Best practices for storing agricultural tires during extended non-operational periods

Best practices for storing agricultural tires during extended non-operational periods-1
Date: 12.02.26
In agriculture, many operations are carried out only for a few months each year. A typical example is cereal harvesting, where agricultural machines are used intensively for a limited period and then remain parked in storage facilities for several months. During extended non-operational periods, you should not underestimate tire maintenance and proper storage.

 

A few simple but essential precautions

In theory, the best solution would be to lift the machine so that the tires do not touch the ground. In practice, this is extremely difficult to implement when dealing with agricultural machines weighing several tens of tons. For this reason, the most effective approach is to follow a few simple guidelines that help ensure optimal tire preservation during extended non-operational periods:

 

  • Clean the tires thoroughly, check for any imperfections, and carefully remove any foreign objects trapped in the tread
  • Visually inspect the rims, paying particular attention to the bead area. This is a very sensitive zone, and even small stones lodged in this area can cause tire pressure loss
  • Increase tire inflation pressure to the maximum permitted value
    (by approximately +0.5 bar above the standard operating pressure in the case of large machines).
    To quickly identify the correct pressure value, you can use the Mitas Tires Pressure Calculator

 

As an example, consider the HC 3000 tire designed for combine harvesters, in size VF 710/70 R 42. By filling in all the required fields in the calculator - measurement system, tire size, speed, and load capacity -you can easily determine the correct inflation pressure.

 


Best practices for storing agricultural tires during extended non-operational periods-2




What not to do during extended non-operational periods

Extended parking with underinflated or completely deflated tires should be strictly avoided.

During certain field operations, you may lower tire inflation pressure, in order to reduce soil compaction and improve tractor traction. In these cases, it is essential to restore tire pressure to standard values before a long non-operational period.

For further details, refer to the articles dedicated to correct tire inflation pressure and to the

effects of soil compaction.

Failing to restore proper pressure can lead to the formation of flat spots, which may later cause vibrations, noise, and wheel oscillations, putting both machine safety and performance at risk.

 

Tips for storing removed tires

If it is possible to remove the tires from the agricultural machine before an extended non-operational period, store them in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and weather exposure. The ideal storage temperature is approximately 15 °C.

If possible, rotate the tires by 90 degrees once a month and keep them away from chemicals or solvents.

 

Minimum effort, maximum result

Tires are a fundamental component of any agricultural machine and therefore require the same level of attention. By following these simple precautions, you can store your tires in the best possible way, maintaining high performance, safety, and product quality over time.