Ag vs. R4 tires

gregfender · Feb 8, 2011

Another newbie question...

I am trying to decide between R4 and ag tires on my future machine (planning on purchasing within the next 3 months). I doubt I will use the tractor on the yard with the exception of crossing every now and then. My main purpose will be land clearing, leveling, hauling, and some small scale vegetable gardening. How much of a loss of traction will R4's have compared to ag's? also, what are some of the "real world" wear differences?

Wacky · Feb 8, 2011

gregfender said:
Another newbie question...

I am trying to decide between R4 and ag tires on my future machine (planning on purchasing within the next 3 months). I doubt I will use the tractor on the yard with the exception of crossing every now and then. My main purpose will be land clearing, leveling, hauling, and some small scale vegetable gardening. How much of a loss of traction will R4's have compared to ag's? also, what are some of the "real world" wear differences?

Welcome to TBN.
Depends on the size machine too. I have the R1's (ags) on my GC, was going to go w/ the R-4's, when I bought my tractor. I am happy I didn't. The R-1's work great!! I use my GC for mowing the yard w/no tear ups, unless wet grass. However the ground around here is hard clay, so depending on the ground you use yours on could do more damage. I take pride in the presentation of my yard, so yes, I am a bit OCD on a good looking lawn. I also find that the R1's show minimal wear w/ about 30 hrs. Also do a search, this is a topic that has been covered in detail.

Baby Grand · Feb 8, 2011

If you're looking to maximize traction for earth engaging or snow plowing or stump pulling and such, I'd go with the R1/ags. If stability with a hoe or FEL is a priority, I'd go with the R4s. I have about 200 hrs on a pair of R1s and I can't see any wear on 'em.

One thing to think about - the R1s are usually mounted on wheels that allow you to change rear track width. This width flexibility could be useful, depending on if your needs should change. For working in the woods or on unevern ground, I'd want to have them set as wide as they go. For vegetable gardening, I might prefer to be able to set them up to work with my row spacing & what few implements I have.

-Jim

jlsmith · Feb 8, 2011

I agree with the OP depends on what type of work you would be doing. All my tractors have ag/R1. How big of a tractor are you looking into. Most of the cut's i sell have R4 tires and the bigger UT's have R1. But i have sold a few cut's with ag.

gregfender · Feb 8, 2011

jlsmith said:
I agree with the OP depends on what type of work you would be doing. All my tractors have ag/R1. How big of a tractor are you looking into. Most of the cut's i sell have R4 tires and the bigger UT's have R1. But i have sold a few cut's with ag.

I am looking at getting around a 30-40HP machine. I would prefer a larger frame, but I have looked a a couple of 35hp smaller frames that might be the ticket.

bigbull338 · Feb 8, 2011

i have R4 tires on my tractor because they was on the tractor when i bought it.they are somewhat tougher than R1 ag tires.ive had mine in thorns an so far no flats.they dont rut the ground up unless its super muddy.

jlsmith · Feb 8, 2011

gregfender said:
I am looking at getting around a 30-40HP machine. I would prefer a larger frame, but I have looked a a couple of 35hp smaller frames that might be the ticket.

Its always to go alittle bigger than needed in most cases. I know MF makes a MF2615 that would be in the larger frame your talking about. I know that bota and JD also have this style but not shure what the numbers are. Best advise is to set on each one and see which one you like best after all your the one operating it not any one on here. As far as the tire so ask around your area and see what they are useing, they are in the same dirt and probly can advise you and what is better in your area.:thumbsup:

Diamondpilot · Feb 8, 2011

I have R1's on both my tractors, would not even consider anything else. My newest tractor has 850 hours on it and I would say they are still 90%. I spend 1/3 of my time mowing, 1/3 in the woods skidding logs, and 1/3 doing chores with the FEL like pushing snow, moving dirt and gravel, ect.

Chris

teg · Feb 8, 2011

My R4's are very wide, IMHO too wide for planting / farming so I wish I had R1's for that job. I also wish I had more traction with my R4 tires but I run around a bunch on my yard so it's a trade off...

JoelD · Feb 8, 2011

Try a quick search and you'll find many lengthy posts on this subject, almost as many as hst versus gear. There is a lot of good info on the forum.

Joel

blueriver · Feb 8, 2011

JoelD said:
Try a quick search and you'll find many lengthy posts on this subject, almost as many as hst versus gear. There is a lot of good info on the forum.

Joel

Try a quick search ??? someone explain that ... everytime I try on it seems as if I read and read and read and did I mention read ... then I post my question..

I have one with R4's and one with R1's ... up until this recent weather I would have tried to sell you on the R1's ... NOT NOW ... I find better traction with the R4's in the ice, snow ... not saying the R1's will not perform, I am finding the R4's are my choice for these current conditions.

wolc123 · Feb 8, 2011

To give you a rough idea on the traction difference: On soft or tilled ground, a 2wd tractor with R1 tires will develop approximately the same traction force as and equal-weight 4wd tractor with R4 tires. If you are going to do jobs that require lots of traction force, like pulling logs, then obviously a 4wd with R1's is the way to go. 4wd is a mighty expensive feature to not get the most out of. The R4, is a "compromise" tire and will always leave you short of R1's when it comes to traction, and turfs when it comes to lawn damage. In my opinion, they are best left to the industrial usage for which they were developed. Get yourself a lawn tractor with turfs and field tractor with R1's and you will always have what is best for the job. If you only got the money and/or space for one tractor that must do it all then you are stuck with R4's, and are in for a good deal of dissapointment.

rpeter · Feb 8, 2011

I have R1's with about 500 hours on them. They look almost new (IMHO).

I would not be without them. Then again I would never run a finish mower with them either. They will tear up grass and leave ruts doing it. :confused2:

johnk · Feb 8, 2011

I prefer the R-1's. If you have a tracor you might as well put it to use. If on turf stay out of 4WD and you won't have any problems. When the going gets tough the r1's keep going.

LBrown59 · Feb 8, 2011

gregfender said:
Another newbie question...

I am trying to decide between R4 and ag tires on my future machine (planning on purchasing within the next 3 months). I doubt I will use the tractor on the yard with the exception of crossing every now and then. My main purpose will be land clearing, leveling, hauling, and some small scale vegetable gardening. How much of a loss of traction will R4's have compared to ag's? also, what are some of the "real world" wear differences?

R1s makes it a tractor / R4s make it a toy.

deere755 · Feb 8, 2011

My vote is for R1's

buck12 · Feb 8, 2011

I have R4s. While they have performed better than I expected if I buy another tractor it will have Ags. For my uses R4s have done well except the few times I have been mud. R4s are completely useless in mud.

grnspot110 · Feb 9, 2011

LBrown59 said:
R1s makes it a tractor / R4s make it a toy.

Not true!

In my case, I needed a compromise on my JD 790. I do spend time on my yard, but do loader, blade work, towing & mowing (both finish & rough) at the farm. R4's are the best choice for me.

Sounds like the original poster's best choice would be R1's! ~~ grnspot110

Baby Grand · Feb 9, 2011

LBrown59 said:
R1s makes it a tractor / R4s make it a toy.

Nice bike! Are you getting ready for a big adventure?

TripleR · Feb 9, 2011

buck12 said:
I have R4s. While they have performed better than I expected if I buy another tractor it will have Ags. For my uses R4s have done well except the few times I have been mud. R4s are completely useless in mud.

Not entirely true, well at least for me anyway. My son and I recently mucked out an old pond with our L5030 running R4's and M8540 running R1's. I fully expected to have to pull the 5030 out from time to time, but it didn't happen. It actually did quite well.

There is no doubt that it would have done better with R1's, but it was far from useless and when the time comes, R4's will go back on them.

R4's have been described often as a compromise tire and in many cases they are, but for my use overall, they are the right tire.