5000 series wide bias radials?

SuperDutyDave · Jan 27, 2008

I am ordering a new 5525 MFWD Cab Tractor.

Unfortunetly Deere does not offer on this series of tractors the same wide bias radials as they do optionally on the 6430 premium series tractors.

I have inquired with my local Michelin dealer about a swap/trade for some wide bias tires. Really think they look great plus with much of the soft clay soil I must traverse I really would like at tire with less ground pressure and shallower bars, the Michelin Mulitbib is definitely the answer.

He has given me a quote of the following size for replacement of the stock tires that are coming on it.

Stock front 11.2-24
rear 480/80R30

Replacement Wide Bias Radial Michelin Multibib

Robert_in_NY · Jan 27, 2008

What did he quote you for the Agribibs? I know it isn't a pretty number but I am curious.

Does Deere offer any radials for the 5000 series?

sixdogs · Jan 27, 2008

Not sure what you mean by "wide bias radials" but I have a 5520 that I put four firestone radials on last year. I believe yours would come with 12.4 x 24 bias and 18.4 x 30 radial as standard but you seem to have a different option ordered. I think the rears you mention equate to 16.9 by 30. Take a look at the wider 18.4 and 12.4 combo--as long as you don't have to fit between rows of 30" corn. You cannot run 16.6-30 and 12.4, you have to get the match right.
I hated the Titan bias that came with mine and traded them to the tire guy I bought the four radials from. I bought Firestones after a long research process. Plus I have had good luck with experience with them numerous times.

While I have Michelins on trucks, I did not buy them because I felt the sidewalls were too thin. Great in theory but they were hard to get and I had read and heard mixed reviews of problems. They are so infrequent in number I would have had to special order everything and that creates it's own set of problems. They make a lot of Firestones and does't Michelin own them anyway? I did want tham at fires tbut bailed as I learned more.
I would try to make a deal with the dealer in advance to replace the tires with what you want. If that doesn't work take delivery and swap later. Yours will likely come with Firestone radial rears and Titan bias fronts so that should work. If not, swap later. Check into the size you are getting--the info is in the sales brochure.

I have cast rear wheels with two added cast weights per rear side and run 8 or 9 lbs pressure rear and 30 or more front with a loader. All are tubeless, by the way.
Wow am I envious of your cab model. It's on my wish list. Lucky you.

dgl24087 · Jan 27, 2008

From the Firestone Ag tire site:

The Bridgestone/Firestone Agricultural plant is located in Des Moines, Iowa and it stands on almost 120 acres. For more than 60 years, Firestone has continued to make durable and dependable farm and forestry tires, remaining true to the ideals inspired by the inventor of the farm tire, Harvey S. Firestone: innovation and hard work. Building high-quality farm and forestry tires is not an easy task. It requires a great deal of manpower, training, equipment and time. Farm and forestry tires are built at the Firestone Agricultural and Forestry Tire Plant in Des Moines, Iowa. The Firestone Plant was the first agricultural tire plant to achieve ISO 9002 certification - one more FIRST for Firestone. The ISO is a worldwide organization that sets operational and quality-control standards for businesses in more than 50 countries. The certification ensures high quality tire production as well as giving Firestone recognition in international markets.

SuperDutyDave · Jan 27, 2008

sixdogs said:
Not sure what you mean by "wide bias radials" but I have a 5520 that I put four firestone radials on last year. I believe yours would come with 12.4 x 24 bias and 18.4 x 30 radial as standard but you seem to have a different option ordered. I think the rears you mention equate to 16.9 by 30. Take a look at the wider 18.4 and 12.4 combo--as long as you don't have to fit between rows of 30" corn. You cannot run 16.6-30 and 12.4, you have to get the match right.
I hated the Titan bias that came with mine and traded them to the tire guy I bought the four radials from. I bought Firestones after a long research process. Plus I have had good luck with experience with them numerous times.

While I have Michelins on trucks, I did not buy them because I felt the sidewalls were too thin. Great in theory but they were hard to get and I had read and heard mixed reviews of problems. They are so infrequent in number I would have had to special order everything and that creates it's own set of problems. They make a lot of Firestones and does't Michelin own them anyway? I did want tham at fires tbut bailed as I learned more.
I would try to make a deal with the dealer in advance to replace the tires with what you want. If that doesn't work take delivery and swap later. Yours will likely come with Firestone radial rears and Titan bias fronts so that should work. If not, swap later. Check into the size you are getting--the info is in the sales brochure.

I have cast rear wheels with two added cast weights per rear side and run 8 or 9 lbs pressure rear and 30 or more front with a loader. All are tubeless, by the way.
Wow am I envious of your cab model. It's on my wish list. Lucky you.

What I mean by wide bias radials is just that ...they have a shorter sidewall and a wider tread...think low profile tires for a car...less side wall flex and wider foot print. Current tire combo is 480/80R30 rear and 11.5R24 front both Firestones.

the tires I am quoted front 480/65R24 and are nearly 19" wide and the rear 600/65R34 and are over 23" wide. Check out Michelins website...far less ground pressure and not as deep a bar so less soil disruption and compaction, wear better too and supposedly save fuel too.

Most likely going to have to order some wheels thru dealer, which will be Titans, as they are OEM now. Just hoping I can get the right size for the bolt pattern needed.

Anyone more of an expert?

Dave

Robert_in_NY · Jan 27, 2008

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier but check out the Michelin XM108's. They will let you have a wider foot print while using the standard rim. They are very costly but will save you a lot of time and money looking for new rims.