How to Choose the Right Tires and Clearance for Your High-Crop Tractor
High-crop tractors are essential for growers working with tall or delicate crops like corn, sorghum, tomatoes, and more. High-crop tractors help protect tall crops during spraying, planting, and harvesting by offering extra clearance and specialized features. The John Deere 6120EH is a popular example, offering high ground clearance, precise handling, and compatibility with a range of capabilities. Here, we’re exploring how to select the right tires for your high-crop tractor to boost efficiency and crop protection.
Selecting the Right Tires
Tire Types
Radial vs. Bias-Ply
Size and Tread
Tire size affects traction, row spacing, and soil compaction. Many high-crop tractors support adjustable tread setting, a critical feature for farmers with varied crop growth year-round.
Determining Ground Clearance
Why It's Critical
High clearance ensures your tractor clears crops with minimal damage to plants and roots.
The John Deere 6120EH
Adjustable Axles (Drop Axles)
Some models feature a drop axle, allowing operators to raise the axle and drawbar further while still supporting varying tread widths.
Matching Tires, Clearance, and Attachments
Putting It All Together
Selecting the right tires to ensure adequate clearance and optimal crop yields can be a challenge. If you’re seeking further guidance, reach out to one of Wright Implement’s experts to discuss your specific needs. Give us a call–we’re here to help!
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R1 (agricultural): Deep treads for traction in mud, loose soil, or snow.
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R3 (turf): Shallow treads to minimize turf damage; more ideal for mowing or yard work.
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R4 (industrial/road): Mid-depth tread for hard ground and road surfaces.
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Radial: Features plies running perpendicular to the bead; better for handling, ride comfort, and tread life.
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Bias-Ply: Features plies running diagonally in a criss-cross pattern; better for durability and load-carrying capacity
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Offers up to 33 inches of high-crop axle clearance.
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Provides up to 30 inches of drawbar ground clearance, including the drawbar's hang-down.
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Start with a capable high-crop model like the John Deere 6120EH, which offers up to 33” axle and 30” drawbar clearance and radial tire options.
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Select tire type, matching to your tasks and terrain; radial R1 for soft soils, R3 for turf and lawn work, or R4 for road/field transition.
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Customize tread width for your specific row spacing.
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Monitor traction, compaction, and clearance in early use and adjust as needed.