To save on tractor tires, consider buying used. However, when choosing used tires for farming or other agricultural equipment, it’s not just about the price. Ensure you buy from a reputable company that inspects their tires. Below I will discuss where to find used tractor tires, how to evaluate them for safety and longevity, and my experience with the places that sell used tractor tires near me.
Map of Used Tractor Tires Near Me
For “Used Tractor Tires Near Me” or “Used Agricultural Equipment Tires Near Me”, see below for locations…
Who Sells Used Tractor Tires Near Me
There are a variety of businesses that sell used tires for tractors and other agricultural equipment. Here are the details of some of the most popular business types…
Local Tractor Supplier
The are a variety of tractor supply companies that sell used tires. These places understand farming equipment, lawn mowers, and the vast array of tire types that you may be looking for.
Some of these places specialize in tractors as their business. I find these places to be more helpful and have different levels of expertise than a used tire shop. Additionally, they know how to inspect tractor tires and are more likely to sell you a better tire.
Used Tire Shop
Your local used tire shop, may in fact sell more than car and truck tires. Some of these places will carry a variety of tractor tires for sale. In my experience, your local used tire shop may have tractor tires for sale, but they don’t understand the ins and outs and have practical experience.
Sure they know how to inspect a car tire, but are not intimately familiar with the type of issues that tractor tires can have like stubble damage.
Wholesale Used Tire Distributor
Some wholesale used tire distributors sell tractor tires. Some even deal exclusively in agricultural and heavy duty equipment tires. The issue here is that they are wholesale tire suppliers which means you need to purchase in bulk. That is not practical unless you are in the business of selling used tractor tires yourself.
Tractor Salvage Yards
Farm equipment salvages also will have used tires often in stacks. While you can find a wide range of options, they are hard to match and in my experience, they are of lower quality than other sellers.
A Salvage isn’t taking in a tractor just for it’s tires, they are looking at multiple components that give it value. Other places are closely looking at the tires because that is how they make their money.
Online Used Tractor Tire Sellers
Multiple types of businesses sell tractor tires online. You can find standard used tire sellers or those that specialize in agricultural and farming equipment. While you may a bit more in prices for an online seller who specializes, I find it’s a bit more safe to purchase from them.
A place that specializes typically has a better variety, can match sets, and will thoroughly inspect the tires for flaws before selling them to you. The trouble is you may also need to pay for the shipping.
What Kinds of Used Tractor Tires Near Me Can You Find?
The place near me specializes in used farm tires for all types of agricultural equipment. You can large used combine tires to narrow tires for sprayers. Some places that don’t specialize like your local used tire seller, probably don’t even know what kind of tractor tires they have.
They may carry what you need, but they won’t be very helpful in directing you or helpful in evaluating them.
Here are some of the equipment types you can find:
- Row-Crop
- 4WD Tractor
- Combine/Harvestor
- Grain Cart
- Sprayer/Applicator
Understanding Tractor Tire Types
Regardless if you are getting new tires or used tractor tires you need to pick the right tires for the right application, condition, soil, and terrain. These are the most common tractor tire types that are used today. Most tractors are able to be fitted with any of the three tread options, but that doesn’t mean all are best for your job.
- R1: These are agricultural grade, have deep treads, and be used in rough terrain. That includes loose dirt, mud, and snow.
- R3: These are also called “Turf Tires”. They are used to prevent turf damage and their identifying quality is a shallow depth on the tread. These are good for small engine tractors like a ride on mower as well as any lawn and garden work.
- R4: These are used most in applications where the surface is really hard, like a road. The tread depth is in between an R1 and R3 and they are made of a wear-resistant composite. They are made to last on asphalt, cement, and gravel, but can be gentle enough on turf.
Picking the Right Tractor Tires
When you are trying to figure out what information you need you should ask yourself the following:
- Are there a lot of hills that I need to have traction on?
- Does my tractor spend most of its time on the grass?
- Will I need to drive my tractor on the road?
The Growing Popularity of Used Tractor Tires
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in the state of the agricultural industry. More and more farmers are opting for used farm tractor tires instead of brand-new ones. But why is this change occurring?
One of the primary reasons farmers and businesses are turning to used tires is the low cost associated with them. Purchasing brand-new tires can put a significant dent in a farmer’s account, especially when multiple tires need replacement.
On the other hand, used tires, especially those from reputable brands like Firestone and Titan, offer similar durability at a fraction of the price. This cost-saving benefit is hard to ignore, especially for farmers operating on tight budgets.
Another compelling reason is the environmental impact. Manufacturing new tires requires a lot of resources and energy. By choosing used tires, farmers indirectly reduce the demand for new tire production. This choice not only helps in conserving resources but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with tire manufacturing. In a state where environmental concerns are becoming paramount, this change in preference aligns with the broader goal of sustainability.
Furthermore, the categories of used tires available have expanded. Whether a farmer is dealing with a flat terrain or a more challenging landscape, there’s likely a used tire that fits the bill. And with the ease of order and delivery services available in almost every city, farmers can receive their chosen tires without much hassle.
In conclusion, the growing popularity of used farm tractor tires is not just a trend but a reflection of the changing priorities of the agricultural community. As the world continues to change, the emphasis on cost-saving and environmental benefits will only grow, making used tires an even more attractive option for many.
The Challenge With Used Tires for Agricultural Equipment
Aside from the safety and quality issues, we will address in a moment, the problem is usually finding what you need. Everyone is competing for the popular tires. Sure you can go and look for a set of used 18.4-38 tractor tires, but likely they won’t be in. These types of tires sell very quickly.
As a workaround, you can ask your local used tire dealer or tire supply co to call you if they get a set in. Some online companies have tire alerts that tell you when they get a used tire in that meets your requirements.
When You Should NOT Select Used Tires For Agricultural Equipment
You should never use a used tire with a repaired section in any high-load applications. Just because they are available for vehicles like such as large sprayers, combines, grain carts, or loader fronts, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. For these, you should consider new or like new conditions only. Used tires are at a much higher risk of failure in high-load applications.
How to Select Used Tractor Tires for Safety and Value
There is a few things you should think about before you spend any money. Here are my best tips that you should commit to if you are in the market for second hand tires.
Tips for Buying Used Tractor Tires Near Me
- Only Purchase used tires from a reputable source
- Get help from a professional if you don’t know how to inspect a tire
- Any deal that seems too good to be true likely is not true
- Know what are reasonable prices are before you start negotiating
- Know all your measurements and load capacity requirements before you start shopping
- Never buy a tire that is cracking, bulging, or has uneven tread wear
- Ensure you read the sidewall correctly
How I Inspect Used Tractor Tires Near Me?
Selecting the right tire is just as important as selecting the right tractor. Below this page I will hot on some of the key points you should look for before purchasing used tires and treads for your equipment, Any time purchase any type of used tire you should carefully inspect it.
The place that sells used vehicle and tractor tires near me, uses these six tenants for evaluating a used tire.
1. Tread Wear Remaining
Tread depth is an indication of how much mileage is left in the tire. Measuring the depth is often the only thing people consider when buying used. At a high level the more tread depth the more value left in the tire.
2. Stubble Damage
Stubble damage is a type of damage exclusive to tractor tires because it is caused by corn stalks. A severely damaged tractor tire can’t maintain air pressure. You should rate a tire on a scale from no stubble damage to extreme stubble damage before considering purchasing it.
3. Excessive Road Use
Not all tractor tires get exposed to roads, but some travel miles to get to the fields they need to work. Treads that have been constantly run on pavement, wear down faster and create uneven tread wear.
Even if the tire appears to have a lot of tread depth remaining if it has spent a lot of miles on the road it will significantly decrease it’s performance in the field.
4. Weathering
If a tractor isn’t stored in a barn, the tires get exposed to weathering from the sun. The types of weathering issues you see may vary and they are all enhanced by prolonged sun exposure.
These kinds of issues are small sidewall cracks or possibly cracks large enough to expose chords. There are certain brands that are more likely to weather than others, but regardless it’s a safety issue all brands face.
5. Repairs
Repairs that have been vulcanized, which is a rubber hardening process, can actually out live the tire itself. Despite being a great repair on a perfectly suitable tire, you should not use a tire with any section repair in high-load applications.
So if you are looking for used tires for large sprayers, combines, grain carts, or loader fronts and there is a section repair, you should pass on it.
6. Major Blemishes and Structure Issues
Bead damage, blistering, cuts, bulging, and casing cracks are blemishes that need to be inspected. Any of these can affect the structure of the tire, decrease the longevity, decrease the strength, and decrease the value. Sometimes a blemish can just be surface level cosmetic damage, but all need to be closely looked at to ensure safety.
Used Tractor Tires Near Me Conclusion
If you are in the market for second hand tractor tires, there are many different types of businesses that sell them. Finding some place you trust and that has a goodyear of experience with agricultural equipment is ideal.
Before you purchase any, you should thoroughly inspect them and ensure they are safe for whatever farming or heavy duty application you intend to use them for. This is what I have learned from the place that sells used tractor tires near me.