How Much Does A Tractor Tire Weigh [Average Weight]

Looking at the size of a tractor whether small or big, you expect that the tire weight should definitely correspond to its size and how it is used.

You might get some tractors weighing up to 19,000 pounds. So, without a good tire, it is hard for the tractor to do its job well.

The tire tractor will weigh an average of 300 to 600 pounds. This is per tire. Since the tractor needs four tires, the weight of the tires can be from 1,200 to 2,400 pounds. Those are quite heavy tires generally.

This guide looks at what you should know about tractor tires so that you always pick the correct tire to put on your tractor and how much it might weigh.

Types of Tractor Tires

You might have thought that only those who own tractors might want to know the weight of tractor tires. That is not always the case. You can find weightlifters also interested in such information because it helps them know how much they are pushing or flipping.

Below we shall categorize the tires based on size and find out the respective weight too.

Small tractor tires

The smallest tires for tractors you will find on the market measure 17.5 by 25 ft and weigh a maximum of 300 pounds.

As you can see, even the small tires are not the lightest considering the average tire of a car weighs around 25 pounds.

For context, look at the weight of heavy-duty trucks. You will notice they each weigh 200 pounds. Still not as close as the 300-pound mark. That is still 100 pounds more.

Medium tractor tires

These are the next level after the small tires. They have a measurement of 20.5 by 25 ft. Looking at the physical size, you will notice they are not too big from the small tires.

The average weight of medium tractor tires should be around 400 pounds or +50 pounds.

Large tires for tractors

The large tractors will be visibly larger compared to the small size tractor tires. The size is usually around 23.5 by 25 ft, making them bigger even visually.

Such tires weigh 400 to 800 pounds each. You also get a range of 500 to 700 pounds depending on the brand.

For this size, the weight largely varies based on the threads, wear patterns, and how much metal is used in making the tire.

Here is a video on tire treads common on a tractor tire

Extra-large tractor tires

Sometimes you just have to go for bigger tractor tires. The extra-large tires will be 26.5 by 25 ft. As you can expect, they will also be the heaviest.

Each tire will weigh around 900 pounds thus leading to 3,600 pounds for a set of 4 tires. That is quite extraordinary weight to have in tires alone.

How to Determine the Tractor Tire Weight

You probably have the tractor tires already installed on the tractor and you are asking yourself, how much do these tires weigh?

It is not a must that you take off the tires and weigh them one by one. The easiest way would be to use the information on the tire sidewall to understand more about the tire and how it is supposed to be used.

Look at the side wall and note down the five-digit sequence of numbers on it. The two digits at the start have a period to separate the numbers while the last two have a dash for separation too.

An example is having a number of the sidewall looking like this 16.9-30.

The numbers 16.9 represent the tractor tire width from one sidewall all the way to the other. These figures are in inches mostly.

The 30 digit is the tire rim diameter and is still indicated in inches.

Your tires could have radial, standard, or metric sizes. Understanding the differences between these three options is key to choosing the best tire.

Metric tires

This is a European-based tire measuring system. The easiest way to identify such a system is that it would have a slash or two and a letter R in the sequence of labeling. An example is 420/85R24.

So, what do these numbers mean? Starting with the first digits just like before, will indicate the tire’s width. This is the width when the tire is inflated correctly.

Sometimes that number might be small. Not to worry as sometimes it can be indicated in millimeters.

The next digit in the sequence is the tire’s aspect ratio. This simply means the ratio of the tire’s width to the height expected in percentage.

The letter R in the sequence means radial construction. This is a common construction type for a metric tractor tire.

The number coming after R means the diameter of the wheel for mounting. This is important so that you always mount it correctly.

Radial tires for tractors

The letter R would still be on the radial tires for tractors. Radial construction simply means the tractor tires contain cord piles installed at 90 degrees and move in a similar direction as the tire travels. You will find that most tires are likely to be radial, but not all of them.

For a radial tire, it would have a label such as 11.2R20. The same explanation for metric tires applies here too.

Standard tires

The size examples used in the other section above were for standard tires. An example would be 11.2X20. These numbers are not different in terms of what they mean. It is only that they are expressed in a different format.

It is possible for you to convert from one format to another with ease. Following a chart conversion table such as the one mentioned below can help you understand more about these differences.

Below is a video on choosing the right tire for your tractor

Why Your Tractor Tires are Wearing Fast

Looking at the size of tractor tires, it is easy to conclude that they are not the cheapest. So, it would be nice to take good care of your tires to have them last even longer.

So, here are some of the reasons why they might be worn so quickly and how best to deal with such issues.

The tractor’s mechanical condition

It is possible to notice more wear on the front tires compared to the rear tires. Also, if this type of wear is mostly on one side, it could mean a problem with your differential, wheel alignment, and also the clearance problem in the steering bearings and ball joints.

You could also face a combination of the problems mentioned above. Some people use the front axle as a winding journey leading to this type of problem.

Also, a camber problem can still be responsible. This is when the tires are no longer correctly aligned vertically.

In case the tires are too worn, swap the tires to increase service life. Still, you have to resolve the mechanical issues the tractor might be facing.

How you are using the tractor

Of course, how you use the tractor can also determine if you have uneven wear or not.

An example is that sometimes you have smooth tires with also the central lugs having noticeable wear. It means you have been driving on the roads with too heavy loads.

Tire wear is often accelerated by driving the tractor on road surfaces. This is because it is a more abrasive material compared to soft soil. Considering some people would also be driving fast, it can lead to more wear.

You may also notice sloped wear to the tires. This means the road you use more often has an incline. In case you have to make constant steering adjustments, then you can expect more wear too.

You should consider driving at the recommended speed so that you do not cause the rubber to overheat and wear prematurely.

Incorrect tire pressure

The tire pressure behaves the same way as it would when you driving a normal car. You always have to ensure the tire pressure is correct in your tractor tire too.

In case the tire is underinflated, then it would result in abnormal wear to the lugs and shoulders of the same tire. Still, the vibrations would not be absorbed well thus being felt by the driver.

Also, low pressure would make the tire heat up and the components might start to separate. This means the tire would degrade faster.

Overinflation is not good either. It will make the tire tread wear faster. You may also experience tire bulges which are dangerous too.

FAQs

What will be the weight of a front tire on a tractor?

Most front tires would weigh 300 pounds. This is because they will be small in size. The rear tires will go up to 1000 pounds depending on the size.

What affects how much a tractor tire weighs?

The brand, model, size, and construction can affect how much your tractor tire weighs. All manufacturers will indicate this attribute so that you know more about the tire weight before buying.

How long do tractor tires last?

Depending on the use, they can last three to six years. So long as you notice they are not safe to keep using, ensure they get changed right away.