Shop Bias Tires

Before buying bias ply tires: how bias construction differs

Bias ply tires are tires built with fabric plies laid diagonally across the tire, usually at 30 to 40 degrees, crossing each other from bead to bead. Bias ply construction makes a stiff, tough sidewall and casing, compared with radial tires, whose plies run straight across at 90 degrees.

Reading bias tire sizes before ordering

Bias tire sizes use a dash instead of an R: 18.4-38 is a bias farm tire 18.4 in. wide on a 38-inch rim, and 4.80-12 is a bias trailer or equipment tire 4.80 in. wide on a 12-inch rim. A size with an R, such as 480/80R38 or 26x9R12, is the radial version.

Where buyers choose bias ply tires

• Farm and implement owners buy bias tires for loader work, hillsides and lower purchase cost; see farm tires.
• OTR and construction owners buy bias tires for short-cycle loading in rock; see OTR tires.
• ATV and UTV riders buy bias tires for cut-resistant sidewalls on rocky trails; see ATV and UTV tires.
• Lawn, garden and golf cart owners buy bias tires as the standard construction for small equipment.
• Vintage car owners buy bias tires for period-correct looks and handling; see antique tires.

Bias vs. radial: choosing before you buy

Bias ply tires cost less and resist sidewall cuts better than radial tires. Radial tires run cooler at road speed, ride smoother, last longer on pavement and put a longer footprint on the ground. Buyers whose equipment travels at highway speed or covers long distances choose radial; buyers who work slowly in rock, brush or on hillsides often choose bias.

Ply rating to check when buying bias tires

Bias tires list a ply rating, such as 4-ply, 6-ply or 10-ply, which shows the strength and load capacity of the casing. Buyers choose the ply rating that carries the machine's or trailer's weight on each wheel.

Buying bias tires to match the axle

Bias tires are bought to match the other tires on the same axle, because bias and radial tires flex differently and do not belong together. Buyers replacing one bias tire on an axle buy a bias tire; buyers switching to radial replace the whole axle, and preferably the whole vehicle.

Ordering bias ply tires with NeoTires

Bias tires are ordered by the dash size and ply rating on the current tire, such as 18.4-38 8-ply or 4.80-12 6-ply. Search that size on NeoTires, compare bias ply tires by price and ply rating, and add the pair or set to the cart. Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay financing is available at checkout, and NeoTires dispatches bias ply tires the same day across the US, free on tires labeled Free shipping.