Tire Pressure Tips for Harvest Season

As farmers prepare for harvest season, a crucial aspect of their equipment maintenance often goes overlooked: tire pressure. Matt Danner, co-owner of Templeton Family Farms in Iowa, emphasizes the importance of monitoring and adjusting tire pressure to prevent soil compaction, fuel consumption, and equipment damage.

James Tuschner, founder of Ag Tire Talk, notes that harvest machines carry massive fluctuating loads, making tire management distinct from planting or spraying. He recommends consulting with a certified tire dealer before adjusting tire pressure, as the correct inflation pressure elongates the tire footprint, giving better flotation and traction while reducing rolling resistance.

Tuschner highlights the risks of ignoring tire pressure, including deep soil compaction, increased fuel consumption, and premature sidewall and tread wear. He also recommends using a Central Tire Inflation System, which allows farmers to adjust tire pressure from the cab, available from manufacturers such as NTS Tire Supply and Michelin.

Properly maintained tire pressure can reduce fuel consumption by reducing wheel slip and rolling resistance, says Tuschner. Michigan State University recommends weighing each axle after ballasting, using load and inflation tables from the tire manufacturer, and checking the inflation pressure often when the tires are cold.