FROM: Dean0496@webtv.net (Dean Hoffman)
SUBJECT: Re: what can/can't AWD do?
DATE: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 18:58:42 -0500 (CDT)
ORGANIZATION: WebTV Subscriber
NEWSGROUPS: rec.autos.4x4


  Tractor tire question from:

w.j.markerink@a1.nl (Willem-Jan Markerink)


>Btw tractor tires: I am currently
> pondering about the orientation of
> directional tractor tires, those with the
> 'V' profile....should the point of the V be
> directed forwards or backwards
> (measured at the contact patch).
> Something tells me that the V pointed
> backwards will clear the voids more
> easily of mud, but also digs easier,
> while the V pointed forward will 'cling' to
> the surface better. 

>Not sure though about dynamics &
> stability onroad, at higher speed,
> accelerating and braking.


   Farm tractor tires are mounted with the V pointing forward as you
look at the top of the tire.  You get much better traction that way
because the tire cleans itself as it turns.  I know this from real life
personal experience.  
    Some farmers in my area mount the rear tires on their combines the
opposite direction, top pointing in reverse.  The front ones point
forward.  The idea is to get more traction if they have to back out of a
field.  They lose some forward traction by doing this.  
   I wonder how long a tractor tire would last on a vehicle.  Farm
equipment in the U.S. usually has a top speed of about 25 mph.  They
might be very noisy too.  Think about the lugs hitting pavement if you
got on a paved road.  Handling would probably be lousy.  
  There is a European tractor company that makes a high speed tractor.
It's at the top of the price scale.  I don't remember the manufacturer's
name.

                     Dean