Proper Radial tire usage

First thing is don't use fluid in them add cast weight ask your supplier... Although I think I did read somewhere if you had to get more weight only fill 1/4 full but this is a last resort.
Second thing is you have to know the axle load to determine the pressure you need to run. 18 psi is too much unless you are running small singles on a heavy tractor. There are charts that tell you what to run. If you put on duals lower the pressure if you add a mounted implement you may have to raise the pressure. Otherwise you are wasting money and the available gains from the radials.

• Tire pressure charts

• ballast recommendation

Rod

I concur that tire pressure is critical. The manufacturers are more than willing make recommendations and I certainly follow them except when I should know better. An example; I chase over logging stubble. In that case, I want the least amount of air in the tire that will keep it up so as to minimize the chance of poking a hole in one. Same deal for plowing snow; in that case it's all about maximum traction.

I think we run most of our tires at 15 to 20 PSI depending on the tractor and what we are doing with it. There again I take the advice of the tire guys that sell and service the tires, he is an owner / operator and he knows his tires. Every time he comes over to work on a tire for the farm he checks all the tires in the shed for me, and makes recommendations on them. Great guy, and he knows what customer service is all about.

• Sheps World