To NDT or not to NDT that is the question

Joe Friday wrote: Maybe when I "re-TIRE" I'll have time to post some of the government data, tire manufacturers data, and Willys data on why they selected the tires they did. The testing was done in far more controlled conditions than depicted here. The original AGRI-JEEP tires were Goodyear Sure Grip Grader tires that were widened 1" to add a centerline. It was the Same mold used for the CJ-1 tires, with a spacer in the mold.

Bob W wrote: lhfarmbt wrote: I've always wondered why Willys used 7.00-15 tires instead of the standard 6.00-16 at the Nebraska tractor tests and also why not a tractor tire.  Because the 7.00-15 was the same height as the 6.00-16, but the 7.00-15 was wider.

Hi all,



As described in the video, I am not saying that AG tires or NDTs in general are better or worse, blah blah. What I am saying is that I ran Deestone 7.50-16 AG tires and STA 7.50-16 NDT tires on 6” wide wheels at 10 psi, on the same or very similar Jeep under the same conditions and these are the video results.

Interesting video, looked like a real-world comparison to me. 

Even when I air up, I can still flex the edges of these chevrons by hand a little bit. The lugs on the NDTs are shorter, wider, and they are supported in the middle. I think these chevrons may perform better in the rocks if they were shorter but then, they would be less effective in the mud. … I think in the end, it is simply the amount tread on the rocks. If you look at the very first picture in the video, you can clearly see that there is not much rubber touching a flat surface.   In short, the ag tires are great at doing what they were designed to do. Drive on dirt and mud.

I said it in the video, and I’ll say it again here. I don’t think that NDTs are a “great” off road tire. I run them because I think they are cool. I do think they are better than people give them credit for, off-road that is.

Edited by jpet - 30 Apr. 2023 at 7:38am

Since I’ve started giving my opinions, I might as well keep going.

bight wrote: …..and, contrary to some opinions, they do just fine on pavement around 45 mph. they seem a bit squirrely at very low speeds, which is not at all dangerous - low speeds….

I believe you don’t have a problem on your Jeep, but my experience is totally different. These Deestones on my Jeep are annoyingly loud when you exceed 30 mph. (On my jeep). When mounted forward, I not only hear road noise but I also hear noise in my drive train resonating. If I reverse the tread, the mechanical noises in the Jeep go away but the road noise seems to increase some. Even though the noise is annoying to me, It would be worth it on short trips in exchange for off-road performance.   That being said, Nick Oxender, or Fred Coldwell, who also run ag tires on the road, do not complain about road noise. So maybe it’s just my equipment. Still something to consider.

…and of course tractor tires are the only "official tire" of the American Farm! ….

This we can agree on.

Super Traxions:

I have never run these tires but I have wheeled with many who do run them and testify that they are an improvement over NDTs off-road. I also have shot lots of video of these people demonstrating the contrary. I have never posted it out of respect.   So, let me say that I respectfully disagree and I accept the challenge to get together and make a video like the NDT AG tire video.

I’ve also heard the statement, “Don’t you think tire technology has improved over 70 years?”   My answer to that is “yes … but not as much as marketing strategies”.


Edited by jpet - 30 Apr. 2023 at 8:46am

Good video, thanks for taking the time to change all those tires!

Strangely enough, driving them on an oil road seems to be quieter than a concrete road. Not sure why. Some people commented on the video that some farmers run the front chevrons backwards and leave the rear in the forward. I think this is mainly so they have traction when backing up.

I think that running them backwards will not tear up the property as much and might be better for driving on rocks because the tread is designed to clean the dirt out from the tread but possibly running them backwards pulls the dirt and rock into the tire which may be better. I’m still thinking about that one.

I driven the tires a 50+ mph. No fear of control but maybe feel A little better backwards. Yes, they are not DOT approved but if the DOT ever took a look at BAM BAM, I’d be in big trouble on a number of fronts.

Edited by jpet - 30 Apr. 2023 at 11:39am

Good job on the comparison Jeff.