tbran
Guest
I remember a tire test back long time ago, firestone. Remember the big 'box' IJ The surprise of all the tests (Firestone Brands won of course - this was before the Michelin Agribib was introduced) was that a slightly worn tire on hard ground, mounted reversed, actually pulled a per cent or two more than in the forward position. In 'slightly' muddy soil treads clean out better when pulling in forward direction as in tilled soil application. Thus if one wants max steering run it forward, if traction is needed in reverse the opposite would seem to be true. However if it is so muddy one's forward progress is stopped, the tire will 'ball' in most situations so the tread direction is not important. Radials clean out better due to tread flex so logical applications apply. From different part of the country on will find different tread applications that have proven fucntional either due to fact or tradition. Tests have been run as to tread wear and direction. Many Spra-Coupe owners reverse the rear drive tires as they claim improved tread life due to the amount of being pulled on pavement. The test results are tread wear is max'd with proper inflation and toe in. RWA's will usually show wear on lH tire due to this tire spins faster as most turns are to the right. The resulting wear on camber_castor parts result in improper alaignment and the toe in that is NEVER checked, results in RWA tread wear on units with a lot of road time. Tire mfgs face the fact that a hard rubber compound on a tire lasts longer, but will crack sooner in age time. Softer compounds ride better but will not stand up to pavement. Radials face 'tire squirm' which is the event of rubber cleats moving or scuffing during the longer footprint being in contact whith the pavement. Tread degree and longbar_short bar have been played with ever since the the first rubber tired tractor - the model U Allis-Chalmers -with ever new design being 'the best' it is interesting that most new designs are trending back to the origional 45 degree design as on your granddads old tractor.