WHY RADIAL TYRES ARE BETTER FOR YOUR TRACTOR ?

WHY RADIAL TYRES ARE BETTER FOR YOUR TRACTOR?

07 Aug, 2020

A tractor wheel is a complex combination of numerous components providing it with both the rigidity and tyre-to-ground contact adapted to its use.
The radial structure is currently more widely used in the farming industry than the diagonal structure. 

Disadvantages of Bias Tyre

•  Rougher ride for operator both in the field and on the road

•  More compaction and rutting in fields

•  2–3 times shorter tread life

•  Less traction/more slippage

•  More fuel consumption 

Composition Of Radial Tyres

1.The Casing Of A Radial Tyre

The structure of a tractor tyre model starts with its casing. This casing is a mixture of synthetic textile cords and steel wires covered in brass and plaited together. Its job is to withstand the load that an agricultural tractor tire has to bear.

The orientation of these cord layers determines the type of tyre. For a radial tyre, they are organised perpendicularly in relation to the running direction.
This positioning allows for increased deformability of the sidewalls, specific to radial tyres. Shocks are better absorbed, and the comfort level is higher.

In addition, the internal surface of the casing is covered with a layer of rubber which has been treated to guarantee the water tightness of the tractor tyre and to maintain the pressure level.

2.Stability Plies

On the upper part of the casing, additional layers are placed diagonally to the running direction, they are the stability plies. 

There are two types of plies:

• The radial plies (just above the casing) which provide reinforcement
• The cap plies which strengthen the tread.

Their job is to provide directional stability and to enable the tyre structure to work across its full width. They also absorb some knocks and protect the casing from external damage.

3.TYRE BEADS

The casing is reinforced at the joint with the wheel rim, by metal rings (one on each side of the tractor wheel), known as tyre beads. 

These beads maintain the casing plies by stiffening the bead heel for good guidance of the tyre and high-quality transmission of traction between the rim and the tyre. 

4.The Sidewalls

The external surface of the agricultural tyre is completely covered in rubber, this is the visible part of the assembly.The resistance of this rubber to wear and cuts protects the casing and the plies from external damage.

 A thin and smooth layer is first placed on the sidewalls. It provides the tyre with flexibility and works with the casing to absorb shocks. The sidewalls also play a role in the lateral stability of the tyre. 

5.Tread

The tread is then placed on the external surface of the tyre. This is a thick layer of rubber, moulded during the vulcanisation process to form lugs.The main role of these lugs is to provide traction whatever the conditions in which the tyre is used. To achieve this, their shape, angle and position are optimised.The lugs also stabilise the tractor during manoeuvres. The tread also contributes to the driver’s comfort.

The specific composition and structure of a radial tractor tyre enables it to combine the flexibility of the sidewalls with the rigidity of the tread. This means that you can have both a high level of surface contact with the ground, which is essential for good load distribution and maximum comfort for the user.