A Detailed Guide to Firestone Super All Traction Tires for Tractor Pulling

An Overview of Firestone Super All Traction Tires

Firestone Super All Traction tires have been a popular choice for tractor pulling enthusiasts for decades. These aggressive tires provide excellent grip and traction for maximizing your tractor's performance. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the features and benefits of Firestone Super All Traction tires.

The History of Firestone Super All Traction Tires

Firestone Tire and Rubber Company first introduced the Super All Traction tire line in 1958. The company designed these tires specifically for agricultural use on tractors and other farm equipment. The deep tread lugs and sturdy construction made them ideal for muddy conditions and plowing fields.

It didn't take long for tractor pulling enthusiasts to realize the potential of these tires. The Super All Traction's tremendous grip allowed tractors to transfer maximum power to the ground. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the tires became a top choice for modified tractor pullers.

Key Features and Benefits

Let's take a closer look at some of the key features that make Firestone Super All Traction tires so popular for tractor pulling applications:

• Deep tread lugs - The aggressive tread pattern with deep lugs allows the tires to really bite into soft pulling surfaces. This helps prevent slippage and translates engine power into forward motion.
• Sturdy construction - Firestone Super All Traction tires have a robust construction with rugged sidewalls and body plies. They can withstand the punishment of high horsepower tractors and extreme pulling forces.
• Traction notches - Small notches along the lugs provide extra grip and edges for increased traction. The notches help give the tires a firm hold on loose dirt or muddy surfaces.
• Cut/chip resistant tread - The tread compound helps resist cutting and chipping on rocks and other hard objects. This is important for durability during extreme pulling conditions.
• Multi-purpose design - While specialized for pulling, the tires can also handle general farm work like tillage, harvesting, and tractor chores. So they provide versatility beyond competition usage.

Ideal Tractor Pulling Conditions

Firestone Super All Traction tires perform best under certain pulling conditions:

• Loose dirt surfaces - The lugs can dig into loose dirt for maximum traction.
• Muddy surfaces - The mud allows the lugs to extend and grip without excessive slippage.
• Soft surfaces - Soft pulling surfaces like tilled soil are ideal for the tires to gain leverage.
• Dry and packed surfaces - Harder packed dirt or clay still enables enough traction when dry.
• Shorter pulls - The tires excel at short explosive pulls under about 300 feet rather than longer sustained pulls.

Tractor and Weight Class Pairings

Choosing the right size Firestone Super All Traction tires is crucial for your tractor's weight class. Here are some of the most common pairings:

• 5,500 lb weight class - 23x10.50-12 tires
• 6,500 lb weight class - 26x12.00-12 tires
• 8,000 lb weight class - 30.5x14.50-15 tires
• 10,000 lb weight class - 18.4-34 tires
• 12,000 lb weight class - 20.8-38 tires
• 15,000 lb weight class - 24.5-32 tires

Always choose a tire size appropriately matched to the tractor weight for proper load carrying capacity and inflation pressure. Going too small can lead to tire failure during pulls.

Maintaining Firestone Super All Traction Tires

Proper maintenance is crucial for getting the most performance and longevity from Firestone Super All Traction tires:

• Check inflation pressure before each event and set to manufacturer specifications.
• Inspect for damage like cuts or punctures which could lead to failures.
• Avoid spinning tires excessively when not pulling as this can cause damage.
• After pulling in mud, thoroughly wash tires to prevent lug clogging.
• Store tires indoors and away from environmental elements when not in use.

The Takeaway on Firestone Super All Traction Tires

For over 60 years, Firestone Super All Traction tires have been trusted by tractor pulling drivers across the country. Their rugged durability, grippy tread, and pulling-specific design make them ideal for transferring big horsepower into competitive performances. Following proper sizing, use, and maintenance recommendations will ensure you get the most out of these legendary pulling tires.

FAQs

What tread depths are available for Firestone Super All Traction tires?

Firestone offers Super All Traction tires in standard, deep, and extreme tread depths. Standard has tread of around 1 inch deep. Deep tread is 1.25-1.5 inches for extra traction. Extreme has lugs up to 2 inches deep for maximum grip in mud and loose dirt.

Can Firestone Super All Traction tires be used for street driving?

No, Super All Traction tires are designed solely for off-road agricultural use and competition pulling. They are not intended or legal for street use on registered vehicles.

What is the speed rating for Super All Traction tires?

Firestone does not specify an exact speed rating. But most sizes have a maximum recommended speed of around 25 mph. Higher speeds can cause overheating and tire failure.

How long can I expect Firestone Super All Traction tires to last?

With proper care and maintenance, Super All Traction tires can last 1-3 seasons or longer depending on usage. Tires used heavily in multiple pulling competitions may only last a single season before needing replacement.