load capacity for handling operations, but must be supple enough for work at low pressure in the fields, which is not easy to find.
The right tyre must represent an extension of your know-how and adapt to your tractor’s main activity. When the activities are fundamentally different, it is preferable to choose a specialist tyre for the activity in order to improve performance levels and wear life.
A multi-purpose tractor, used on the farm, generally has a horse power of 95 to 135, and is often equipped with a front loader.
It’s the farm’s central machine for many mixed polycropping/livestock farming operations. In general, it spends 700 hours per year on the farm on handling operations, livestock management and transport.
This wide range of activities places a high level of strain on the tyres, and especially on the front axle.
When you use a front loader, there is a massive load transfer to the front of the tractor.
Repeated manoeuvres on hard ground such as concrete or asphalt are very harsh on tyres, which is why it’s best to use tyre models that are designed for these tasks.
To ensure your safety and a long lifespan for your equipment, your tractor tyres must meet specific criteria:
Specially designed for heavy loads, they have a reinforced casing and are made using an ultra-resistant rubber compound, thus offering better stability and a longer wear life.
For optimal balance, we recommend combining these 85 Extra Load tyres at the front with Performer 85 or Performer 70 tyres at the rear.
PFor crop work, more powerful tractors with 150 to 190 hp are generally used, which are real beasts of burden.
Although used less frequently, with an average of 200 hours per year, they are employed for tasks that need the most traction, such as tilling and working the soil in general.
In these condition, engine power is crucial, but good transmission of this power to the ground with suitable tyres is just as important.
One of the major stakes is soil preservation. Compaction, which is caused by the weight of the machine and unsuitable tyres or incorrect settings, is a serious concern.
Soil compaction suffocates organic life, hinders root development and may significantly reduce your yields. As such, the choice of tyre must not be taken lightly.
The essential qualities for tyres used principally in the fields are:
Its IF (Improved Flexion) technology allows the tyre to deflect more to offer a larger soil footprint, while carrying the same load.
Its dual angle lugs, a patented technology, optimise traction and self-cleaning, while protecting the soil.
These characteristics make this tyre a smart investment, guaranteeing productivity gains and soil preservation on a long-term basis.
The choice of tyre must correspond to the main activity carried out by your tractor. Whether for handling work at the farm or work in the fields, each tyre has its specificities. Here is a table to help you understand more clearly.
Type of tyre that is efficient per activity
| Activity | Recommended tyres | Working pressure (front/rear) | Specificities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm / Handling operations | Performer Extra 85 XL Performer Extra 70 XL |
2.4 bar and over |
|
| Fields / Working the soil | Maxi Traction IF | 0.8 to 1.1 bar |
|
For handling operations on the farm and work in the livestock building, opt for Performer Extra 85 XL tyres. Designed for heavy loads, they can cope with an inflation pressure of over 2.4 bar, which ensures stability and exceptional durability for your front axle.
As for work in the fields, the Maxi Traction IF tyre is the ideal choice for preserving your soil. Thanks to its IF technology, it can work at very low pressure (as low as 0.8 bar). This low pressure reduces soil compaction and increases the contact patch with the ground, thus ensuring optimal traction.
In mixed farming, the choice of tyres is a strategic investment. There is no single solution. The right choice basically depends on your equipment and your daily activities.
Before renewing your tyres, analyse your needs. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from Firestone’s tyre manufacturers and advisers in order to find the most suitable solution and optimise your farm performance levels on a long-term basis.
With Firestone, you have the guarantee of tractor tyres that deliver a real advantage, and that in choosing our brand, you can work worry-free.
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