OTR’s New Non-Directional Compact Tractor Tire Combines Off-Road Traction, Sidewall Protection and Self-Cleaning

It also features a non-directional tread pattern for added traction in both forward and reverse and to simplify installation and inventory.
Nov. 11, 2025
3 min read

OTR Engineered Solutions (OTR) introduces its new versatile WorkBoss CT tire – a breakthrough in compact tractor tire design. The WorkBoss CT combines off-road traction, sidewall protection, and self-cleaning abilities with unique design elements for enhanced use on everything from extreme off-road surfaces to turf. It also features a non-directional tread pattern for added traction in both forward and reverse and to simplify installation and inventory.

“We worked closely with OEM customers to develop a specialized tire for compact tractors and came up with an excellent solution to meet the needs of this market,” said Chris Strabley, technical specialist, engineering for OTR. “We gave the WorkBoss CT aggressive lugs to provide the off-road characteristics needed in most compact tractor applications, but then we took the design to another level with unique tie bars between the lugs and a shallower center groove to improve multi-purpose performance on turf, while creating a better, quieter ride on paved surfaces.”

Beyond the multiple application advantages, the WorkBoss CT’s shallow center groove increases stiffness, which results in less bending under load for greater stability. Other key features include aggressive centerline lugs with deep inter-lug grooves, offering an unrivaled mix of forward traction, self-cleaning performance, and rapid water displacement. The shoulder blocks have a high void-to-lug ratio for excellent lateral stability, while enhancing grip when cornering under torque. Tapered lug faces reduce rolling resistance and increase service life. Additionally, the reinforced sidewall knuckles offer maximum sidewall protection against impact or abrasion.

“The WorkBoss CT is an ideal blend of performance characteristics, which we feel could make it the industry’s number one tire choice for compact tractors,” said Patrick Sexton, vice president of engineering and innovation. “Furthermore, the non-directional tread pattern is a bonus that helps dealers minimize inventory and improves availability for end users, since only one part number is needed for both sides of the tractor.”

Multiple ply ratings
Currently available in 18x8.50-10 and 26x12.00-12 sizes, many more sizes of the WorkBoss CT will be produced over the next few months. Each size is available in multiple ply ratings to accommodate the load capacities of various applications.

“You simply won’t find other tires on the market with the variety of ply ratings available,” said Strabley. “Most competitive compact tractor tires are available in four ply, but we are getting into six and eight ply construction with the WorkBoss CT, which offers greater flexibility to handle higher loads.”

This new line of tires also marks the launch of OTR’s ability to mold QR codes directly into the sidewall, which opens multiple opportunities for easier access to enhanced product information, inventory tracking, support, and more.

OTR Engineered Solutions is a market-leading global enterprise specializing in off-the-road tire, wheel, and track solutions for original equipment manufacturers and aftermarkets. Known for being an innovator in multiple off-the-road applications, OTR differentiates itself by providing value-added services such as warehousing, tire mounting, and sequencing, among other things. The firm has long established strategic partnerships with OEMs covering construction, lawn & garden, powersports, agriculture, forestry, mining, material handling, and specialty vehicle markets. OTR’s infrastructure comprises 30+ facilities and warehouse locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, serving customers globally.

For more information, visit www.otrwheel.com/workboss-ct.

About the Author

Michael Roth

Editor

Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.

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