Every tractor enthusiast knows the importance of determining the weight of tractor tires. And interestingly, the weight of tractor tires is not a concern for tractor aficionados only. Weightlifters and athletes using tractor tires for flipping will want to know how heavy a tire is
So, how heavy are tractor tires? Tractors are heavy machinery, weighing an average of 15,628 pounds (7 tons). As you’d expect, their tires will be heavier than car or truck tires. Typically, tractor tires will weigh between 300 and 1,000 pounds.
Herein, we’ll discuss the weight of tractor tires in relation to their sizes. We’ll also help you determine the weight of different tractor tires without relying on a weighing scale.
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Front and Rear Tractor Tires
The weight of tractor tires varies depending on whether you’re considering front or rear tires. Front tires are usually smaller, with narrower tread patterns than rear tires. Their role is to provide steering control and stability while reducing soil compaction.
On the other hand, rear tires are usually larger and wider, with more aggressive tread patterns than front tires. They bear more weight and are designed to provide traction when pulling heavy loads.
On average, rear tractor tires can weigh 2-3 times more than the front tires. It’s worth noting that the weight of the tires will depend on the tractor’s size and construction. And each tire size – small, medium, large, or extra-large – will significantly impact its weight.
How Heavy Are Tractor Tires?
Tractor tire size directly affects tire weight. Below is a detailed explanation of tractor tire weights based on their sizes.
Small Tractor Tires
Small (compact) tractor tires have a maximum weight of 300 pounds. Their size is approximately 17.5 by 25 feet. Small tractor tires are ideal for compact tractors handling tasks like mowing and landscaping.
While these are the lightest tractor tires, they are heavier than most truck tires. A heavy-duty truck tire will weigh around 200 pounds, meaning that compact tractor tires are about 100 pounds heavier.
Mid-size Tractor Tires
Next in the line are medium/mid-size tractor tires. These tires are approximately 20.5 x 25 feet in size and weigh 400 pounds or more. Mid-size tractor tires are not much bigger or heavier than compact tractor tires.
They are ideal for mid-sized tractors handling tasks like roadside mowing, moving snow, bailing hay, and feeding herds.
Large Tractor Tires
Large tractor tires are sizable tires, measuring around 23.5 x 25 feet. These tires can weigh between 400 and 800 pounds, heavier than most mid-size tires. However, you can get lighter large tractor tires weighing between 550 and 650 pounds.
When looking for large tractor tires, checking the tread pattern and metal contained within them is essential. These tires will have more profound tread patterns and metal content to provide the necessary traction.
Large tractor tires are perfect for garden and industrial tractors. They provide traction and stability when plowing, tilling, cultivating, towing, or lifting.
Extra-Large Tractor Tires
Extra-large tires are the biggest and heaviest tractor tires. They measure approximately 26.5 by 25 feet and an average weight of 1,000 pounds. Extra-large tires are best suited for heavy-duty applications. You’ll find them in some bulldozers, excavators, and garden tractors.
How to Determine Tractor Tire Weight
Tractor tires are bulky. Lifting and placing the tires on a weighing scale can take time and effort. But how do you determine the weight of a tractor tire without using a weighing scale?
The good news is that these tires come with dimensions indicated on their sidewalls. If you check each tire’s sidewall, you’ll see digits that can help you calculate the weight. The numbers can occur in the form of standard, radial, or metric measurements.
Standard Tractor Tires
The standard pattern on the tire’s sidewall comes in a 5-digit figure. For example, your tire might have digits like 11.2X20 or 16.9X30. These digits will help you know the tire size and weight. So, how do you interpret these digits?
The first digit (11.2 or 16.9) represents the tire’s width, measured in inches. The last number (20 or 30) signifies the tire’s rim diameter, also measured in inches.
Radial Tractor Tires
Most tractor tires are radial, with the letter “R” indicated on the sidewall. The R stands for radial construction, meaning the tire has 90-degree cod piles. These cord piles move in the same direction that the tractor tire moves.
Radial tires have five digits and a letter R. For example, you might find tires indicated 11.2R20 or 18.4R26. The first number with a period (11.2 or 18.4) indicates the tire’s width in inches. Then, the last number (20 or 26) means rim diameter in inches.
Metric Tractor Tires
The metric tire uses a European-based measurement. Like radial tires, metric tire measurement has the letter “R” but with a slash between the first two numbers. You’ll find metric tires with measurements like 280/85R24 or 520/85R42.
The first number (280 or 520) indicates the tire’s width in millimeters. Next is the second number after the slash (85), which is the aspect ratio of the inflated and mounted tire. Then, the letter R stands for radial construction. But that’s not all. The last number (24 or 42) stands for the tire’s rim diameter in inches.
If you prefer the standard, radial, or metric size on the sidewall, there’s an easier way to convert the sizes. You can use the Ken Jones Tires conversion chart to read your tractor tire in the standard, radial, or metric measurements.
Factors Affecting Tractor Tire Weight
How heavy are tractor tires? Several factors can influence the weight of tractor tires.
- Tire size: Tractor tires are available in different sizes – small, medium, large, and extra-large. Of course, larger tires are heavier than smaller tires.
- Tread pattern: The tread pattern will depend on the tire’s application. Tires with more aggressive tread patterns are ideal for heavy-duty applications, especially in challenging conditions. Such tires are heavy due to their stock treads.
- Tire Type: Tractor tires can be available in different types, including radial and bias ply. These tires have varying constructions that make them weigh differently. Bias ply are generally heavier than radial ply, all thanks to their constructions.
- Ply rating: A tire’s ply rating means the layers of material used during construction. Tractor tires with high ply ratings will be heavy.
- Load capacity: Each tire comes with its load capacity to indicate the loads it can bear. Tires bearing heavier loads weigh more than those bearing lighter loads.
- Inflation pressure: Properly inflated tires weigh less than underinflated tires.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the weight of tractor tires can help you select the ideal tire for your tractor. Thankfully, this article provides the answer to “How heavy are tractor tires?” Generally, several factors will affect the weight of a tractor tire.
Most of these tires weigh between 300 and 1000 pounds. They come with measurements on the sidewalls to help you calculate their sizes and weights. If you can’t determine the tractor tire weight, consult the manufacturer or a tire technician.
Hello! My name is Chris, and I am the founder of Yard Floor. When I was a toddler, my family had a lush green lawn. I was at the center of caring for and maintaining this lawn and even proceeded to take an associate’s Degree in landscaping. I am here to share my years of experience with you – be it repairing your mower/tractor or caring for your lawn.
