Agricultural tire wear: do you know how to prevent and monitor it?

Incorrect machine setup

Irregular tire wear concentrated on the inner or outer side of the tread may indicate a wheel alignment issue. In these cases, it is important to check some key wheel geometry parameters:

• One of these is toe alignment, meaning the angle of the tires in relation to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle: under optimal conditions, the wheels should be parallel to each other and correctly aligned with the ground
• Wheel geometry parameters such as camber angles should also be checked where applicable. This parameter defines the inclination of the wheels relative to the vertical axis and, if not correctly adjusted, can lead to abnormal and uneven tread wear

Correct wheel alignment helps minimize irregular tread wear, improve handling and maximize tire service life.

The main causes of tire wear and useful tips to prevent it

Among all factors affecting tire lifespan, inflation pressure is one of the most important.

First of all, incorrect inflation pressure in relation to the conditions in which the tractor is operating. In agriculture, it is good practice to adjust tire inflation pressure depending on the surface on which the tractor is moving:

• In the field, inflation pressure should be adjusted according to load and operating conditions in order to maximize traction and reduce soil compaction
• During road transport, pressure should be adjusted according to load and speed requirements to reduce rolling resistance, limit heat build-up and improve fuel efficiency

When moving from field work to road transport, tire pressure should always be adjusted according to the manufacturer's load and speed recommendations. Otherwise, rolling resistance increases, leading to higher fuel consumption and, above all, greater tire overheating and therefore increased wear.

An overinflated tire will also wear out more quickly and unevenly, as it tends to take on a convex shape, putting more stress on the tread lugs in the central area.

To ensure you are using the correct pressure for each type of tire, you can use the calculator available on our website at this link.

Prevention and monitoring are crucial

To maximize tire efficiency and safety, it is essential to carry out regular visual inspections in order to identify any irregularities. Uneven tread wear, deformations, cracks and cuts are all warning signs that should not be ignored.

In addition to visual monitoring, it is important to make use of the sensors installed on many modern tractors, such as real-time tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), telematics solutions and performance monitoring systems.

It is also advisable to monitor load distribution to prevent worsening deformations. During harvesting and silage operations, agricultural tires are subjected to significant stress.

Heavy loads come from the weight of the tractor, implements, trailers and transported crops. These conditions increase pressure on both the tread and the tire casing. Over time, such stress can cause permanent deformation and reduce tire performance.

Pay attention to tire markings

Another important factor is compliance with tire markings that indicate the tire’s performance limits, especially those relating to maximum speed and maximum load capacity. Even before considering wear, these specifications are essential for ensuring safety during operation.

In addition, to correctly interpret the speed index and avoid wear caused by road transport, users can refer to the equivalence table supplied with the equipment at the time of purchase.

Every tire features markings that provide crucial information for correct use. You can consult the article on our website where we explain them in detail here.

Most tire wear can be prevented

Agricultural tires are the only point of contact between the machine and the ground, making them a critical component for both productivity and safety.

While tire wear is inevitable over time, premature wear is often the result of preventable factors such as incorrect inflation pressure, excessive transport speeds, poor machine setup or inadequate monitoring.

By adopting good maintenance practices and operating tires within their intended limits, operators can significantly extend tire service life, reduce operating costs and improve overall machine efficiency. A proactive approach to tire management helps maximize the return on investment and ensures reliable performance throughout the tire's working life.