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If you run any kind of farm or ranch, it's critical to find the best ag tires in Texas to put on your various vehicles. The type of tires you put on your farm machines will have a significant impact on their performance and can also have an impact on the farm itself. For example, you want to avoid disrupting or compacting soil in critical areas. The wrong tires could actually damage your land.

Wheel and Tire Superstore in Texas has a huge range of tires for vehicles of all types, including agricultural machinery - and we're always happy to help you choose based on your needs. So, let's talk about some of the major choices in ag tires, as well as the best options for some common types of farm vehicles.

I. Basic Types of Farm Tires

In general, there are a few basic categories of agricultural tire: standard, rubber, IF, and VF.

Standard tires, also called pneumatic tires, are just that: standard. They're built basically like regular tires, using traditional casings filled with air, just larger. These are often the cheapest option, but they will require additional oversight and maintenance. In particular, you may have to adjust the tire pressure whenever you move between on-road and off-road driving.

All-rubber tires are an option for farm machinery and are made out of single solid chunks of rubber. These typically should not be taken onto regular roads for very long. They're more expensive than pneumatic tires, but they are slower to wear down and much more resistant to the debris that may be in some fields.

IF and VF: These are both types of increased flexibility pneumatic tires, which are capable of holding more weight at comparable PSIs. IF tires can hold up to 20% more weight, and VF tires can hold up to 40% more. They can also move between on- and off-road without having to adjust the tire pressure. However, they're more expensive, and more prone to damage, than other options.

II. Farm Tires for Specific Needs

1 - Tires for Harvesting

When harvesting, it's vital to avoid soil compaction as much as possible, while also having excellent traction on the loose soil. IF or VF tires are usually the best option here, as they have lower pressures (relative to weight) and so are less likely to compact the soil. Their good traction will be especially important if you're harvesting on uneven terrain or sloping ground, reducing the chances of mishaps or rollovers.

2 - Tires for Mounted Sprayers

Soil damage is less of an issue here, so most of the time, you can use standard tires. These will provide better traction and more precise movement, as well as giving the driver a smoother ride. This is also the better option if you will be spraying heavily and the soil will be wet/muddy

Narrower VF tires are also an option, especially if they're enhanced with a steel ring for extra control. They still limit topsoil compaction, which may be a concern depending on your crops.

3 - Tires for Mixed Crop/Livestock Work

If you have both crops and livestock, you'll need a versatile and multipurpose tire capable of handling a lot of different surfaces and terrains. You'll likely want tires kept at higher pressure, like standard tires, so that they can move between on- and off-road work without issue.

Also, look for tires with reinforced casing, which will add to their versatility. You might even consider all-rubber tires if you'll be spending minimal time on regular roads.

4 - Tires for Viticulture (Vines)

Vines are especially sensitive to soil compaction, so it's important to use low-pressure IF or VF tires which will minimize disruption to the soil. Otherwise, highly compacted soil may contribute to diseases making their way into your vines. You want to spread out the tractor's weight as much as possible to protect the soil.

5 - Tires for Forestry Work

Forestry tires are their own special niche, as they have to deal with extremely rugged ground which will be full of debris that could potentially puncture other tires.  All-rubber tires can be an option, or else large, rugged tires with significant steel belting and other reinforcement will protect them from damage.

If you're having trouble finding the best ag tires for your work, Wheel and Tire Superstore will be happy to help. Just contact us

III. Other Considerations

1 - New vs. Used

Ag and industrial tires are expensive, so it's tempting to look into used tires rather than new. In certain circumstances, such as needing some new tires quickly for a single harvest, buying used can make sense. The same is true if you're planning on selling the vehicle shortly. However, the reduced lifespan and reliability of used tires will cause issues, and potentially lead to increased long-term costs, if you run them for more than a year or two.

2 - Cash or Credit?

It's possible for many farms to qualify for low-interest loans when buying new tires, which can be a good idea. This allows you to spread out the cost of the tires over several months, without adding that much to the overall cost. This could be a real lifesaver if you need expensive tires for a particular job that you'd struggle to pay for with cash.

3 - Weight Limits

Always know the weight of your farm machines and the expected maximum load they'll carry when in use. Be sure the tires you buy exceed the weight capacity of even a worst-case scenario so that they don't fail you when you need them most.

4 - Look to the Future

Don't buy Ag tires for today. Buy them for the next five years. Will your machines foreseeably be changing roles in future seasons? Factor that into your purchase.

Texas' Wheel and Tire Superstore is here to ensure you have the best possible tires for any need or use, from small to huge machines. Click here to browse our catalog, or contact us directly if you have any questions!