Combine harvesters are among the largest and most demanding machines used in modern agriculture. During harvesting season, these machines are expected to work for long hours, carry significant loads and move efficiently across fields and between fields and roads.

One component that plays a critical role in this performance is often overlooked: the tyre.

At Automarket, we specialise in agricultural and tractor tyres in Kenya, including tyres suitable for large harvesting machinery. We understand that choosing a tyre is not simply about finding one with the correct size. The machine, axle load, working conditions, terrain, speed and harvesting application all need to be considered.

What Tyres Are Used on Combine Harvesters?

Combine harvesters can use some of the largest agricultural tyres available. Depending on the machine and manufacturer, common sizes can include:

710/70R42
710/70R38
800/70R38
900/60R38
710/75R42
900/60R32
800/70R32
650/75R32
680/85R32

These are examples rather than a universal fitment list. The correct size must always be confirmed against the combine manufacturer’s specifications.

Major agricultural tyre manufacturers offer dedicated solutions for harvesting machinery. For example, Michelin specifically identifies its CEREXBIB range for combine harvesters and lists the VF 710/70R42 as a harvesting application. Michelin explains that its VF technology is designed to carry higher loads at lower pressures, which can be particularly valuable for heavy harvesting machinery.

Continental’s agricultural technical documentation also lists a dedicated CombineMaster range, with sizes including VF 500/85R24 CFO, VF 620/70R26 CFO, 750/65R26 CFO, 650/75R32 CHO, 680/85R32 CHO, 800/70R32 CHO and 900/60R38 CHO.

Trelleborg’s technical material similarly identifies 710/70R42 TL Harvester as a harvesting application, alongside other large agricultural sizes.

Why Do Combine Harvesters Need Specialised Tyres?

A combine harvester is not operating under the same conditions as an ordinary tractor.

During harvesting, the machine may carry substantial grain or crop material while simultaneously operating harvesting equipment. This creates significant demands on the tyres.

1. High Load-Carrying Capacity

One of the most important considerations is load capacity.

Harvesters can become significantly heavier during operation, particularly as grain tanks fill. Tyres therefore need to be capable of carrying the machine’s axle loads at the required operating speeds and pressures.

This is why technologies such as VF (Very High Flexion) and CFO (Cyclic Field Operation) are important in modern harvesting applications.

Michelin explains that its CEREXBIB 2 VF technology can provide increased load capacity at reduced pressure, while its CFO capability is designed around the cyclic loading conditions experienced by machines such as combine harvesters.

2. Large Tyres Help Spread the Machine’s Weight

Combine harvesters are heavy machines. A narrow tyre with high ground pressure can cause greater soil compaction, particularly when working on wet ground.

Large agricultural tyres provide a larger footprint, allowing the machine’s weight to be distributed over a greater area.

This can provide benefits including:

Reduced ground pressure
Better flotation
Improved traction
Reduced soil compaction
Better mobility in challenging field conditions

Michelin notes that increasing tyre diameter can provide a longer footprint, while appropriate tyre width also needs to be considered according to the machine and application.

3. Traction in Difficult Harvesting Conditions

Harvesting doesn’t always happen when the ground is perfectly dry.

Combine harvesters can encounter:

Wet soil
Mud
Loose soil
Crop residue
Slopes
Uneven fields
Compacted headlands

A suitable agricultural tyre needs to provide sufficient traction to keep the machine moving without excessive wheel slip.

The tread design is therefore extremely important.

Modern agricultural tyre manufacturers have developed specialised tread patterns that attempt to combine traction, self-cleaning, flotation and roadability.

4. Road Travel Is Also Important

A combine harvester does not necessarily remain in one field.

It may need to travel between farms, fields, storage areas or service locations. Consequently, the tyre needs to perform not only in the field but also during road transport.

This creates an interesting challenge.

The tyre must provide:

Field performance + load capacity + stability + roadability + durability.

For example, Michelin’s MACHXBIB range includes 710/70R42, 800/70R38 and other large sizes and is identified for both tractor and harvester use, while its ROADBIB range includes 710/70R42 and is specifically designed around heavier road use.

Examples of Large Combine Harvester Tyre Sizes

The following are examples of large agricultural tyre sizes offered by major manufacturers and/or associated with harvesting applications:



Tyre Size	Example Application
710/70R42	Large tractors / harvesting machinery
710/70R38	Large agricultural machinery
800/70R38	High-power agricultural machinery
900/60R38	Large agricultural machinery
710/75R42	High-power agricultural applications
900/60R32	Combine harvester
800/70R32	Combine harvester
680/85R32	Combine harvester
650/75R32	Combine harvester

These examples are supported by manufacturer technical catalogues. Bridgestone, for example, lists 710/70R38 and 710/70R42 among its large agricultural tyre sizes, while Continental’s CombineMaster range includes several 32-inch and 38-inch harvester sizes.

Importantly, the same tyre size does not automatically fit every combine harvester. Rim specification, load index, speed rating, axle position, clearance and the manufacturer’s approved fitment must all be checked.

710/70R42 – One of the Major Sizes in Large Agriculture

The 710/70R42 is a particularly interesting example because it is offered by several major agricultural tyre manufacturers.

Michelin lists the size in several agricultural ranges, including its harvesting-oriented CEREXBIB 2.

Bridgestone’s agricultural technical data lists 710/70R42 173D/170E in its range, while its VF version is listed with a higher load index.

Trelleborg also lists 710/70R42 for harvesting applications.

This demonstrates why simply asking for a “710/70R42” is not always enough. There can be significant differences between tyres carrying the same basic size designation.

The load index, speed rating, construction and technology can all affect whether a particular tyre is suitable for a specific machine.

710/70R38 – Another Important Large Agricultural Size

The 710/70R38 is another large agricultural size that can be found in premium agricultural tyre ranges.

Firestone, for example, lists 710/70R38 in its Maxi Traction range and highlights characteristics such as reinforced construction, load capacity, durability and road behaviour.

Bridgestone also lists 710/70R38 171D/168E in its VX agricultural range.

However, as with 710/70R42, the presence of a particular size in a manufacturer’s catalogue does not mean it should automatically be fitted to a particular combine. The machine manufacturer’s approved specifications remain the final reference.

Why You Should Not Choose Combine Harvester Tyres by Size Alone

This is where professional tyre selection becomes important.

Two tyres can have exactly the same size designation but different:

Load index
Speed rating
Ply/construction
VF/IF technology
CFO/CHO capability
Tread pattern
Approved rim
Inflation requirements
Application suitability

For example, Michelin explains that tyre selection for a combine should consider the machine’s required dimensions, axle configuration, road regulations and operating conditions.

The biggest tyre is not necessarily the best tyre. The most expensive tyre is not necessarily the best tyre either.

The correct tyre is the one that matches the machine and the work it is expected to perform.

Automarket – Specialists in Agricultural & Tractor Tyres

At Automarket, agriculture is one of our areas of specialisation.

We supply tractor and agricultural tyres for farmers, agricultural contractors and commercial farming operations across Kenya, and we understand that agricultural machinery requires very different tyre solutions depending on the application.

Whether you are looking for tyres for:

Combine harvesters
Tractors
Sugar cane machinery
Agricultural trailers
Sprayers
Balers
Harvesting equipment
Farm implements
Heavy agricultural machinery

we focus on helping our customers identify the right tyre for the job.

Our role is not simply to ask, “What size do you need?”

We also want to understand:

What machine is it?
What work does it perform?
What is the load?
What terrain does it operate on?
How much road travel is involved?
What tyre does the manufacturer recommend?

This approach allows us to recommend agricultural tyres based on the actual application, rather than simply selling a tyre because the numbers on the sidewall appear to match.

Looking for Combine Harvester Tyres in Kenya?

If you operate a combine harvester or other large agricultural machine and need replacement tyres, Automarket can help you identify the appropriate agricultural tyre specification.

Send us the machine make and model, current tyre size, and a photograph of the tyre sidewall, and our team can help assess the available options.

With large sizes such as 710/70R42, 710/70R38, 800/70R38, 900/60R38 and other agricultural sizes, we can help customers find solutions suited to their particular machinery and application.

Automarket – Specialists in Tractor & Agricultural Tyres in Kenya.

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