FORD TRACTOR TIRE INFORMATION

All N-Series Tractors - Ford-Ferguson 9N, 2N, and Ford 8N

This is a repeat of size and pressure info on the index page with some additional stuff.
— Tire Pressure-Front = 20 to 28 PSI
— Tire Pressure-Rear = 12 to 14 PSI
— Tire Size-Front = 4x19
— Tire Size-Front = 5.5x16 (optional for 8N)
— Tire Size-Rear = 11.2x28 (modern size equivalent)
— Tire Size-Rear = 8x32 (very early 9N only)

TIRE SIZES

The rear tire sizes indicated above are different from what appears in the original manuals because the way they measure tire size has changed at least twice. The modern way to measure tire size is "section width". This is the maximum width of the tire at it's widest point. Many truck, tractor, and very small tire sizes are still measured in inches. Most automible sizes went metric meny years ago. Tire size indicated in the tractor manuals was based on measuring the tread width rather than section width. The modern 11.2" is as close as we can get to the 10" tread width that was used on all but the earliest 9N tractors. I have not bothered to see what the modern equivalent would be for the 8x32 size. Anybody doing a full restore of one of the earliest 9N tractors will be doing far more research than I need to do for my tractors.

The front tire sizes didn't change because the tread and cross section measurement has always been about the same. I'm not sure how they figured size for the single rib tires but I've never seen one with a sidewall indicating 1" width. They are always marked 4".

TIRE PRESSURE

Tire pressure can be varied quite a bit from standard. Most often people will recommend lower pressures to get more tire in contact with the ground to get the best traction possible. Higher or lower pressure increases tire wear.

BUYING TIRES

When buying a used tractor, one of the things we should always look for is good rear tires. A new set of rear tires will cost more than many N-Tractors are worth. That can be a deal breaker for any tractor that already needs work. In many cases it just isn't worth the trouble to load and transport a basket case that also needs tires unless you already have some spares laying around. Even a good tractor takes a big hit in value if it needs tires.

Sooner or later most of us end up shopping for a new pair of rear tires and suffering from sticker shock. There are several different tread patterns available today. Many compact tractors now ship with type R4 tires. This is basically a construction tread that wears much better on hard surfaces and packed dirt. If you are looking for the best possible traction for most farming chores stick with the R1 tread. Tread and tire size can be a tough decision to make. This is a big investment so this is an opportunity to go change how well the tractor does what we want it to do. Tires as large as 13.2x28 will fit and larger means much more weight and traction when they are filled.

FILLING TIRES

Adding ballast by filling the tires with liquid can greatly improve traction when using ground-engaging implements. Since some air remains at the top of the tires, the added weight lowers the tractor center of gravity, making it somewhat harder to tip sideways. Like many other things, adding liquid ballast is a choice that depends on how you use your tractor. A heavier tractor will make a much deeper impression, so filling the tires might be a bad choice if you frequently run across your lawn. The rear tire size most commonly found on these tractors is 11.2x28 which can be filled with about 27 gallons. Larger 12.4x28 tires can be filled with about 35 gallons. Various fluids that can be used range from 6.5 to as much as 12 pounds per gallon. Front tires can also be filled, but they are so small most people feel it isn't worth the hassle.

8.33, 11.0

If you are fortunate enough to live where the weather is warn year-round, plain water is an option. At about 8.34 pounds per gallon water is an economical way to add significant weight.

Cacl beet juice ww fluid plain water.

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