Buhler 2425, 2335, 2290, 2375, 2360 manual Tires and Articulation Blocks, Proper Tire Selection, 153

SECTION 2 - OPERATION

TIRES AND ARTICULATION BLOCKS

PROPER TIRE SELECTION

Selecting the proper size and type of tires is important in achieving maximum tractor efficiency. Various sizes and types of tires are available for your tractor. Refer to Section 1 of this manual for approved tire sizes by tractor model number.

If a specific size of tire or tire configuration is not listed under a particular model, do not attempt to install that size tire.

The tires selected for your tractor must be able to support the weight of the tractor and equipment. The tires must also be able to provide adequate tire traction to utilize the tractor engine horsepower and turn it into useful drawbar horsepower.

You will have to adjust the ballast, tire pressure and tractor weight split between the front and rear axles for various loads and conditions to achieve the best ride and performance.

Always maintain the proper air pressure in the tire to carry the load. Do not over inflate radial or bias ply tires. Radial tires will work with LOWER air pressures. Radial tires will show up to 20% sidewall deflection or bulge when properly inflated.

The force that enables the tires to drive the tractor must be transmitted through the tire sidewalls. The tires work best when all the tires on a given axle are working at the same rate. Think of them like a shock absorber; they must respond the same way to share the load equally.

Factors Determining Best Tire Performance

Good Performance

Proper air pressure for the load

Proper sidewall deflection

8%-15% wheel slip

Proper tire size for expected load

Less than 50% fill of liquid ballast

Maintaining equal tire pressure in all tires on a given axle

Poor Performance

High or low air pressure

Stiff sidewalls

High or low wheel slip

Overloaded or underloaded tire

Excessive liquid calcium in a tire

Treating tires on an axle differently

Bias ply tires are rated using a ply rating and radial-type tires are rated using a * rating on the sidewall of the tire. Refer to Section 5 of this manual for information on load carrying capacity based on ply or * rating.

As a general comparison, the following chart details the relationship between ply and * ratings of bias and radial tires.

Bias Ply Rating	Radial * Equivalent
6	*
8	*
10	**
12	***

Refer to “Ballasting” later in this section for proper tractor weight procedures once the tire size has been selected.

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