Tires4That by Gallagher Tire

Tire Reference Guide

Tread Codes Explained

Understand tire tread codes designated by the Tire and Rim Industry to select the ideal tire for any application.

Why Tread Codes Matter

Until tire manufacturers invent the magic "do-it-all" tire, it is of utmost importance to select the ideal tire for a given application. At best, an incorrect tire will simply wear at an excessive rate. At worst, the wrong tire will render the equipment completely useless.

Fortunately, tire manufacturers build tires according to categories that have been designated by the Tire and Rim Industry. These categories provide a great basic understanding of the conditions and applications that a tire is best suited. Below we will give a breakdown of the codes, general descriptions, and sample pictures to help you better understand these categories.

Collection of tires showing various tread patterns and codes

All Tread Codes

R-1

Drive Position

Regular Tread

General Farming

R-1 - Regular Tread

R-1W

Drive Position

Wet Traction Tread

Wet or Moist Soil

R-1W - Wet Traction Tread

R-2

Drive Position

Rice & Cane, Deep Tread

Wet or Moist Soil

R-2 - Rice & Cane, Deep Tread

R-3

Drive Position

Shallow Tread

Mowing, Highways, Orchards

R-3 - Shallow Tread

R-4

Drive Position

Bar Tread

Industrial Service

R-4 - Bar Tread

F-1

Agricultural Steer

Single Rib Tread

Rice Farming

F-1 - Single Rib Tread

F-2

Agricultural Steer

Three Rib Tread

General Farming

F-2 - Three Rib Tread

F-2M

Agricultural Steer

Four Rib Tread

General Farming

F-2M - Four Rib Tread

F-3

Agricultural Steer

Multi Rib Tread

Light Industrial Service

F-3 - Multi Rib Tread

I-1

Free Rolling

Multi Rib Tread

Implement

I-1 - Multi Rib Tread

I-3

Drive Wheel

Traction Tread

Implement

I-3 - Traction Tread

FI

Free Rolling

Multi Rib Tread

Highway Rated Implement

FI - Multi Rib Tread

E-2

Earthmover

Traction Tread

100% Tread Depth

E-2 - Traction Tread

E-3

Earthmover

Rock Tread

100% Tread Depth

E-3 - Rock Tread

E-4

Earthmover

Deep Rock Tread

150% Tread Depth

E-4 - Deep Rock Tread

E-7

Paver

Flotation Tread

80% Tread Depth

E-7 - Flotation Tread

L-2

Loader & Dozer

Traction Tread

100% Tread Depth

L-2 - Traction Tread

L-3

Loader & Dozer

Rock Tread

100% Tread Depth

L-3 - Rock Tread

L-4

Loader & Dozer

Rock Deep Tread

150% Tread Depth

L-4 - Rock Deep Tread

L-5

Loader & Dozer

Rock Extra Deep Tread

250% Tread Depth

L-5 - Rock Extra Deep Tread

L-5S

Loader & Dozer

Smooth Extra Deep Tread

250% Tread Depth

L-5S - Smooth Extra Deep Tread

G-2

Grader

Traction Tread

100% Tread Depth

G-2 - Traction Tread

G-3

Grader

Rock Tread

100% Tread Depth

G-3 - Rock Tread

Not Sure Which Tread Code You Need?

Our team can help you match the right tread pattern to your equipment and working conditions.

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Tread Codes Explained | Tires4That by Gallagher Tire Inc.