Do I go with R4' or Turf tires?

[GPintheMitten]

I have used ag, turfs and R4s. For the use you stated, I would get turfs. Negotiate for no charge change.

 

[wny770]

Let's be honest. R-4 tires look cool. They make a tractor look like one tough machine. Could that be why they sell so good? I bought them at first.

How come some people get stuck in an inch of snow and slide all over with turf tires, and others can clear 2 feet of snow from thier driveways?

Remember, Grandpa SHOVELED. He really didn't care about "what tire". Are we spoiled? :confused2:

Different choices for different jobs and preferences. If everybody was the same, this would be one boring world.........

 

[RoyJackson]

Let's be honest. R-4 tires look cool. They make a tractor look like one tough machine. Could that be why they sell so good? I bought them at first.

I do think looks is why some folks buy 'em...they do look cool, as you wrote.
I like 'em because of the width...R-4's are frequently wider then turfs. On a slope, those wider tires do add stability to the tractor. Also, the R-4's are smaller in diameter (lowering the center of gravity).
Of course, since I buy used tractors...what's mounted is what I use.

I guess what disappointed me so much with my 4400's turfs is driving up a mild slope (my lawn), about all they did was spin, even in 4WD. Really rutted the lawn. The lawn was damp, but not that wet. Never had that with my 790 and R-4's in similar circumstances.
Admittedly, this is an apples to oranges comparison since the 4400 weighs about 1000 lbs more then the 790 did.

How come some people get stuck in an inch of snow and slide all over with turf tires, and others can clear 2 feet of snow from thier driveways?

Good question...maybe they just don't know how to operate in the snow.

 

[oldnslo]

I see a lot of new CUTs with R-4 tires, so it's quite likely that's how some manufacturers ship them.
In fact, I'd say most CUTs have turfs or R-4 tires...R-3 Ag tires trailing far behind.
It that case, the R-4 may not be the "standard" tire, but they're the most frequently installed when delivered.
If gabrichter asked for an invoice, I wouldn't be surprised if he sees a line item for those R-4 tires (although the dealer may eat the cost).

Now, whether R-4's are the "best"...that's open to opinion, but they seem to be popular.

Yes but the point I was trying to make is that the R3 turf tires should be lower invoice not an added $200 like the OP stated.

Popularity of the R4's might be based on the "thats all you can get" on some brands. They do not offer R1-Ag's as an option. I believe JD CUT's fall in that category. Not sure about NH, MF, Kioti, etc..

Roy

 

[abeal]

R4s are a worst of all world compromise for a tractor, IMHO. They do resist rim-blowouts during loader work, but are lousy in every other application. They beat up lawns worse than turfs, they are absolutely horrible in mud and snow, and the deep lugs don't wear chains well. For tilling, of course, you'd be better off with AGs, but I wouldn't want to mow with them. Get turfs. It's what you need for mowing. Turfs with chains are great for snow work, and keep them on for springtime tilling. Plan on getting 2-link ladder chains.

JayC

Very well said. I got R4's on my B2320 and wish I would have gone with turf. Don't understand the $200 upcharge unless those are for Ag-turf, wihch look nice as well.

 

[LBrown59]

R4s are a worst of all world compromise for a tractor, IMHO.
JayC

That's the way i c it 2.

 

[jpm1]

I have two tractors with R4's on them. Both are loader tractors. Both are involved in lawn mowing and on very wet ground too! I use a finish mower behind both tractors with superior results on wet grounds, i do custom mowing on large lawns and nobody i mow for has complained yet. Both tractors work in mud, snow, ice hard pack dirt and skid loggs with my winch on 3pt hitch and even dug a basement under a house.. .There a good tire. Good service on the road too.
The comment " R4s are a worst of all world compromise for a tractor, IMHO. They do resist rim-blowouts during loader work, but are lousy in every other application. They beat up lawns worse than turfs, they are absolutely horrible in mud and snow, and the deep lugs don't wear chains well. For tilling, of course, you'd be better off with AGs, but I wouldn't want to mow with them" I have close to 2000 hours on both tractors, here are some pictures of what i work in, i feel the statement is incorrect. I would noticed long before now. I guess every body is entitled to their opinion . . .John

 

[PHILIP8N]

R-4's are not that great for traction. They are a tough tire against punctures and have a better weight rating for loader work.

Well put.

Philip.

 

[mcd176]

I have turfs on my B2150 and they are nice for mowing close to the house and on flatter ground, I prefer the R$'s that I have on my L4200, I mow 5+ acres with a finish mower and they are fine on the grass, plus they are much much better for loader and ground engagement work, thats why you see them on industrial equipment.

Just my .02 worth

 

[s219]

If 60% of the use will be mowing, then turfs would be better. But don't be under the impression they are perfect -- in stubborn conditions, like wet grass or soft ground, even turfs can tear up the sod. If the grass is slippery, or you have to use 4WD or lock the diff, then any tire can tear up the sod.

I just got a B2920 with R4 tires, and they are rough on my grass. But for my uses of the tractor (which does not include mowing) they were the better choice. My smaller tractor has turfs, and that will be used for mowing.

I am a little skeptical about some of the raves I hear people saying about turfs in other conditions. I have used my smaller tractor in snow and mud, and the turfs sucked. They fill up with mud or snow very easily, and end up resembling cue balls. I'd much rather have R4s in those conditions.

 

[ejb69]

I have r4's on my 1026r, they seem to work well for mowing. They do leave some marks on the lawn, but not much worse than my old garden tractor with turfs.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have r4's on my 1026r, they seem to work well for mowing. They do leave some marks on the lawn, but not much worse than my old garden tractor with turfs.

Welcome to TBN!!

 

[TigerfaninAR]

I had turfs on my b7300 before and would spin a little in some damp grass but overall was pleased. When I got the new b2320, after much reading I went with the bar turfs. The turfs on the front are easy on the lawn when turning but have a little extra on the rears that helps in my situation.

 

[RoyJackson]

...after much reading I went with the bar turfs.

View attachment 245875

I had bar turfs on my old Deere 670. I really liked them!
I've never seen them on a larger CUT or even advertised in larger sizes. That's too bad...they are a great tire.

 

[DieselnHooters]

I am a little skeptical about some of the raves I hear people saying about turfs in other conditions. I have used my smaller tractor in snow and mud, and the turfs sucked. They fill up with mud or snow very easily, and end up resembling cue balls. I'd much rather have R4s in those conditions.

Ditto, in fact I am more than skeptical. No one is ever going to convince me that turfs are anywhere as capable as R4 in mud or snow.

 

[wny770]

Ditto, in fact I am more than skeptical. No one is ever going to convince me that turfs are anywhere as capable as R4 in mud or snow.

I was the same way..... UNTIL I seen them in snow. I switched, and I never looked back. I blow snow in reverse, and the R-4 tires would just spin on the pavement. The R-3 Multi Trac tires are the same in reverse as going forward. I was going to get chains, but never did. Has Quebec had a snowy winter this Year? WNY has been strangely warm, and snow free.....

 

[PHILIP8N]

I was the same way..... UNTIL I seen them in snow. I switched, and I never looked back. I blow snow in reverse, and the R-4 tires would just spin on the pavement. The R-3 Multi Trac tires are the same in reverse as going forward. I was going to get chains, but never did. Has Quebec had a snowy winter this Year? WNY has been strangely warm, and snow free.....

These tires are awesome on snow covered blacktop. With 7' front blade, 4000 pound tractor, and 1250 pound ballest box, it is nearly unstoppable, frontwards and backwards...in 2 wheel drive! If the snow load is wet, heavy, and pileing up, I will engage 4 wheel drive to help pull and steer. For finish mowing grass, there is nothing better. I am very impressed how they perform on dirt doing box blade and loader work. For sloppy mud, there are better choices, R1's. R4's are a construction tractor tire, comprimise for all situations, good for few. They have very high load capacity, very good on road capabilities (traction and wear), and are very puncture resistant. They look cool, probably why most dealerships have them on tractors and why most people buy them. Philip.

 

[wny770]

These tires are awesome on snow covered blacktop. With 7' front blade, 4000 pound tractor, and 1250 pound ballest box, it is nearly unstoppable, frontwards and backwards...in 2 wheel drive! If the snow load is wet, heavy, and pileing up, I will engage 4 wheel drive to help pull and steer. For finish mowing grass, there is nothing better. I am very impressed how they perform on dirt doing box blade and loader work. For sloppy mud, there are better choices, R1's. R4's are a construction tractor tire, comprimise for all situations, good for few. They have very high load capacity, very good on road capabilities (traction and wear), and are very puncture resistant. They look cool, probably why most dealerships have them on tractors and why most people buy them. Philip.

I have the same tire. I agree.

 

[crbr]

Any real world use recommondations would be helpful.

Loaded turfs will suffice and be lawn friendly.

.

 

[Willl]

Been living with the R4s that came on my 790.

I like the width and the floatation they provide but many times I wish i had the bite the R1s give.

Maybe a wide R1 ?