Why do some farm tractors have dual wheels? There are many reasons, some of them interrelated.
Large, powerful farm tractors are a common sight as you drive through rural farmland areas, and they’re often equipped with extra-long axles on which multiple wheels are mounted alongside each other. For example, the rear axle might have four rear wheels (with two on each side of the tractor) instead of the usual two rear wheels (with one on each side).
This stands in contrast to the smaller tractors found on hobby farms, which usually have four single wheels (two on each axle), just like a car.
So what’s up with dual wheels? Here are six reasons why some farm tractors have dual wheels:
6 Reasons Why Some Farm Tractors Have Dual Wheels
1. Reduced soil compaction
Farm tractors with dual wheels have better flotation, which means the weight of the tractor is spread across a larger footprint. This reduces soil compaction, improving crop yields.
2. Increased traction
Dual wheels help farm tractors get a better grip on the ground, improving traction for difficult jobs like field cultivation.
3. Decreased fuel consumption
Improving tire traction means the wheels are less likely to slip when the going gets tough. Wheel slippage waists fuel, so maximizing tire traction with duel wheels can reduce fuel consumption.
4. Lower tire wear-and-tear
In addition to benefits on the fuel consumption front, reducing wheel slippage through improved traction reduces the wear-and-tear on tires, so they’ll last longer before needing replacing.
5. Improved stability
Installing dual wheels on a farm tractor increases the width of the tractor, improving stability when operating on sloping ground. The wider the wheelbase, the less likely the tractor is to tip over.
6. Smoother ride
This one isn’t as critical from a performance standpoint, but dual wheels offer a smoother ride than single wheels, and that’s a pleasant bonus for any driver who operates a farm tractor for long periods of time.
Does Your Farm Tractor Need Dual Wheels?
The benefits of dual wheels are numerous, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessary or even ideal for your own farm tractor.
A hobby farmer has different needs than a major agricultural operation. Unless you’re cultivating a significant acreage with heavy-duty equipment, the return on investment from a dual-wheel setup (if your tractor even supports it) may not warrant the expense.
For some hobby farming needs, dual wheels can actually be a detriment. The added width makes a farm tractor with dual wheels less maneuverable, so if you spend a lot of time in compact spaces (a small barnyard, a woodlot, etc.), you may prefer single wheels.
Plus, some of the benefits of dual wheels can be gained—at least to a degree—through other means. You can pick up a flotation boost on a farm tractor with single wheels by using very high flexion (VF) radial tires that can carry the same load at 40% lower air pressure than regular radials. This allows more of the tires’ treads to contact the ground, spreading weight over a larger area to improve not only flotation, but also traction and fuel economy. You’ll decrease wheel slippage and tire wear, too.
As with many things in life, there’s no one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to dual wheels on farm tractors. If your farm tractor tackles many miles of heavy-duty fieldwork, you stand to benefit from dual wheels. Otherwise, single wheels can be a perfectly acceptable (and even preferable) option for hobby farmers.
This article about farm tractors with dual wheels was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
