The tyre pressure of agricultural machinery directly influences traction, fuel consumption, tyre wear, machine stability and the degree of soil compaction. Although it seems like a simple technical detail, incorrect pressure can lead to noticeable operational losses.
In agriculture, the optimum pressure is not the same in all situations. It depends on the type of machinery, the load transported, the attached equipment, the working speed and the surface being driven on. Therefore, checking the pressure must be included in the maintenance routine, alongside the visual inspection of the tyres and checking the general condition of the equipment.
Why does agricultural tyre pressure matter?
Tyres are the point of contact between the machinery and the ground. Through them, the tractor's power is transmitted, the weight of the equipment is supported, and stability during work is ensured. When the pressure is correct, the tyre has a balanced contact patch, and the machinery can work more efficiently.
Pressure also has an impact on the soil. An incorrectly used tyre can contribute to compaction, especially on wet or sensitive land. Soil compaction affects water movement and root development, which can influence crops in the long term. For this reason, tyre pressure should not be viewed simply as a mechanical setting, but as an element that is also related to the quality of agricultural work.
What happens if the pressure is too high?
Too much pressure reduces the contact area between the tyre and the ground. On agricultural land, this can lead to poorer grip, wheel slip and more pronounced compaction in the contact area. The tyre becomes stiffer, and the machine can transmit more vibrations to the operator and to the mechanical components.
Over time, excessive pressure can cause uneven wear, usually more pronounced in the middle of the tread. On soft soils, the wheel may tend to work less efficiently, and the machinery may lose stability or traction capacity.
What happens if the pressure is too low?
Too low a pressure can increase the contact area, but this is not always beneficial. If the tyre deforms too much, the sidewalls are stressed and the risk of damage increases. On the road, pressure that is too low can lead to excessive tyre heating, higher fuel consumption and reduced stability.
Therefore, the pressure should not be intuitively decreased or increased. The values must be chosen according to the tyre manufacturer's recommendations, the machinery manual, the wheel load and the type of work.
How do you set the correct pressure?
The correct pressure is determined based on three criteria: load, speed and working surface.
The load is important because an attached implement or a loaded trailer changes the weight distribution. Therefore, the pressure must be based on the most demanding usage situation.
Speed matters just as much. On the road, speed increases, and tyres must offer stability and withstand travel on hard surfaces.
The surface changes the tyre's behaviour. On the road, pressure must protect the tyre from excessive deformation and accelerated wear.
In case agricultural tractors, pressure must be analysed together with the type of dominant work on the farm: soil preparation, sowing, transport, fertilisation or mixed work. A tractor used intensively for transport will have different needs compared to one used mostly for heavy field work.
How do you correctly check tyre pressure?
Pressure checking must be done with a pressure gauge suitable for agricultural tyres. The instrument must be calibrated and sufficiently accurate, as small differences can matter when the machinery is working with heavy loads.
The pressure should preferably be checked before starting work, when the tyres are cold. After travelling, the air inside heats up, and the displayed value may be higher than the actual value under stationary conditions.
It is important that the check is carried out on every wheel, not just on one tyre. Pressure differences between the wheels can affect the machine's stability, influence traction and accelerate wear. On machines that work with heavy equipment or variable loads, the check becomes all the more important.
Practical recommendations for agricultural tyre maintenance
Proper tyre maintenance helps reduce costs and avoid unplanned breakdowns.
- Regular pressure check, especially before major work, heavy-load transport or the transition from field to road.
- Tyre cleaning after working in mud or on terrain with lots of debris. Deposits can hide cracks, cuts or objects trapped in the tread.
- Avoiding overload. Each tyre has a load capacity, and exceeding this can lead to deformation and premature wear. The load must be correlated with the specifications of the machine, the tyres, and the attached equipment.
- The correct storage of unused tyres. These should be kept in a dry space, away from direct exposure to sunlight, excessive moisture and substances that can affect the rubber.
- Including tyres in the general maintenance schedule. A periodic technical inspection can identify wear, pressure loss, installation issues or abnormal stress. The services of agricultural machinery servicing they can be useful for checks, interventions and equipment preparation before agricultural campaigns.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent mistake is using the same pressure in all situations. The field, the road, transport with a load and heavy work may require different settings.
Another mistake is checking the pressure only when a visible problem occurs. Tyres can be used incorrectly for a long time before wear becomes obvious.
Neither is the use of approximate values recommended, without consulting the machine manual or the tyre manufacturer's recommendations. The pressure must be determined technically, not by general estimates.
Also, tyres must not be analysed separately from the rest of the machinery. A mechanical issue, an incorrectly distributed load or an unsuitable attachment can influence tyre wear and behaviour. In such cases, access to spare parts for agricultural machinerys and technical checks can reduce the risk of costly interventions during the season.
Conclusions
Correct tyre pressure in agricultural machinery is important for traction, fuel consumption, wear, stability and soil protection. There is no universal value suitable for all work, as the pressure depends on the load, speed, surface, type of machinery and the tyre used.
Regular checks, the use of a suitable pressure gauge, visual inspection and compliance with technical recommendations can prevent many problems.
For farmers who want to reduce unplanned downtime and get their machinery ready for the season, IPSO It can provide support through technical services, parts and consultancy tailored to agricultural equipment.
