What direction do farm tractor treads point?

Answer 1

Looking from the front of the tractor the treads should be making a V. We bought our Ford 3000 back in the late 70s and it came from the dealer as described in answer 1, with the "point" of the chevron treads LEADING. Since 4.240.141.147's actual question asked for a "discussion," I'm going to include some thoughts, pro and con, for both installations [point leading, and point trailing]. It may be that the reason for having the point leading is that it introduces the smaller surface area of tread to the earth first, thereby allowing for a quicker "dig in" more easily, thereby enhancing "grip," or I think technically it is called "purchase." On the other hand, if the soil is very fluid [extremely loose, or muddy] I think that would result in the soil being pushed outward, causing the tire to "dig a hole," without enhancing grip. If, as was mentioned in the discussion tab, the chevron pattern were reversed [as in the New Zealand observation] so that the "open" end of the pattern led, then there would be a tendency to "gather and compact" the fluid soil, also increasing grip [much like a competition swimmer cupping his/her hand, rather than fingers open]. Beats me, I am not familiar with other tractor manufacturer's applications, but I just have to assume that Ford knew what was best. This almost seems like a similar, but different, application of the "chicken or the egg" conundrum. ANSWER 3 The tractor should leave a "V" (chevron) pattern in the soil if you are following the tractor. The reason for this is that the wheel torque applied to the soil in this manner allows the tire lugs to push the soil out away from the center of the tire and push the tractor forward with the least amount of stress on the lugs. If the tire is reversed so that the pattern makes A's in the soil the soil builds up pressusre on the lugs at the center of the tire and in time can cause the lugs to break off and lead to complete failure to an expensive tire.