Tread Codes Explained

Until tire manufacturers invent the magic "do-it-all" tire, it is of utmost importance to select the ideal tire for a given application. At best, an incorrect tire will simply wear at an excessive rate. At worst, the wrong tire will render the equipment completely useless.

Fortunately, tire manufacturers build tires according to categories that have been designated by the Tire and Rim Industry. These categories provide a great basic understanding of the conditions and applications that a tire is best suited. Below we will give a breakdown of the codes, general descriptions, and a sample pictures to help you better understand these categories.

Tread codes overview diagram

R-1

DRIVE POSITION

REGULAR TREAD

GENERAL FARMING

R-1 tread pattern

R-1W

DRIVE POSITION

WET TRACTION TREAD

WET OR MOIST SOIL

R-1W tread pattern

R-2

DRIVE POSITION

RICE & CANE, DEEP TREAD

WET OR MOIST SOIL

R-2 tread pattern

R-3

DRIVE POSITION

SHALLOW TREAD

MOWING, HIGHWAYS, ORCHARDS

R-3 tread pattern

R-4

DRIVE POSITION

BAR TREAD

INDUSTRIAL SERVICE

R-4 tread pattern

F-1

AGRICULTURAL STEER

SINGLE RIB TREAD

RICE FARMING

F-1 tread pattern

F-2

AGRICULTURAL STEER

THREE RIB TREAD

GENERAL FARMING

F-2 tread pattern

F-2M

AGRICULTURAL STEER

FOUR RIB TREAD

GENERAL FARMING

F-2M tread pattern

F-3

AGRICULTURAL STEER

MULTI RIB TREAD

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL SERVICE

F-3 tread pattern

I-1

FREE ROLLING

MULTI RIB TREAD

IMPLEMENT

I-1 tread pattern

I-3

DRIVE WHEEL

TRACTION TREAD

IMPLEMENT

I-3 tread pattern

FI

FREE ROLLING

MULTI RIB TREAD

HIGHWAY RATED IMPLEMENT

FI tread pattern

E-2

EARTHMOVER

TRACTION TREAD

100% TREAD DEPTH

E-2 tread pattern

E-3

EARTHMOVER

ROCK TREAD

100% TREAD DEPTH

E-3 tread pattern

E-4

EARTHMOVER

DEEP ROCK TREAD

150% TREAD DEPTH

E-4 tread pattern

E-7

PAVER

FLOTATION TREAD

80% TREAD DEPTH

E-7 tread pattern

L-2

LOADER & DOZER

TRACTION TREAD

100% TREAD DEPTH

L-2 tread pattern

L-3

LOADER & DOZER

ROCK TREAD

100% TREAD DEPTH

L-3 tread pattern

L-4

LOADER & DOZER

ROCK DEEP TREAD

150% TREAD DEPTH

L-4 tread pattern

L-5

LOADER & DOZER

ROCK EXTRA DEEP TREAD

250% TREAD DEPTH

L-5 tread pattern

L-5S

LOADER & DOZER

SMOOTH EXTRA DEEP TREAD

250% TREAD DEPTH

L-5S tread pattern

G-2

GRADER

TRACTION TREAD

100% TREAD DEPTH

G-2 tread pattern

G-3

GRADER

ROCK TREAD

100% TREAD DEPTH

G-3 tread pattern