Backhoe Tires: R4 Rear Tires and F3 Front Tires Explained

Short answer: most backhoes run two different tires. R4 industrial tread on the rear, and a ribbed front tire like the F3 up front. We carry four R4 rear sizes (16.9-24, 17.5Lx24, 19.5L-24 and 21L-24, all 12 ply, all tubeless) and the 11L-16 10 ply F3 front. Read both sidewalls before you order. They are not the same tire.

A backhoe loader is two machines in one, and its tires have to handle both. The rear tires carry the weight of the backhoe, drive the machine and plant it while you dig. The front tires steer, carry the loader bucket and take a beating every time you push into a pile.

Here is what each tire is built for, the sizes on our site, and how to get the right replacement the first time.

R4: the industrial tractor tread

R4 is an industrial tread. It sits between an R1 farm tread, which is built for soil, and a smooth or block tread, which is built for pavement. That makes R4 common on machines that work construction sites, roads and yards, often in the same day.

We carry four R4 sizes on our R4 pneumatic tire page:

All four fit a 24 inch rim and are tubeless.

What our R4 product pages say

According to our product pages, these R4 tires have:

• An aggressive directional tread for traction and flotation.
• Wide lugs designed to optimize durability and extend tire life.
• A versatile design for tractors, loaders and backhoes.
• Easy mounting on your existing wheels.
• A tubeless design.

Pay attention to the directional tread. Directional tires have a rotation direction. Mount them the way the sidewall markings show, and keep both sides of the machine the same.

F3: the backhoe front tire

Up front, we carry the 11L-16 10 Ply Sentry Tire Duramax F3 Tubeless Industrial Tire. The product page describes it as:

• Specially designed for the front of backhoe loaders.
• Built to give excellent wear on hard soil, asphalt and concrete.
• Equipped with a reinforced sidewall.
• Easy to mount on your existing wheels.
• Tubeless.

Front tires on a backhoe do a lot of steering under load, especially with a full bucket. A ribbed front tire helps the machine steer and track. The reinforced sidewall helps with the curb strikes and debris that come with the work.

Rear and front sizes are not interchangeable

It sounds obvious, but we see it. Someone orders four of the same tire. A backhoe needs two rear tires and two front tires, and they are almost always different sizes and different treads. Read both sidewalls before you order.

Choosing between R4 sizes

The machine sets the size, not preference. Your operator manual and the sidewall on your current tire are the two places to look. A few notes:

• The L sizes, like 17.5L and 19.5L, are a low profile style. They are not the same tire as a 16.9-24, even though all of them fit a 24 inch rim.
• Stay with your original size unless your dealer or equipment manufacturer approves a change. Changing rear tire size on a backhoe can affect gearing, height and stability.
• Match both sides. Same size, same tread, same ply on both rear tires.

Not sure? Call us with your machine make and model.

Ply rating

All four R4 tires we carry are 12 ply. The F3 front is 10 ply. Match or exceed what your current tires or manual call for. Backhoe tires carry a lot of weight, especially with a breaker or thumb on the hoe. This is not the place to cut corners.

Tubeless means the rim has to be right

All of the R4 and F3 tires above are tubeless. That means fewer parts and easier field repairs. It also means the bead has to seal against the rim. Before mounting new tires:

1. Clean the bead seat of rust and old rubber.

2. Check for bent or cracked rims.

3. Replace the valve stem.

4. Use proper bead lubricant and safe inflation practices.

Large tires should be mounted by someone with the right equipment and training. A big tire that lets go during inflation can seriously hurt someone.

Signs it is time for new backhoe tires

• Worn lugs on the rear tires. You will notice it first in soft ground and on slopes.
• Cuts and chunks from rebar, broken concrete and rock.
• Sidewall damage on the fronts from curbs and debris.
• Uneven wear, which can mean pressure problems or a mismatched pair.
• Slow leaks that keep coming back after repairs.

Other machines that use R4 tires

R4 tires are not only for backhoes. The R4 product pages list tractors and loaders too. You will also see the 12.5/80x18 12 Ply Sentry I3 Implement R4 Tractor Tubeless Utility Tire on our agricultural page. If your machine runs that size, check your sidewall and give us a call.

Jobsite habits that save backhoe tires

Most backhoe tire damage happens in a few predictable ways. Operator habits make the difference.

• Use the stabilizers and bucket properly. When you dig, the outriggers and loader bucket should carry the machine, not the tires. Digging with the rear tires still loaded twists and scrubs them.
• Avoid spinning the rear tires. Wheel spin on concrete or rock wears the lugs fast. Ease off the throttle and let the tread work.
• Watch for rebar and broken concrete. On demolition and utility jobs, a quick look before you drive over a pile can save a sidewall.
• Keep pressure where it should be. Low rear tires flex too much and can damage the casing. Low front tires steer poorly with a loaded bucket.
• Do a walk-around every morning. Cuts, embedded debris and low tires, before the machine goes to work.

Ordering checklist

Have this ready before you call or order:

1. Machine make, model and year.

2. The full size and ply rating from both the rear and front sidewalls.

3. Whether your current tires are tubeless or tube type.

4. How many tires you need for each position.

5. The kind of work the machine does most: dirt, pavement, demolition or a mix.

With that, we can usually get you the right answer in one call.

Replace rear tires as a pair

When one rear tire is worn out or damaged, it is tempting to replace just that one. Do not. A new tire next to a worn one sits at a different height. That tilts the machine slightly and puts uneven stress on the drivetrain. It also changes how the machine sits when you set the stabilizers. Replace both rear tires together. Same for the front pair.

FAQ

What tire goes on the front of a backhoe?

Many backhoes use a ribbed front tire. We carry the 11L-16 10 ply Duramax F3, which our product page describes as specially designed for the front of backhoe loaders.

Are your R4 tires tubeless?

Yes. All four R4 sizes we carry are tubeless.

What ply are the R4 tires?

All four are 12 ply.

Can I use R1 tires on my backhoe instead?

R1 is a farm tread built for soil. Backhoes usually work on harder surfaces, which is why R4 industrial treads are common. Stick with what your machine calls for.

Get help with fitment

Call us at (909) 230-5552 or contact us. Give us the make, model and the sizes on both sidewalls, and we will help you get the right rear and front tires.