Backhoe

We Carry Backhoe Tires for All Makes and Models

From construction projects to landscaping to demolitions, backhoes are essential, versatile tools. As with any piece of large machinery, every part has to be in peak working condition, including the tires! Each backhoe tire must provide secure traction while causing minimal damage to the site. Depending on the job, the size of the backhoe, your location, and your budget, your parameters for the perfect backhoe tire will be different. There are several factors you need to care about.

What to Look for When Buying Backhoe Tires

At first glance, there seems to be an overwhelming number of choices. However, this guide will help you narrow down your options!

Tire Size

Front and rear backhoe tires are different sizes. They still follow the same measurement system of “width - rim diameter,” with both numbers representing inches. The first number might also have an “L” after it, which indicates that it’s a low section width or low profile tire. For example, a front tire size might be 10-16.5, and a rear tire might be 17.5L-24.

Tire Tread

Backhoes can be useful in a great variety of environments, which necessitates varied tread patterns.

Turf Treads

These tires provide excellent traction without causing too much damage to grass and turf.

R-4 Construction Treads

This tread is an all-rounder that can tackle rocky terrain, mud, gravel, and even pavement. They have high weight handling capabilities.

Hard Surface (HS) Treads

These treads are for backhoes that spend their time on hard, compacted surfaces, such as concrete, gravel, and asphalt. There is still enough tread to navigate muddy conditions. They’re made from harder rubber compounds for long life.

Snow Treads

Snow treads feature softer rubber and aggressive treads with deep sipes to achieve maximum traction in snowy conditions. They’re not designed for use on bare pavement.

Agriculture Treads

Similar to snow tires, the treads are widely spaced to grip loose or muddy soil. The rubber is much harder than snow tires. Some more specialized types include LS-2 treads, which are intended for forest environments thanks to their thick, widely spaced lugs, as well as F-2 treads, which feature straight ribs for solid on-road performance and good flotation in soft or loose soil.

Ply Ratings

The most important aspect of ply ratings to remember is the higher the number, the higher the tire’s load capacity and the stronger the sidewall. While “ply” used to refer to the number of plies used to construct the tire, manufacturing techniques have advanced to allow for the same tire strength with fewer plies. In general, backhoe tires will fall between 6 ply and 12 ply.

Bias-Ply and Radial Pneumatic Tires

There are two construction methods used to manufacture pneumatic tires — bias-ply and radial. In bias-ply tires, nylon belts are overlapped in a diagonal X pattern. The result is a tire that is inexpensive to produce and has extremely strong sidewalls. However, bias-ply tires also tend to have poor handling characteristics and low life expectancy. Radial tires are made using 90-degree radial plies and steel belts under the tread. The sidewall and tread act as two separate sections, which lets the tread remain firmly planted on the ground, offering superior traction and handling, less noise, and a longer lifespan. Radial tires are more expensive than bias-ply tires.

Solid Tires

If you want to avoid pneumatic tires entirely, you can also choose solid tires. These tires have no air but are, as the name suggests, solid. While solid tires are more expensive and much heavier than pneumatic tires, they also last far longer and will never go flat. Their high weight can also be a benefit since they can aid in stability while digging. The major downside to solid tires, other than price, is that they can be incredibly disruptive to the landscape and cause a harsh ride. While pneumatic tires can flex and squish over bumps in the terrain, solid tires do not.

Backhoe Tires FAQs

What Size Tires Are Compatible With My Backhoe?

Consult with your backhoe’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s specifications. Either source will tell you rim size, as well as the type of tires that work best.

How Do I Maintain My Backhoe Tires for Optimal Performance?

Since backhoes are heavy pieces of machinery, you will need to check the air pressure of the tires constantly, especially first thing in the morning. Temperature changes can drastically change the pressure and require you to let air out or put more in. You also need to adjust the tire pressure depending on the load. Store the tires out of sunlight and in temperature-controlled environments if possible. Sunlight will cause tires to harden, and low temperatures can shrink and crack the rubber. Keep your speed within the tires’ ratings. Pushing them too hard will cause them to wear quickly and even come apart. Always clean the tires after use and inspect them for signs of damage.

How Long Do Backhoe Tires Typically Last?

Depending on use and storage conditions, backhoe tires can last anywhere from three to six years. After six years, it will be time to replace them, regardless of mileage, because the rubber will begin to break down.

Can These Tires Be Used in Both Wet and Dry Conditions?

Depending on the tread pattern you choose, your backhoe tires will offer superior performance in one set of conditions over another. For example, hard surface tires perform excellently in dry conditions on smooth roads. Snow tires, however, are designed to work best in snowy, slushy conditions and perform poorly on pavement.

What Is the Difference Between Radial and Bias-Ply Backhoe Tires?

Bias-ply tires are less expensive and have excellent sidewall strength for superior puncture resistance. However, they have shorter lifespans and offer poor handling. Radial tires are more expensive but can handle higher weights, last longer, and offer more secure handling.

Why Buy Backhoe Tires From Us?

No matter the size, construction, or tread type, Tires4That has tires for that! We’ve been supplying professionals with quality tires since 1968, and in that time, we’ve gained a lot of experience and expertise. When you need the right backhoe tires, Tires4That is the tire supply partner you’ve been looking for. Contact us if you need help finding the perfect backhoe tire!