The central requirement for a lawn tire is the lowest possible ground pressure – even with driven axles. This is the only way to keep the turf intact, the root system undisturbed and the water balance of the soil balanced. This is particularly important for modern ride-on mowers or compact tractors, which are often used in applications on sports fields or landscaped areas.
This is why many tire manufacturers rely on soft rubber compounds and constructions with a wider contact area. 'Lawn tires have to function reliably even at very low internal pressure,' explains Svend Burkhard, head of the Bohnenkamp site in Lüneburg. The radial design of many models and strongly rounded shoulders help to avoid visible marks, even in tight turning manoeuvres.
Different treads – various strengths
While classic chevron treads with their arrow-shaped lugs are mainly used for ride-on mowers and tractors, block treads offer greater surface stability and are particularly suitable for golf carts or light commercial vehicles on lawns. Slick treads – i.e. treadless tires with a smooth tread – are mostly used on steering axles or on equipment such as aerators. They enable precise manoeuvring on delicate ground without causing any damage.
A special case is hillside terrain: here, tires are needed that combine turf protection with increased traction. Models with an all-round lug design or finely laminated blocks, such as those used in turf maintenance, offer a secure grip even on sloping surfaces – without the machines becoming bogged down.
Machine types and their requirements for lawn tires
Not every machine places the same demands on its tires. Weight, speed, drive type, manoeuverability and, last but not least, the application area determine which tire tread is suitable. Below, we provide a detailed overview of common machine types and the typical turf tire requirements for each.
Walk-behind mowers and compact ride-on mowers
These machines are typically used in private horticulture and by smaller service providers. The demands on the tires are manageable, but soil conservation and manoeuverability are clearly the priorities. What is required are smooth-running, finely treaded tires with shallow tread depth, which protect the turf as much as possible. Their balloon-like shape also increases riding comfort on uneven terrain.
Lawn tractors for private and semi-professional use
Classic lawn tractors work on medium-sized areas, such as parks, club grounds or sports fields. Here, tires have to perform the balancing act between traction and soil conservation. Treads with rounded shoulders, optimised self-cleaning properties and load capacities tailored to the machine type are required – especially for equipment with sweeping brushes, spreaders or mowing decks.
Compact tractors for municipal maintenance tasks
Compact tractors are all-rounders for green maintenance, winter service and transportation jobs. Their choice of tires is therefore highly dependent on the specific working environment. Rugged carcasses with a multi-ply construction are a must, as are medium-tread lawn tires with a large contact area. Rubber compounds with greater hardness are recommended for alternating between turf and asphalt.
Machines for sports and golf course operations
Equipment on sports fields and golf courses must be particularly lightweight. Their main job is maximum soil conservation. Extra-soft rubber compounds, radial designs and very flat or treadless treads are standard here. Rounded shoulders and fine sipes prevent rutting even at low inflation pressure. Typical vehicles are greenkeeper vehicles, fairway mowers or special equipment for course maintenance.
Golf carts and light commercial vehicles
These vehicles often drive on delicate green areas in parks, on golf courses or event grounds. Smooth or slightly grooved treads with low rolling resistance and high turf friendliness are ideal here. At the same time, the tread should be stable enough to effectively handle cornering forces. Puncture-proof versions are also becoming increasingly important.
Time to change tires
It's not just in spring that it's worth taking a closer look at the tire material. After prolonged downtimes, fine cracks can form in the side wall, through which pressure can be lost. Worn tread blocks are also critical. They impair traction, increase braking distance and affect steering behaviour. 'At the latest when freshly mown grass sticks to the tread, it's time for new tires,' says Burkhard.
Autumn is also a good time to change tires – especially for machines that are subsequently used for winter service. Lawn tires wear out much faster on hard surfaces such as paving or asphalt. In addition, snow ploughs or spreaders quickly exceed the load capacity limit of typical turf tires.
Compromise solutions for year-round use
If you use your machines all-year round and do not want to change them regularly, you can opt for all-purpose treads with a more rugged rubber compound. These tires combine sufficient turf protection with greater wear resistance on hard surfaces. This is an economically viable alternative in the municipal sector or in less aesthetic areas.
Bohnenkamp – the comprehensive wholesale selection of lawn tires
Choosing the right lawn tire is not a side issue. It plays a decisive role in the quality of lawn care, the service life of the machine and, last but not least, the visual appearance of the lawn. If you take the area of application, machine type and soil conditions into account in your considerations, you will benefit from longer durability, better traction and visibly healthier surfaces.
Contact us now or visit our selection of lawn tires directly in the shop.
