Tractor Agriculture is continuing the regular updating of farming related topics. I will share a funny memory which exhibits my childish nature. I was asked a question by class teacher i.e. What are different types of tractor tires?
I went to the farms in the evening to see the tire in reality. I saw my dad integrating the tire with the help of his friends.
I was cracking jokes on this big size black rubber in the morning. When I saw it in reality, the humor in my thoughts changed to a level of interest and to know more about its working.
Today, I will be explaining an important part of the Agriculture process called Tractor Tires.
Types of Tractor Tires – Classification
The different types of Tractor Tires being used in Farm Tractors, Lawn Tractors, Automobiles etc nowadays are:
- High Pressure
- Low Pressure
- Extra Low Pressure
The division of tractor tires above is not dependent on inflation pressure but also on diameter of the tyre and the tread area contact with the road. Depending on the temperature conditions: tractor tires for snow are also in demand in some places.
High Pressure Tyres
This tire type was mostly used in cars and trucks but later on these were used only in trucks. The reason was that due to high pressure, road shocks cannot be absorbed fully. In cars, comfortable drive is very important. Due to the comfortable driving environment, low pressure tyres were preferred.
Low Pressure Tyres
These types of tires are used in cars and small automobiles. The small road shocks are easily managed by small tyres themselves. The steering assembly design has been changed with the passage of time.
Extra Pressure Tires
They have bigger width and are aptly called balloon tyres. Their application areas are sandy or slushy environments. Their biggest advantage is that they do not slip on sharp turns. This feature makes them suitable for racing cars. This type of tractor tires are used in Tractors and Heavy Earth Moving Machines also.
History
In the earlier times, Tractor Tires had iron wheels with small spokes. As a result, they were very heavy in weight and used to run at low speeds. In addition, lots of noise was made and the road shocks were managed by the driver and chassis frame.
Now, light weight Pneumatic Wheels are used for automobiles etc. So, these pneumatic wheels are being used in tractors and called as Tractor tires.
Pneumatic Wheels
They are generally known as tyres and were introduced in the earlier part of 19th century. The tires are fitted on the tractor rims. These tires are like a rubber bag that consists of 2 types of parts namely: i) Tyres ii) Tubes
The tube is fitted inside the tyre and is filled with air. This air filled inside the tube carries the weight of Agricultural Machine.
Useful Links:
John Deere 1025r Tractor Model Specifications
John Deere 1023E Tractor Model Specifications
Function of Tractor Tires
They are popular in all countries and primarily in Agriculture rich nations. Nations like United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), New Zealand (NZ), India, Canada, Australia, Germany etc have a great demand for these all season tyres.
The basic functions of different tyre types are listed below:
- It carries the load of agricultural machine.
- The road shocks are easily absorbed due to its big size.
- The vibration that happens to the vehicle while driving is also decreased.
- The treads on the tyres allow easy gripping on the soil. Different types of treads are used for different soil types.
Tyre Tread
In any tyre type, the lower portion on both sides has a combination of steel wires called as beads. These bead wires keep it inside the rim and also negate the outing of rim in the event of puncture.
Bead Wires are surrounded by canvas. In the modern era, rayon or nylon material is used instead of canvas.
The top portion is called as tread and it is subjected to wear and tear. This wear and tear is the reason for the thickness of tread. The Tractor Tyre companies nowadays make tires with different designs of tyre tread to suit the road, field conditions. The different tread patters are formed by different parts:
Tube: It can be considered as a bag of rubber in which air is filled. Tube is placed over the rim in the tire. The pressure inside the tube has to be always maintained at a specified value.
Valve: The air is filled inside the tube using a valve. Valve fills the air in one way and does not allows any leakage of air backwards unless pressed.
Tire Vulcanizing
If there is a small puncture in the tube, it can easily be repaired. This type of puncture can easily be repaired by doing tube patch and clamp process. Tube Patches are available in the market and have rubber sheet placed on bottom. The tire patching is a 5 minute process.
If the puncture is big, then it can be repaired using a Vulcanizing Glue. This fluid vulcanized the tire patch with a vulcanizing machine. Vulcanizing repair is the answer for big punctures.
Tire Ply Rating
There are lots of tyre manufacturers in USA, India and other countries. Every manufacturer displays the ply rating of tyres on the vehicle. Tire Ply Rating shows number of things.
If the tractor tyre ply rating is more, it symbolizes that the tire has the capacity to take big load but its capacity to absorb shocks is considerably reduced. If a tire has to be replaced, only ply rating tires should be given preference.
These tyres go through a lot of wear and tear and as a result need replacement. Instead, people sometimes prefer second hand tyre types or cheap tyres online. The prices determine buying decisions mostly. But, the branded tires should be always preferred.
Tractor Agriculture has explained this topic in a pin point manner and our next topic will cover another Agricultural Implement thoroughly. Do keep supporting our efforts by sharing with your friends.
