Tyre Sizing, Dimensions, and Ply Ratings
In the agricultural sizing nomenclature 16.9-28, '16.9' denotes the nominal section width of the tyre in inches, and '28' indicates the rim diameter in inches.
Agricultural rear tyres in this size are commonly manufactured in 12 Ply Rating (12 PR) and 14 Ply Rating (14 PR) bias construction, featuring reinforced nylon carcass plies to resist puncture lacerations and sidewall deformation under heavy implement loads.
- Section width: 16.9 inches (nominal cross-sectional width when mounted and inflated)
- Rim diameter: 28 inches (matched to standard W15L or W14L agricultural wheels)
- Ply rating options: 12 PR (standard farm cultivation) and 14 PR (heavy commercial haulage and rocky terrain)
- Tread pattern: Standard R-1 agricultural deep traction lugs with 23 or 45 degree lug angles
Leading Tyre Brands and Model Series in India
Several reputable tyre manufacturers produce 16.9-28 rear tractor tyres in India, each utilizing proprietary rubber compounds to resist cut-and-chip wear and road friction.
Selecting between brands involves evaluating tread lug depth, lug centerline overlap, and warranty coverage against premature manufacturing defects.
- MRF: MRF Shakti Life and MRF Pehalwan with dual-angle lug designs for mud self-cleaning
- BKT: BKT Agrimax (Radial) and BKT Farm 2000 / TR 135 featuring durable cut-resistant casings
- Apollo: Apollo Krishak Premium and FX 515 engineered with wider footprints to reduce soil compaction
- CEAT: CEAT Aayushmaan with curved center lugs delivering smooth on-road transit and high drawbar pull
- Goodyear: Goodyear Sampurna and Vajra Shakti delivering durable performance in heavy soils
Commercial Price Factors, Inflation, and Maintenance
Commercial prices for a single 16.9-28 tyre vary based on brand tier, natural rubber commodity pricing, ply rating, and state GST (typically 28% on automotive/tractor tyres).
Maintain correct cold inflation pressure (typically 14 to 18 PSI for field operations, and 20 to 22 PSI for high-speed highway haulage) to prevent irregular lug wear and bead separation.
- Price variables: Ply rating (12 PR vs 14 PR), brand category, tube inclusion, and state GST
- Operating pressure: 14-16 PSI in fields for maximum footprint; 20-22 PSI on paved roads
- Warranty terms: Check manufacturer warranty coverage (typically 3 to 7 years against manufacturing defects)
- Ballasting practice: Water ballasting (75% water/calcium chloride) can be added to improve drawbar traction
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Common questions
Which tractors typically use 16.9-28 rear tyres?
Heavy-duty 50 HP to 75 HP tractors—such as Mahindra Novo 605, Swaraj 855 FE, John Deere 5310, and New Holland 3630—commonly use 16.9-28 rear tyres.
What is the difference between 12 PR and 14 PR tractor tyres?
14 PR tyres feature more structural nylon plies than 12 PR, providing higher load-carrying capacity and superior puncture resistance for commercial haulage.
Why is tyre inflation pressure critical on rear tractor tyres?
Under-inflation damages tyre sidewalls and causes bead slippage, while over-inflation reduces the contact footprint, causing soil compaction and wheel slippage.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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