Widest (wider) R-1 Tires?

[Farmwithjunk]

Originally Posted by Robert_in_NY

The idea behind radials is that they increase traction and don't compact the ground as much which leads to better fuel economy and higher yields. They also ride a lot nicer. So they are worth it if you do a lot of farming but there is a reason they don't come standard on compacts and that is because they are not really needed and cost too much. But the XM108 does give a larger foot print without having to change rims.

Also, regardless of brand, Radial tires are a lot more money then bias. But Michelin is considered the best in farm tires.

I broke open the piggy bank and bought ONE set of radial tractor tires in my lifetime. Back when I was putting out a corn crop every year and still did a good bit of plowing, discing, and pulling a planter. (They were of great benefit planting due to reduced compaction) Higher drawbar loads are where they shine.

Problem was, the OTHER 75% of the hours I put on the tractor were routine "utility work" like bush hogging.

I bought the radials late in a summer. Fall, when I was bringing in a crop, they did well. I liked 'em during the slick, muddy winter months. Spring rolled around, plowing started and I absolutely LOVED my radials. Summer haying season? Still liked them.

Then I started bush hogging. Less than one hour with a bush hog on the tractor, I ran over a 1" staub from a locust sapling. I didn't like the 1" HOLE in my radial one bit. Then the biggest NEGATIVES associated with radials came forth.

They can't be repaired like a bias ply can, and the REPLACEMENT COST far outstripped my love and admiration for them.

All things being equal, radials can't be beat. It's simply a matter of practicality vs. economics. They are EXPENSIVE.

[Billy_S]

Originally Posted by Robert_in_NY

<snipped>But Michelin is considered the best in farm tires.

By who? ;-)

[Billy_S]

Originally Posted by Farmwithjunk

<snipped>
They can't be repaired like a bias ply can,
<snipped>

I have repaired MANY radial farm tires and that comment isn't consistent with my experience. In fact and with all due respect, I will say that whoever told you that misled you.

I can't conceive of a REPAIRABLE injury to a bias tire that would be unrepairable in a radial. To be clear, I am talking about ag tires here. This is not the case with passenger tires. Sidewall injuries to passenger tires are consdered to be unrepairable.

If I had a customer with a 1 inch hole to either a bias or radial ag tire, I would recommend a section repair.

[Robert_in_NY]

Any farmer who has ran them :-) The only bad thing I ever hear about the Michelin line is the price.

[RFB]

And I believe the operative terminology is R1-W. They were initially developed for wet european soil types to provide greater flotation (less psi footprint).

[Billy_S]

Originally Posted by Robert_in_NY

Any farmer who has ran them :-) The only bad thing I ever hear about the Michelin line is the price.

I sell SOME Michelin ag tires and they are a quality product, to be sure, but to say that they are the best tires available isn't supported by sales data. Of course, they are outrageously expensive and that doesn't help to sell them.

[Robert_in_NY]

Exactly, the price of them keeps them away from a lot of peoples tractors, but I have been watching the discussions online and talking to a lot of farmers when I was looking to buy new tires this spring. No one complained about the Michelin tires except for the price. It was agreed that Michelin's radial tires were the best available from the guys who have used them and tried other brands including Firestone, Goodyear, Titan and so on. Unfortunately, the radials cost too much for me to afford so I went with a cheaper Firestone 23 Bias for a lot less money. So why they may not sell as many it doesn't mean they aren't the best as I am sure you know price dictates almost as much as quality in terms of sales and most people try to find something in the middle.

[flusher]

Originally Posted by woodlandfarms

Can you get wider R-1's without changing out the rim? Would love to pressure my dealer if possible. The R1 tires seemed skinnier than other tractors I have looked at, but not sure if it is just and optical illusion.

Carl

Here are the BFGoodrich Silvertown Power Grip 18.4-16A rear tires (on 16" rims) on my MF-135. Are you looking for something like this?

[Doc_Bob]

Originally Posted by flusher

Here are the BFGoodrich Silvertown Power Grip 18.4-16A rear tires (on 16" rims) on my MF-135. Are you looking for something like this?

That is a very stable looking setup.
Bob

[woodlandfarms]

Originally Posted by flusher

Here are the BFGoodrich Silvertown Power Grip 18.4-16A rear tires (on 16" rims) on my MF-135. Are you looking for something like this?

That rules! Would have to change the rims out, and then would worry about stressing the axle on the tractor with that width, but....