R4 Tire?

[Conservation]

I am unfamiliar with the ratings of the ag tires. I replaced the front turfs with R4's, and may do the same with the rear after I look at the tire the store is talking about. What is the difference between R1, 2, 3, 4?

 

[driver444]

An R-1 is a bar-type agriculture tire found usually on bigger farm tractors. (they can be put on any tractor) They offer the most traction in mud but wear quickly on paved surfaces, and really tear up grass and delicate ground.

An R-4 is similar to an R-1 in that it has a bar-tye tread, but it's usually a wider tire, and the treads aren't as deep. They distribute the weight over a larger area. Alot of full-size loader backhoes uses these. They probably are the best all-around tire for compact tractors, and most people use these. They do very well on paved surfaces and fairly OK on grass if you're careful. They also last pretty long.

I think the turf-tires are R-3's, (not sure). They're good on grass, and pavement, and not too awful bad for loader work in dirt, but don't offer alot of traction for ground engaging work. They do pretty well in snow removal when used with chains.

A word of caution. Be careful when changing only 2 tires on a 4wd tractor, especially when using different types. There is a specific ratio with regard to the circumference of the rear and front tires. If you change the size of either front or rear tires, the opposite tires much be changed proportionately, or you could damage your drive train.

 

[Conservation]

Great info. Thank you. The stated size from the old turf was the same as the new R4, and the tire place measured and confirmed. My current rear is actually non-stock, and may not be exactly what I need. I am only using 4wd in the snow now, but I am looking to switch to the stock size R4's for the rear also, and all should be good with the world. I will use my turfs only for mowing in 2wd.
Sounds like the R4, while not the most aggressive, is a pretty good choice even for snow and dirt digging. I will probably end up filling them with WW fluid eventually, which should be plenty of weight, and may even do chains. I have chains for my turfs, but they are much wider. I may be able to shorten all the links, which would be a pain, but would sure save some money too.

 

[amigauser]

Here is a good link.
The Small Tractor FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

 

[teach]

Go with ags instead of R4's. I just found out today that R4's are absolutely useless in mud. I just put mine on this winter and I wonder if I made the right decision. They are nice on stumps/rocks, but forget it in the mud once they clog, they don't easily unclog, until you are run on hard, dry ground again.
Teach

 

[LBrown59]

It's been stated time and time again on TBN R4 and mud = racing slicks!

Go with ags instead of R4's. I just found out today that R4's are absolutely useless in mud. I just put mine on this winter and I wonder if I made the right decision. They are nice on stumps/rocks, but forget it in the mud once they clog, they don't easily unclog, until you are run on hard, dry ground again.
Teach

 

[wolc123]

It sounds like it is too late for R1's since he already bought and mounted R4's on the front. If you are going to have two sets of tires it makes a lot more sense to have turfs and R1's than turfs and R4's. R4's are a compromise tire and not the best tire for any job commonly done by CUT's. They are not much better than turfs in mud or snow and not a ton better than R1's on the lawn. If you had R1's and turfs you would have the ability to use the optimum tire for almost any job you take on.

 

[WilliamBos]

It sounds like it is too late for R1's since he already bought and mounted R4's on the front. If you are going to have two sets of tires it makes a lot more sense to have turfs and R1's than turfs and R4's. R4's are a compromise tire and not the best tire for any job commonly done by CUT's. They are not much better than turfs in mud or snow and not a ton better than R1's on the lawn. If you had R1's and turfs you would have the ability to use the optimum tire for almost any job you take on.

I agree, except we found that Turfs are waaaaaaay better in mud & snow than R4's, especially our heavy clay soil. R1 & Turf gets you the best of both worlds, and the turfs also clean off better than the R4, so do the R1.

 

[justcountry]

application is the key here guys. I just replaced my ags with a set of r4's on my 3130 4wd. and it was like my tractor gained 6 HP! I live in North Fl and it is all sand. They made my tractor like a BULLDOZER. It allows the tires to slip on top a lot bit but have a LOT more ground surface than the skinny ags. They work really well when doing loader work. The Ags hooked up great, but they also dug down to China in a few seconds and end up stalling. unless you can get the clutch in quick enough. It all depends on what soil surfaces you frequent.

 

[Sniggle]

Go with ags instead of R4's. I just found out today that R4's are absolutely useless in mud. I just put mine on this winter and I wonder if I made the right decision. They are nice on stumps/rocks, but forget it in the mud once they clog, they don't easily unclog, until you are run on hard, dry ground again.
Teach

I disagree. I found myself deep in mud on numerous occasions this past summer as I transformed my muddy, rutted newly cleared land into pasture. The R-4s never let me down. With some common sense, a little strategy, and some situational awareness the R4s will work well for you.

If you plan to just aim for the biggest mudhole you can find and try to drive through it, no tire will keep you from getting stuck.