Agricultural tyre categories: Front versus rear drive tyres
- Front tractor tyres (F-2 multi-rib): Feature 3-rib or single-rib longitudinal grooves that provide precise steering response, resist side slippage, and minimize turf scuffing.
- Rear traction tyres (R-1 deep lug): Curved chevron lugs set at 45-degree angles deliver maximum pull on loose soil, mud, and dry arable fields while self-cleaning puddled mud.
- Trailer and implement tyres: Flotation and highway-rated rib designs engineered to bear heavy payload weights on haulage trolleys without excessive road wear.
Understanding tyre sizing and ply ratings (PR)
- Size notation (e.g., 6.00-16 front, 13.6-28 or 14.9-28 rear): The first number indicates tyre cross-sectional width in inches, and the second indicates wheel rim diameter.
- Ply Rating (PR): Indicates casing structural strength; 8 PR and 12 PR ratings are standard for heavy commercial haulage and rotavator operations.
- Dual-purpose tread compounds: Specially formulated to provide puncture resistance in thorny fields while resisting rapid abrasion during paved road haulage.
Routine maintenance and inflation pressure guidelines
Always maintain recommended inflation pressure (typically 12 to 16 PSI for field traction and 20 to 24 PSI for road haulage). Under-inflation causes sidewall cracking and bead damage, while over-inflation reduces the tyre footprint, leading to excessive wheel slip and soil compaction. Regularly inspect for embedded stones and cuts.
Official source
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Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the standard rear tyre size for a 35 to 45 HP tractor?
A 13.6-28 or 14.9-28 rear tyre size is standard for tractors in the 35 to 45 HP segment.
What tyre pressure should be maintained for field ploughing?
For field tillage, maintain 12 to 16 PSI in rear tyres to maximize ground contact and traction; increase to 20 to 24 PSI for road transport.
What causes uneven or rapid wear on tractor front tyres?
Incorrect wheel alignment, improper inflation pressure, and frequent road haulage with heavy front-end loads cause rapid front tyre wear.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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