How Does Tire Pressure Impact My Tractors Performance?

We want to help you learn everything you need to know about the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure and how it impacts your tractor’s performance.

And as a quick aside --- we are here to help you purchase a new tractor and implements when the time is right.    

Let’s get started. 

Tire Pressure’s Impact

Maintaining proper tire pressure can help you get the most out of your compact tractor.

Improper tire pressure can ultimately ruin your tractor.  You must understand the negative implications that improper tire pressure levels can have on your overall machine in both the long and short term.

Tire Life

Many manufacturers agree that a tire underinflated by just 10% below the recommended levels can reduce your tire life by as much as 15%.

The tire pressure supports the structural integrity of the tire.  If the tire is not properly inflated --- the tire can become degraded.  Uneven wear and poor traction are two other side effects of an underinflated tire.  Another consequence of an underinflated tire is the bead slip. Bead slip occurs when the bead of the tire slips against the tire’s rim --- creating a tremendous amount of heat that ultimately destroys the tire.

Ride Quality

Overinflated tires can cause an operator to experience discomfort while running the machine --- plus the overall tractor performance can falter.

An overinflated tire reduces the tire flex --- which affects the ride quality.  Over time --- over-inflation will increase the wear and tear on the tractor. Tire and tractor manufacturers agree that as little as a 20% over-inflation can reduce your tractor performance by as much as 30%.

Tractor Performance Issues

Your tractor’s tire pressure can have a large effect on pulling power, traction, ride quality, and soil compaction.

Tractor tires by design use only a few units of pressure compared to tires on most cars and trucks.  What you want to do is get those few pounds of the tire tractor pressure in just the right spot given the tire and tractor specifications, the peak and minimum loads the tractor is carrying, and the nature and purpose of the tractor application.

If you get it just right --- you will minimize soil compaction, gain traction due to having the maximum ground contact, and reward yourself with the best possible ride quality.

Monitoring Tire Pressure

Make sure to use your tire pressure gauge when you are doing regular maintenance on your tractor.

The tire gauge will help ensure the inflation pressure is correct --- because it takes as little as 2 psi to represent 10% off the recommended tire pressure.

Without a gauge, you might not be able to detect that difference.  Also, know the tire package on your tractor.  Various tire types have different tire pressure specifications --- so you want to make sure you are meeting the pressure requirements for the tire package you have.

Consult your owner’s manual or your local tractor dealer for the correct specifications for your tire package.

Additional Maintenance

Tractor tires leak air over time.

Some tractors are used at irregular intervals --- so check your tire pressure daily.

Also, keep the valve caps on the valve stem as they keep dust and debris from entering the tire.

Understanding the signs of improper tire pressure can help you see when your tires require maintenance.  Knowing the tire pressure requirements for your tractor will help you prevent negative outcomes and ensure a long life for your tires and tractor --- as well as a more comfortable ride experience.

Hopefully, this brief article has helped you understand the importance of having the proper tire pressure to improve the life of your tractor plus provide you with a much better ride experience.

If you need any further help or have any questions about tire pressure, tractors, implements, or anything else equipment-related, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944.  Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.

If you are looking for old, vintage, classic, or new tractor parts, send us a part request.

Team Tractor Ranch - #1 Tractor Dealer in Arizona. We sell and service most major brands of tractors including Yanmar, Kubota, John Deere, TYM, Mahindra, Kioti, Case, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz, Case IH, Farmall, International Harvester, Branson Tractors, LS, Shibura, Claas Tractor, McCormick Tractors, Valtra, Solis, YTO, Montana, and Nortrac.