Tire Inflation Pressure Guidelines

Check tire inflation pressure at least every two weeks, while tires are cool using an accurate dial or stick-type gauge having 10 kPa (0.1 bar) (1 psi) graduations.

NOTE: Use a special air-water gauge and measure with valve stem at bottom if tires contain liquid ballast.

Checking inflation pressures of inner wheels is much easier, if valve stems of inner and outer tires are aligned at time outer wheel is installed.

Correctly inflated radial tires show a deflection of sidewall. This is normal and does not harm tire.

Inflation pressures less than 80 kPa (0.8 bar) (12 psi) should be monitored frequently because of increased risk of low pressure air leaks.

NOTE: Bead slip can be experienced in high-traction conditions, with single tire usage. Increasing inflation pressure will help but will reduce traction.

Maximum tire pressure is specified on tire sidewall.

Determine correct tire pressure by weighing tractor using following procedure:

  • Front axle weight with implement lowered
  • Rear axle weight with implement raised

Set tire inflation pressures according to weight measured. Ballasting and tire inflation pressure may need to be adjusted when operating conditions change. Use inflation tire charts on following pages.

NOTE: If tractor is equipped with front-mounted implement, raise implement when determining front axle weight and lower implement when determining rear axle weight. If tractor is equipped with both a front and rear-mounted implement, raise both implements.

IMPORTANT: Inflation pressures exceeding heavy ballast guidelines of 76 kg/kW (125 lbs/hp) are not recommended. Tractor efficiency will be decreased. Use larger dual or triple wheels.


Managing Tire Inflation Pressures

IMPORTANT: Integral implements transfer significant weight to rear axle. Include this added weight when determining correct inflation pressures. (See chart in Optimum Performance/Ballast section.)

Tractors operating on steep side slopes or furrow plowing should increase rear tire pressures 30 kPa (0.3 bar) (4 psi) above values listed for base pressures 80 kPa (0.8 bar) (12 psi) and above to compensate for lateral weight transfer. For base pressures below 80 kPa (0.8 bar) (12 psi), pressure should be increased by 30 percent.

NOTE: All tires on an axle must have same inflation pressure.

Tractors with heavy hitch-mounted implements require increased rear tire inflation pressures to carry increased weight during transport.

Reduce pressures to correct pressure for towed implement operation.


Using Tubes with Tubeless Radial Tires

Inflation pressure can be set as low as 40 kPa (0.4 bar) (6 psi), if high quality (natural rubber) tubes are used. Lower quality tubes require minimum inflation pressure of 80 kPa (0.8 bar) (12 psi). Direct questions regarding tube quality to your tire dealer.

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