Tyres for Tractors, Harvesters and Special Equipment: Buy Smart
Machine and axle first
Farm and industrial tyres are chosen for the specific machine. On a tractor, the front and rear wheels are different sizes, and the driven rear tyres usually have tall lugs for traction. Harvesters, telehandlers, backhoe loaders and forklifts all need different types of tyre. So in your request, always say which machine and which axle you are looking for.
Size and markings
Farm tyre sizes are written in different ways: 18.4-38 or 16.9-28 (bias notation, width and rim diameter in inches) and 460/70R24 (radial). The notation depends on the type of tyre, so do not copy it by eye: take it from the sidewall of the old tyre or from the machine's manual. On the sidewall you also see the ply rating, which shows the load capacity.
Bias or radial
Bias tyres are cheaper and tough against damage, and are often fitted to trailers and older tractors. Radials cost more, but give better contact with the soil, compact the field less and save fuel on heavy work. There are also tubed and tubeless versions, and for loaders there are solid tyres, which do not fear punctures but are harder.
How to compare offers
- the same size, ply rating and type (bias or radial);
- manufacturer and tread model, country of manufacture;
- what is included: whether the tube and flap come with it;
- price per tyre and delivery terms to the area where the machine works;
- for used tyres: remaining tread, cuts, condition of the sidewall.
On BlaBlaPrice you do not have to phone depots across the district: you write a request, and sellers reply in the chat with stock, price and delivery. They see where they stand among the others, so they can improve their terms. Contacts stay hidden until you choose a seller. For big tyres, ask for a photo of the certificate or markings, and check whether the tyre will be brought to your farm or yard: the weight of a large tyre makes self-pickup hard. Details are on the How it works page.
What to put in your request
- size — for example 14.9-28;
- machine — tractor, harvester, loader;
- axle — front, rear, driven, steering;
- type of tyre — radial, bias, tubed, tubeless, ply rating;
- quantity and new or used;
- brand — for example Alliance, Petlas, Mitas;
- city or district and budget.
Example: “I need 2 new rear tyres 14.9-28 for a tractor, bias, 12 ply, preferably Mitas or Petlas. Delivery to Gqeberha district, budget up to R 4,900 per tyre.”
For lorries there is the truck tyres section, and for cars, car tyres.
