One central aspect of tire specifications for agricultural machinery is the load index. Understanding tire load capacity and how it interacts with speed and tire pressure is essential to ensuring the safe, high-performing, and long-lasting use of your agricultural tires.
What is tire load index for agricultural tires?
Not to be confused with the exact carrying capacity of an agricultural tire in kilograms or pounds, the load index is exactly that: an index. To find out how much a certain tire can support when properly inflated, check the corresponding maximum load for that index.
The load index (LI) is represented by a number ranging from 0 to well over 200. Each load index corresponds to a specific maximum load capacity measured in kilograms or pounds.
You can find the tire load index for your agricultural tire, along with other valuable information such as the speed rating and DOT code, on the tire sidewall.
Remember that agricultural and other heavy tires, such as truck tires, need to be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure to ensure maximum load-bearing capacity.
Load index chart for agricultural tires
You can check what each number in the load index on your agricultural tire means in kilograms from our tire load index table. For example, a tire with a load index of 140 can carry up to 2,500 kg (5,510 lbs) per tire.
How to interpret load index tables?
Knowing your tire’s load index and interpreting it can be tricky. Here’s how to do it:
- Download the Nokian Tyres technical manual that contains load capacity tables for each Nokian Tyres product and different tire sizes.
- Check the appropriate tire pressure and load for different driving speeds.
- Adjust tire pressures accordingly when operating your vehicle at slow speeds and changing to faster on-road transits.
Download Nokian Heavy Tyres technical manual
Example: Here is the load capacity table for Nokian Tyres Ground King (420/70R28 - T445733) tractor tire. The table shows that when the operating speed increases, the tire’s load capacity decreases. However, the tire can carry a greater load with a higher inflation pressure.
Why is load index important for agricultural tires?
Overloading heavy tires is a real safety hazard for the machinery and its operator. Regular safety checks are important in commercial operations where vehicles are heavy and carry large loads.
Choosing tires with the wrong load index can lead to excessive heat buildup and tire deformation, resulting in excessive wear and, at worst, tire failure.
Appropriate load capacity also ensures optimal performance of both the tire and the agricultural vehicle, resulting in improved handling, braking and overall stability. Furthermore, avoiding excessive loads ensures the longevity of heavy tires and, therefore, reduces overall operating costs.
Refer to the manufacturer’s recommended load index charts for each tire and always use appropriate tire pressures.
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Please remember that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their tires are safe and suitable for their vehicle and to follow the vehicle’s manufacturer´s guidelines for proper use and maintenance. Consult your closest Nokian Tyres dealer or your vehicle’s manufacturer for specific advice.
