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Heavy agricultural machinery can cause structural degradation in subsoils. Severe structural degradation restricts or even impedes plant growth. Therefore, compaction can only be tolerated in soil horizons that can be structurally reclaimed with reasonable effort, i.e. the upper 0.2 to 0.3 m (plow layer). The pressure exerted by tires of agricultural vehicles is one of the main factors influencing soil compaction. In this study, we present data showing the spatial pressure distribution underneath tires of agricultural vehicles in motion. The pressure was measured directly underneath the tire on a rigid surface as well as underneath a sand layer of 0.3 m. Pressures are strongly reduced by the sand layer. The data measured underneath the sand layer are compared to model data calculated by means of a finite element model. Model and measured data agree well. On the basis of our results, in finite element modeling, we suggest that it is better to use a nonhomogeneous load distribution for predicting soil compaction under tires of agricultural machinery.