Shop Rear Tractor Tires

Before buying rear tractor tires: the drive tires that pull the load

Rear tractor tires are the tractor tires most owners replace first: the large rear tires on the rear axle of farm and utility tractors, which carry most of the tractor's weight and put the engine's pull into the ground. Rear tractor tires are classified by tread code, molded on the sidewall next to the size, and sold in bias and radial construction.

Rear tractor tread codes to check when ordering

• R-1 rear tractor tires have standard-depth lugs for general field work in average soil.
• R-1W rear tractor tires have lugs at least 20% deeper than R-1, for wet soil and longer tread life.
• R-2 rear tractor tires have lugs twice as deep as R-1, for rice, cane and flooded fields.
• R-3 rear tractor tires have a shallow turf tread for lawns, golf courses and sod.
• R-4 rear tractor tires have an industrial tread for compact tractors and backhoes that work on soil and pavement.

Rear tractor tire sizes to read before ordering

Bias rear tractor sizes such as 18.4-38 give the section width in inches (18.4) and the rim diameter (38). Radial sizes such as 480/80R46 give the width in millimeters (480), the sidewall height as a percentage of width (80) and the rim diameter (46). IF (Increased Flexion) rear tires carry 20% more load than a standard radial at the same pressure, and VF (Very High Flexion) rear tires carry 40% more, which reduces soil compaction under heavy tractors.

Rear tractor tire sizes by tractor class

• Compact tractor rear tires come in sizes such as 9.5-24, 11.2-24 and 12.4-24, often in R-4 for loader work.
• Utility tractor rear tires come in sizes such as 13.6-28, 16.9-28 and 16.9-30.
• Row-crop tractor rear tires come in sizes such as 18.4-38, 520/85R42 and 480/80R46.
• Backhoe rear tires come in R-4 sizes such as 17.5L-24 and 19.5L-24.

Choosing bias or radial rear tractor tires

Radial rear tractor tires flex at the sidewall and lay a longer footprint, which cuts wheel slip and soil compaction in field work. Bias rear tractor tires cost less and have stiffer sidewalls, which suit loader work, hillsides and tractors with low annual hours.

Matching rear and front tires on MFWD tractors

Tractors with mechanical front-wheel drive (MFWD) need front and rear tire sizes that keep the lead ratio the manufacturer specifies, so the front axle turns slightly faster than the rear. Rear tractor tires changed to a different size or brand can upset that ratio and wear the driveline, so buyers check the tractor manual's approved front-and-rear size combinations before ordering.

Buying rear tractor tires in pairs

Rear tractor tires are bought in pairs, so both drive wheels share the same size, tread code and wear, and in sets of four on tractors with rear duals. See farm tires for front tractor tires and implement tires.

Ordering rear tractor tires with NeoTires

Rear tractor tires are ordered by the size and tread code molded on the current tire, such as 18.4-38 R-1 or 480/80R46 R-1W. Search that size on NeoTires to see the rear tractor tires for sale in it, compare them by tread code, ply or load rating and price, and add the pair to the cart. NeoTires dispatches rear tractor tires the same day and ships them nationwide across the US, free on tires marked Free shipping, and Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay financing is available at checkout for spreading the cost of a pair.