Tire brands

[Anonymous-0]

I'm sealing the deal on a pair of 13.6 X 28" tires tomorrow. I've got good prices on Firestones and Titans. Titans in stock. Firestones can be here monday. Leaning towards the 'Stones at this point, but got a question.

Anyone know about Alliance brand. I know they're Chinese. I know they're VERY cheap compared to everything else I've priced. Are they typical Chinese junk? (They're over $75 a tire cheaper than the Firestones. $90 better than the Titans)

 

[T.C. in Tx]

I would stay away from the Alliance tires. I have a pair of 18.4-26 tires that I purchased about 4 years ago. They have seen fairly light use and the tractor is stored in a shed. But the tires have developed cracks from the traction bars up toward the wheel on both sides of both tires. It looks like the cord is showing.

The tires I have were made in Israel. I keep them at the proper pressure, etc. In my opinion, the rubber is too hard or improperly cured.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I put Firestone Field & Road on my tractors when I buy new tires. I figure they are going to last 40 years or so and the cost per year is worth it. Dave.

 

[ScottyHOMeY]

I ordered some Firestone F&Rs some years back, through a Firestone dealer, even, and they came through as Harvest Kings. The old rims were shot form calcium, so I had the new rims shipped to the tire shop, had them mounted there, and never saw the difference in brand until I had them on the tractor. Of course I called, and the store swore they ordered them thoguh Firestone. Almost looks like they had to peel something off the top of the surface to show the Harvest King stamp.

Don't know if they're the same tire or not, but they're holding up well. It's just gettin' hard to tell what you're gonna get any more. 8^(

 

[Andy Motteberg]

I know Firestone tires are very good, but I have never used Titans so I don't know how they are compared to the Firestones.

 

[35A]

I've had good luck with Firestones. The Chinks get too many of our jobs and dollars anyway.

 

[RodinNS]

I've never tried Alliance. Of the other two, there is no decision to be made. FIRESTONE.

My preference on tires these days is:

1. Michelin
2. Firestone
3. BFG if the price on the others is too high in comparison.
These are all radial.... probably not a consideration for you.

Titan's will at least keep you warm if you've got nothing else to burn (provided you don't get caught).

Rod

 

[John A.]

MF, I have had a set of Galaxys on my old 966 for over 10 yrs now, no problems, still good tread probably 40%. They are 18.4 X 34s. Hope this helps.
Later,
John A.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Scotty, you are too easy. If I had ordered Firestone F&R and they slipped those Harvest Kings on my tractor, they would have d*** well got them off and the Firestone on, with no additional cost to me. Next time hold tire folks accountable. They got your dollars and laughed after you left the store. Tom

 

[Fancy Farm]

I put the Alliance on my SM because I could get the 45 degree bars on them it's not going to work anyway.

 

[Farmer Alf]

Another thing to watch for is make sure you are comparing the same physical size tire. I purchased an imported tire for the front of my 1085 Massey because it was considerably cheaper. Both sides of the tractor now have 10.00 X 16 but the old Firestone is way taller with lots more rubber on the ribs than the import. If possible ask to see them side by side and compare physical size and sidewall thickness.

Alf

 

[ScottyHOMeY]

10-4, Roger-D on that!

 

[georgeky]

MF Poor, you get what you pay for. Firestone all the way. I had nothing but trouble out of the Titans I had. One even developed a big knot the day I put it on. The dealer claimed I voided the warranty by having my loader on the tractor. He never mentioned that while he was putting them on the tractor. The rears weren't much better. Won't last on the road at all. Got a set on my 666 now that are only 5 years old and more than half the tread is gone and some cracking too. Got a set of Huskee's been on my M since dad bought it in the 70's. Has many road miles with a 2 row picker on it. Tires still have 90% tread on those.

 

[Driz]

I have had a couple Chinese tires here and there on smaller stuff and they are trash. They will not withstand weathering from sunlight at all long term. Chinese tires just love to crack and develop small splits if you leave them in the sun.

 

[RobMD]

Firestones are perfect tires every time. Although they are high, you will receive good results. One thing i hate about them is that they look stupid with a narrow size, the lugs are round on top, and seem to not be as aggressive as any other tire.

I like BFG for their original 45 degree tread.

 

[Anonymous-0]

A pair of Firestone F&R's in the back of the truck now. 2 days ago I was told none in stock, only Titans (which by the way, I've had great luck with. Own 2 pairs) When I got there while ago, there were 2 Firestones sitting in front of the shop. The salesman made me a deal. He 's had this pair for a while. I got 'em at an old price. Now where's those tire irons?

 

[Anonymous-0]

I've had Titans for 5yrs on my loader tractor and put a new set on my bush hog tractor last yr. I like the price and they have given me absolutely no problems. I will be buying a new rear pair for my 300 Case next spring.

 

[Anonymous-0]

It seems funny when people talk about tires in general. There seems to be lots of praise for Firestone tractor tires yet as far as passenger tires Firestone has a bad history for problems. A lot of people like Titans and have never had a problem. Some people have had problems. Maybe they would have had problems with Firestones as well. Some people liked Goodyear tires and some don't. I think all name brand tires are good. In my experience one brand hasn't been any better than the other except I have found that Goodyears I've bought seemed to weather crack the worst and the fastest. Galaxy are good tires but very expensive. I have had very good luck with Armstrong and Titan which are the same. They were a lot cheaper than Firestone and especially Goodyear. It is hard to compare tires unless you have identical tractors doing identical work in identical conditions. Dave

 

[buickanddeere]

The Ford SUV tire problem was an example of miss application & lack of maintenance.
Ford used a passenger vehicle tire on the SUV's rather than truck tire. Then when owners cried "whaa whaa, my truck rides like a truck". Ford lowered the tire pressure a few psi to soften the feel.
Now the intrepid "He Man" adventure loads up his SUV with everything except the kitchen sink in preparation for his great quest.
The intrepid "He Man" adventure" happens to be oblivious to something called "tire pressure" and weight ratings".
So can we say "heat" high enough to de-vulcanize a tire?
The vehicle is over loaded, tire(s) under inflated, the tires loaded to max rated or beyond, hot summer days in the south, extended duration of high speed travel on the intersate. Every single of these factors add friction which = heat.
BOOM, skid, roll & die.
Tires is something where you get what you pay for.

 

[Doug in Illinois]

Let me start off by saying as a rule I despise Firestone's. But, having said that, would still run the Firestone as a rear tractor over a Chinese tire. My bad Firestone experience has been passenger and LT tires, think they just can't handle speed, or under or OVER inflation. Had some F/stones on trailers, if go to full inflation, by time they get warm will seperate tread. Low speed tires, would go with the F/stones. Let's keep as many jobs here as we can, even if it costs us a little extra. DOUG

 

[RodinNS]

I think you'd find a fair difference between Firestone's passenger tires and heavy commercial tires.
For many many years Firestone/Bridgestone has owned the OTR market and the Forestry market in particular. I've yet to see anyone else than makes a floater tire equal to Firestone.
For what it's worth, I can't say that I've ever been impressed with their passenger tires.
They do make a good ag drive, but Michelin is better in my opinion.

Rod