When hay season hits, timing is everything. You need your equipment running at peak performance to maximize nutritional value before the weather turns. The humble hay tedder plays a critical role in speed-drying your crop, but it can’t do its job effectively if it’s riding on the wrong rubber.
Operating a tedder with incorrect or worn-out wheels and tires leads to uneven fluffing, increased field debris in your hay, and unnecessary structural stress on the machine’s frame and gearboxes.
Whether you are running a classic John Deere, a high-capacity New Holland, or a precision Kuhn tedder, here is exactly how to determine and select the proper wheel and tire size for your equipment.
Selecting the Right Hay Tedder Tire
To find your hay tedder tire size, first check the sidewall for manufacturer markings (e.g., 15x6.00-6). If the text is worn off, use a tape measure while the tire is inflated to determine the overall diameter, section width, and rim size.
Step 1: Identify the Sidewall Numbers
Most implement and garden tires use a 3-number format (e.g., 16x6.50-8):
- First Number — The overall outside height/diameter of the tire in inches (e.g., 16")
- Second Number — The width of the tire section in inches (e.g., 6.50")
- Third Number — The diameter of the wheel/rim in inches (e.g., 8")
Step 2: Manual Measurement
If the sidewall is illegible, measure the tire dimensions by hand while the tire is inflated:
- Section Width — Use a tape measure across the widest part of the tire (sidewall to sidewall)
- Overall Diameter — Measure straight across the center of the tire from the very top tread edge to the very bottom tread edge
- Wheel/Rim Diameter — Measure from the inside bead lip on one side of the rim to the inside bead lip on the opposite side
Step 3: Ply Rating and Tread
Once you have your size, confirm the ply rating meets or exceeds OEM spec. For most modern high-capacity tedders, a 6-Ply (Heavy-Duty) tire is recommended for puncture resistance on rough terrain. Look for a smooth, ribbed, or turf tread pattern — tedder tires need to float over stubble, not dig in like a tractor tire.
| Specification | Example Value |
|---|---|
| Tire Size | 15" x 6.00-6 or 16" x 6.50-8 |
| Overall Diameter | 15" or 16" |
| Section Width | 6.00" or 6.50" |
| Rim Diameter | 6" or 8" |
| Ply Rating | 6-Ply (Heavy-Duty recommended) |
| Tread Type | Smooth, Ribbed, or Turf |
Selecting the Right Hay Tedder Wheel for Wheels That Slide Onto A Smooth Axle Spindle
If you are replacing the entire wheel and tire assembly — which is highly recommended to save time and eliminate the headache of mounting small pneumatic tires — you must ensure the steel wheel matches your tedder’s axle hub. Standard tedder wheels (like common 16x6.50-8 or 15x6.00-6 assemblies) rely on specific hub dimensions to fit correctly onto the frame.
Step 1: Hub Length
This is the most critical measurement to ensure the wheel does not slide on the axle or stick out too far. Measure from one outer edge of the wheel bearing (or hub) to the other outer edge, straight through the center.
Measure from one outer edge of the wheel bearing (or hub) to the other outer edge, straight through the center.
This is the width of the hole that runs through the center of the wheel. Usually measured by passing a pencil through and measuring the span.
Common hub lengths for hay tedders are typically around 2" to 3.25". For example, a common Hay Tedder Wheel & Tire Assembly — 16" x 8", 6-Ply — has a hub length of 3.18".
Step 2: Axle Bore (Bearing I.D.)
Measure the inside diameter of the wheel bearing to determine the size of the axle spindle it fits onto. Most standard tedders use a 1" bore (25 mm). This must match your axle spindle precisely to prevent wobbling or premature bearing failure.
Measure the inside diameter of the bearing (the hole the axles slides into) to ensure the new wheel will sit properly on your tedder’s axle.
Selecting the Right Hay Tedder Wheel for Wheels that use a Bolt-On Rim
Step 1: Bolt Pattern
If your wheel uses lug bolts rather than an integrated bearing hub, verify the bolt circle and lug count. Most smaller implements use a standard 4-bolt or 5-bolt pattern.
Measure the dimension from the one lug hole directly to the center of the opposite lug hole. You only need to know the bolt hole measurements if you hay tedder uses a bolt-on wheel rim rather than a smooth axle slide-on pin.
Step 2: Measure the Pilot (Center Hole) Diameter
(For non-bearing hugs or pilot mounted wheels). This opening must precisely match the axle spindle outside diameter.
You only need to know the bolt hole measurements if you hay tedder uses a bolt-on wheel rim rather than a smooth axle slide-on pin.
| Specification | Example Value |
|---|---|
| Hub Length | 2" – 3.25" (e.g., 3.18" common) |
| Axle Bore (Bearing I.D.) | 1" (25 mm) standard |
| Bolt Pattern | 4-bolt or 5-bolt (if applicable) |
| Pilot/Center Hole Diameter | Must match axle spindle O.D. |
Summary: Full Measurement Checklist
Before ordering your replacement tire or wheel assembly, have these specs confirmed:
| Measurement | Where to Find It | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Size | Sidewall markings or manual measure | 16" x 6.50-8 |
| Ply Rating | Sidewall markings | 6-Ply |
| Hub Length | Measure bearing-to-bearing through center | 3.18" |
| Axle Bore | Inside diameter of bearing/center hole | 1" (25 mm) |
| Bolt Pattern | Count lugs, measure bolt circle | 4-bolt standard |
By keeping these dimensions aligned with your specific manufacturer’s guidelines, you’ll guarantee a smooth ride, pristine hay, and a machine that’s ready to work hard all season long.
Looking for a rugged, field-ready replacement? Quality Farm Supply stocks premium, heavy-duty wheel and tire assemblies built specifically to endure the demanding conditions of hay tool maintenance.
