Choosing the Right Tyre for Agricultural Trailers: Load, Terrain & Performance Guide

A detailed technical guide on selecting the correct tyres for agricultural drawbar and farm trailers — including flotation tyres, radial vs bias construction, load index, soil protection, rolling resistance and field-to-road performance.

Agriculture Tyres & Mobility
📅 Published on 2025-11-17 | ✍️ Semi Trailer News Engineering Desk

Image: Agricultural trailer fitted with flotation tyres during field operations

🚜 Why Tyre Selection Matters for Agricultural Trailers

Agricultural trailers rely heavily on tyre type for performance across fields, mud, gravel tracks and farm roads. Correct tyre choice affects:

• Soil protection and reduced compaction
• Load capacity
• Fuel efficiency of the tractor
• Traction and rolling resistance
• Stability on uneven terrain
• Tyre lifetime

🛞 Tyre Construction: Radial vs Bias

1. Radial Tyres

• Flexible sidewalls → lower soil compaction
• Excellent flotation on soft soil
• Lower rolling resistance → better fuel economy
• Best for field–road mixed operations

2. Bias-Ply Tyres

• Strong sidewall for high loads
• Lower initial cost
• Good for low-speed field work
• Higher rolling resistance on roads

🌾 Flotation Tyres for Soft Soil

Flotation tyres distribute weight evenly and prevent deep ruts. Ideal for:

• Wet soil
• Harvest operations
• Silage & forage transport
• Protecting crop roots

📐 Tyre Size & Load Index

• Match load index to trailer GVW
• Check speed rating for field/road transitions
• Correct diameter maintains axle height & stability
• Tyre width depends on terrain (roads vs soft soil)

🌍 Field vs Road Usage

✔ Field-Focused

• Wide, low-pressure flotation tyres
• Bias acceptable for heavy slow work

✔ Road-Focused

• Radial construction preferred
• Higher speed rating
• Less heat buildup

🛠️ Maintenance & Pressure Management

• Correct pressure = longest tyre lifespan
• Over-inflation = high compaction, uneven wear
• Under-inflation = sidewall damage
• Regular checks during harvesting

🌍 Tyre Trends in Africa

• East Africa → high-flotation tyres
• South Africa & Zambia → radial tyres for long field–road transitions
• Rural, budget markets → bias tyres remain common

🏭 Leading Manufacturers

• BKT
• Alliance
• Trelleborg
• Mitas
• Local budget brands

🧮 Tyre Pressure Converter (PSI ↔ Bar)

Essential for setting correct tyre pressure depending on soil type, load and field conditions.

📦 Summary

Selecting the right agricultural trailer tyre improves traction, reduces compaction, saves fuel and extends tyre life. Matching tyre type to terrain and load is key for reliable farm operations.

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