Agricultural tire inflation pressure: how to choose the right value
Did you know that the right tire inflation pressure isn’t just a technical detail; it’s a true performance booster for your farm? Setting the correct pressure helps preserve soil structure, improve efficiency, and increase profitability. Today’s tractors and machines let operators adjust pressure directly from the cab, making optimization fast and easy. So why not turn this technology into a real competitive edge? In this article, we show how adapting tire pressure to different conditions can enhance performance, maximizing traction, helping to reduce soil compaction, and boosting productivity across your fleet.
How pressure should vary from field to road
During field operations, lower tire pressures should be used, while for road transport it is advisable to increase the pressure, always staying within the minimum and maximum values recommended by the tire manufacturer. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of choosing the correct pressure.
Greater soil fertility
All the weight of an agricultural machine rests on its tires, and this load is transferred to the ground at the contact area between tire and soil. In this area, high pressures can develop, compacting the soil and reducing its porosity. Less porous soil is more prone to surface waterlogging during and after rainfall, which can lead to root asphyxiation and promote rot.
By reducing tire inflation pressure during field work, the tire’s footprint increases. As a result, the pressure exerted on the ground decreases and soil compaction is minimized, helping to preserve soil structure.
Greater traction
Lowering tire pressure in the field also improves traction. This is once again due to the larger contact area with the ground, which reduces wheel slip. Better traction translates into higher productivity, as machines can operate at higher speeds or handle larger implements more efficiently.
Higher profitability
The economic benefits of choosing the correct tire inflation pressure are significant. By helping to reduce soil compaction and preserve soil structure, it can support crop productivity and farm performance over time. Enhanced traction further improves machine efficiency and overall operational output.
During road transport, increased tire pressure decreases the footprint and rolling resistance, allowing smoother travel at higher speeds while lowering fuel consumption.
Calculating the correct pressure value
To help determine the correct pressure for each tire, Mitas has developed a tool that calculates the recommended value based on inputs such as tire width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, product type, speed, and load capacity. This greatly simplifies the process of identifying the correct pressure, especially when managing multiple tire configurations. Click here to use the Mitas Tires Pressure Calculator!
Conclusion
To get the most out of their tires, agricultural operators should adjust tire pressure according to operating conditions. This supports efficient machine performance, helps manage soil stress, and contributes to overall operational efficiency.