Ag Tire Maintenance Checklist for Spring Planting
Spring planting is approaching, which is why it’s important to get a jump on prepping your ag tires. After several months of sitting idle or being in storage, your tires will likely need a thorough once-over to ensure they’re ready to take on outdoor terrain. An unexpected failure can sideline your operations and bring your planting season to a halt, so completing inspections beforehand can save you time down the road.
Why You Need to Prep Your Ag Tires for Spring
While you’re tending to the mechanical needs of your tractors and implements, it’s also important to remember to take a look at your tires. After an extended period in frigid temperatures, your ag tires may have stiffened or started to crack with the freeze-thaw cycle. Lack of use can also cause air loss over time, and tires can become misshapen due to flexing if stored improperly.
It’s important to prepare your ag tires for spring planting so you can make the most of your working assets. It also reduces the risk of decreased traction, increased soil compaction and fuel inefficiency, which can eat up your budget over time.
Ag Tire Inspection Checklist
Check Ag Tire Inflation
It’s necessary to check your tire pressure weekly when they’re not in use and daily once they’re out in the fields. Underinflation can result in sidewall flexing and heat buildup, promoting increased tread wear. That also widens a tire’s footprint and can increase soil compaction, affecting root growth and overall yield. You may need to adjust tire pressure depending on the operating environment and equipment load. If you’ve added attachments to your tractor, you should adjust inflation to accommodate the extra weight.
Inspect Tire Tread
Shallow treads can make it difficult to gain traction in muddy and uneven fields. That can negatively affect your tractor’s ability to pull heavy loads and increase the risk of tire failure.
Signs of worn ag tires include:
- Smooth tread patterns
- Cracks and cuts along the sidewall
- Visible cords or fabric layers
- Uneven wear patterns
Give dirty ag tires a good scrub before mounting them, too. Caked mud can conceal debris that creates punctures. Chemical residue from fertilizers can also break down rubber components. Use a mild soap and water to prep your tires for spring work.
Look for Sidewall Damage
Cracks can develop if your tires are left in fluctuating temperatures for long periods because rubber loses its elasticity over time. Be mindful of even the smallest fissure along sidewalls and treads as they can become larger under pressure and heat. Bulges are caused by internal structural damage due to impact and improper storage. Operating on compromised tires, especially if you’re hauling a heavy load, increases the risk of a blowout during planting season.
Examine Valve Stems
Despite their critical role in maintaining air pressure, ag tire valve stems often go overlooked during inspections. Lodged debris, corrosion and cracked seals can create slow air leaks that increase over time. It’s important to look for signs of brittleness and loose fittings before you reinstall your ag tires to avoid equipment damage in the field. You can use a pressure valve or apply soapy water to your tires to check for valve leaks.
When to Repair or Replace Ag Tires
When to repair:
- Slow air loss due to a minor puncture or valve issue
- Small cuts or abrasions in the tread
- Air leaks around wheel rims or fittings
- Minor sidewall damage
- Punctures less than ¼ -inch
When to replace:
- Worn tread that affects traction
- Sidewall cracks and bulges
- Dry rotting
- Punctures that expose internal cords or fabric layers
- Tires that are eight to 10 years old
Get Ready for Spring Planting at Bauer Built
Bring your ag equipment to Bauer Built for a new set of tires so you can take on spring planting with ease. Our expert technicians can assess your operational needs and provide recommendations to get your vehicles rolling. We offer different types of tractor tires from Michelin, Firestone, Alliance, Camso and Carlisle. Find a location near you to schedule service.
Categories: Bauer Built Blog, AG, Industrial & OTR Tire Tips
