Are 11.2-28 and 12.4-28 Tires Interchangeable?
3 Answers
11.2-28 and 12.4-28 tires are not interchangeable. Judging by age: In terms of tire age, it is generally accepted that the lifespan of a new tire starts from the moment it is installed and lasts for 4 years. After 4 years, regardless of the actual mileage, it is recommended to replace the tire. Judging by mileage: Under normal usage conditions, after traveling 50,000 kilometers, the tread grooves of most tires will be significantly worn, or the sidewalls may become aged and damaged due to prolonged stress fluctuations. Therefore, it is also advisable to replace the tires. Judging by wear condition: From the perspective of wear, when the tire has worn down to the wear indicator, it means the tread groove depth is less than 1.6mm, and the tire must be replaced immediately.
Having driven tractors for over a decade, I'm quite familiar with these tire sizes. At first glance, both 11.2-28 and 12.4-28 share the same 28-inch rim diameter and can be mounted on the machine, but the width difference is substantial—11.2 inches versus 12.4 inches, a full 1.2-inch gap. Switching to wider tires might theoretically offer slightly higher traction in the field, but it creates uneven load distribution on the chassis, potentially causing unstable steering or imbalanced weight transfer. I once forced a similar swap on a combine harvester, only to end up with uneven tire wear that required premature replacement and suspension adjustments. Always verify if the load index matches the original specifications; a 5% or greater deviation in load capacity spells trouble. Additionally, differing tread patterns affect grip—suboptimal designs may cause dangerous slippage in wet or muddy conditions. Simply measure the installation clearance to avoid interference, and most importantly, consult the vehicle manual rather than cutting corners. Safety should never be compromised for convenience.
Starting with tire specifications: In 11.2-28, 11.2 refers to the section width in inches, and 28 is the rim diameter; 12.4-28 has increased numbers but the same diameter, theoretically making them compatible. However, the approximately 10% increase in width may alter the vehicle's dynamic characteristics, such as increased rolling resistance or enhanced friction during turns but reduced stability. Differences in load capacity, if exceeding rated values, may accelerate wear or even pose a risk of rupture. I recommend using a ruler to measure the tire position before installation to confirm whether the frame has sufficient clearance; otherwise, scraping could become an issue. Size mismatches also affect speedometer accuracy, especially when towing or overloaded, increasing danger. In most cases, manufacturers recommend the same size series to ensure consistent performance, so compatibility is poor. It's best to consult a professional shop to measure parameters and replace a pair of tires rather than a single one to reduce error costs.
