Turf tyres or tractor tyres: which suits your tractor?

The short answer

Choose turf tyres if your compact tractor mainly works on grass: on sports pitches, golf courses, in parks, on holiday parks or around the riding stable. Turf tyres have a flat, wide tread that spreads the tractor's weight over a larger area, so you do not leave deep ruts in the turf. If you often work in mud, on loose soil or on steep slopes, a tractor tyre with a lugged tread gives more grip.

Knegt tractors are available with turf tyres instead of tractor tyres. There is also an in-between option: a tyre with a tread that sits between a tractor tyre and a turf tyre. In this article you will find out what the differences are and how to make the right choice.

What is the difference between turf tyres and tractor tyres?

The difference lies in the tread and in the way the tyre presses on the ground.

• Tractor tyres have coarse lugs that bite into the soil. That gives traction on unpaved, wet and loose ground, but the lugs can tear open the turf, especially when turning and braking.

• Turf tyres have a flat, closed tread and are wider. The weight is spread over a larger contact area, so the tyre sinks in less and the turf and roots stay intact.

• An in-between tread combines a little more grip with less damage to the ground than a full tractor tyre.

If you work on well-kept grass every day, the difference is visible straight away: no bare patches or deep ruts after mowing, dragging or sweeping.

When should you choose turf tyres?

Turf tyres are the logical choice when the grass itself is what you maintain or protect. Think of:

• Sports pitches and golf courses, where ruts in the turf stand out immediately and repairs cost time and money.

• Parks, cemeteries and public green spaces, where you want to work neatly and without damage.

• Holiday parks and campsites, where the tractor drives across lawns and paths.

• Paddocks and pastures in the equestrian sector, for example when dragging or topping grassland.

• Nurseries with grass strips between the crops.

Deliberately choosing tractor tyres? That makes sense if you do a lot of groundwork, regularly work in a muddy yard or in the woods, or pull heavy loads on unpaved terrain. Unsure because your work is a mix of both? Then a tyre with an in-between tread is often the best compromise.

Electric tractors also work quietly and without local emissions. Combined with turf tyres, you can work on a sports complex or golf course during the day without noise nuisance and without ruts.

The turf tyres Knegt offers

Knegt offers several turf tyres, matched to the power class of the tractor (25 and 30 hp, 40 hp and 50 hp). That way the tyre size fits the model:

• Knegt Armour turf tyre: Knegt's standard turf tyre. With these tyres you avoid deep ruts in the ground. Available for the 25/30 hp and the 40 hp class.

• Galaxy Garden Pro: a tyre with a tread between a tractor tyre and a turf tyre. You get a little more grip while still damaging the ground less. Available for several power classes.

• Titan turf tyres: extra wide for even better weight distribution. These tyres are ideally suited to golf courses and sports pitches.

• Galaxy Mighty Mow: designed for good flotation, so grass and roots are not damaged. Intended for the 50 hp class and suitable for lawns, golf courses, sports pitches, parks and cemeteries.

You will find the exact front and rear tyre sizes and current prices for each tyre in the accessories section of the website. Your dealer will be happy to help you work out which size fits your tractor.

How to choose the right tyre in four steps

These steps help you make a good choice quickly:

• Step 1: Determine the surface you work on most. If it is mainly well-kept grass, a turf tyre is the obvious choice. If you often work on loose or wet ground, a tractor tyre is a better fit.

• Step 2: Look at your heaviest job. If you pull heavy trailers or use the front loader on slopes, grip counts for more. An in-between tread such as the Galaxy Garden Pro can then be a good middle ground.

• Step 3: Choose the tyre that matches your tractor's power class. The electric 304G2E, 404G2E and 504G3E have a drive motor of 30, 40 and 50 hp; the diesel 304G2, 404GT and 504GT deliver 25, 40 and 50 hp.

• Step 4: Discuss your choice with your dealer or with Knegt. That way you can be sure the tyre size, the implements and your application work well together.

Frequently asked questions

Can I order a Knegt tractor with turf tyres?

Yes. Knegt tractors are also available with turf tyres instead of tractor tyres. You choose the tyre that matches the power class of your model.

Do turf tyres have less grip than tractor tyres?

On mud, loose soil and steep slopes they do, because the flat tread bites in less. On grass, turf tyres offer enough grip without damaging the turf. If you are looking for a middle ground, an in-between tread is an option.

Which turf tyre is best for a golf course or sports pitch?

The Titan turf tyres are extra wide and, according to Knegt, ideally suited to golf courses and sports pitches. For the 50 hp class, the Galaxy Mighty Mow is designed for lawns, golf courses and sports pitches.

How much do turf tyres for a compact tractor cost?

That depends on the type of tyre and the power class. Current prices are listed in the accessories section of the website; for a total price for tractor and tyres, request a quote.

Advice on the right tyres for your tractor

Would you like to know which tyres best suit your grounds and your Knegt tractor? Book an advice session and discuss your situation with a specialist. Prefer to first see how a compact tractor with turf tyres performs on your own grass? Schedule a free demo or find a Knegt dealer near you.