Farm Tire Tread Types

This guide explains the differences between each of the farm tire tread types and highlights the applications in which each tread style performs best.

R-1

The R-1 tread is perhaps the most common tread type for 100+ hp tractors. It is commonly used on combines and sprayers and can also be used on large grain carts and other implements carrying heavy loads. The R-1 tire is designed for general farm use and provides the best traction under average soil conditions.

R-1W

The R-1W tread is considered a "deep tread" lug. It's tread is at least 20% deeper than an R-1 tire. The R-1W tread is designed to provide better traction in higher moisture soils.

R-2

Commonly referred to as a "rice and cane" tire, the R-2 tread type is designed for farming in extremely wet soils. The tread on an R-2 tire is at least 2x deeper than an R-1 tire.

R-3

The R-3 tread type is designed to minimize soil disturbance. The R-3 tread is typically 1/2 as deep as an R-1tread, and it is best used for farming in sandy or volcanic ash soils. R-3 tires are commonly found on older grain carts and other implements carrying heavy loads.

R-4

The R-4 tread type is designed for light industrial service and highway department use. The tread depth is about 70% as deep as an R-1 tread.

F-2

The F-2 tire is a three-rib steer tire that best complements R-1 and R-1W drive tires.

F-2M

The F-2M tire is a multi-rib steer tire that best complements R-1 and R-1W drive tires.

I-1

The I-1 tire is a rib-tread implement tire. It is common on a variety of towed implements.

I-3

The I-3 tire is a traction tread tire with a bar type tread similar to R-1 tires. It is primarily found on self-propelled implements and ground-powered equipment.

HF

HF signifies high flotation. It is available in HF-1, HF-2, HF-3 and HF-4.