Tractor Tire Tread Type Guide

May 1, 2023

Tractor Tire Tread Type Guide

This guide explains the differences between each farm tire tread type and highlights the applications in which each tread style performs best.


There are 7 main categories of Agricultural tires, the below guide breaks down each category and what makes the differences between each tread type:

R-1

The R-1 tread is perhaps the most common tread type for any tractor from 30 up to 150 hp. It is typically used on 2-wheel drive tractors, mechanical front-wheel drive tractors, combines, self-propelled sprayers, and on large grain carts or other implements carrying heavy loads. The R-1 tire is designed for general farm use and provides the best traction under average soil conditions. R-1 tires can be radial or bias ply construction.

R-1W

The R-1W tread patterns were originally designed as a fit between the R-1 and the R-2. The R-1W has approximately 20% deeper tread than an R-1 and 20% less tread than the R-2. The R-1W is considered the ideal tread depth tire for use in general farming, construction, or transport applications mostly only offered in radial tire construction. MAXAM’s AGRIXTRA family of products are mostly R1-W farm tires with a 45-degree lug profile that provides excellent traction in the field and wears well on the highway. The extra tread depth gives farmers and growers longer wear rates, delivering a higher value on their investment. Discover MAXAM’s AGRIXTRA R1-W agricultural tires.

R-2

The R-2 tread type is designed for farming in extremely muddy or heavy traction soil conditions such as rice, sugar cane, and vegetables in heavily irrigated soils. The tread on an R-2 tire is at least two times deeper than an R-1 tire. In some of these conditions, the R-1W is used where the dirt is wet, but not muddy. The R-2 does not do well when driven on the road because the lugs are deep, bend easily, and can develop uneven or irregular tread wear.

R-3

The R-3 tread type is designed to minimize soil disturbance traditionally using a diamond tread. The R-3 tread is typically 1/2 as deep as an R-1 tread and is best used for farming in sandy soils where traction and flotation are needed. R-3 tires are commonly found on grassy or hay field applications and can be used as implement tires carrying heavy loads.

R-4

The R-4 tread type is a construction or industrial design, otherwise known as a multipurpose tire.  Manufactured with a wider tread, the R4 is designed for improved stability, traction, and hard surface use. Delivering minimal soil disruption, even on soft turfs like moist soil or mud, R4 tires use a large, shallow tread that effectively cleans dirt and mud off to improve traction. Finally, R-4 tires are built for hard duty or tough applications and are typically puncture-resistant, making them longer-lasting than most other agricultural R-series tires. Discover MAXAM’s MS909R and MS910R R-4 Tire Series.

I-1

I-1 has been designed for field, road transport, and soil tillage operations with implements and trailers. I-1 is a standard trailer or implement tire that optimizes travel times so that you can focus on your core business.  The special tread design ensures a long service life in harsh conditions. Discover MAXAM’s MS963 and MS965 I-1 implement Tire Series.

I-3

The I-3 tire is a traction tread with a bar-type tread similar to R-1 tires. It is primarily found on heavy-load implements like tankers, manure carriers, and heavy-duty implements. I3 Tires have the capability to be utilized on-powered equipment in certain applications when looking for both flotation and traction but shallower tread than an R-type tire. Discover MAXAM’s AGILXTRA, FLOTXTRA, and MS966 I-3 Tire Series.

For more information on MAXAM’s agricultural tires click here

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