Cant' find another thread discussing this issue...Had a flat on the front this weekend and the front turf tires are shot. Any reason I can't put R4s on the front and keep the turfs on the back 'til they're finished as long as I go by the sizes in the owner's manual? Tractor is a B7500 HSD 4wd. Thanks in advance!
R4 front tires, Turf rear
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RoyJackson
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I think that would be a bad mistake since it's a 4WD tractor. It's not just a matter of having the correct front-rear tire ratio...the R-4's would be more grippy then the turfs.
Gods Country
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How may that differ from those that chain up?
Particularly those that chain the fronts without issue?
RoyJackson
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I believe you'd find most folks who put chains on (front or rear) are using their tractors in slippery conditions (snow and ice) for limited periods of time.
Installing R-4s on the front axle and turfs on the rear would be a permanent situation (at least for the life of the tires)...that's the difference.
And doing so would, very possibly, increase front axle component wear...especially if the tractor is ran continuously in 4WD.
LD1
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IF the R4's will be the same rolling radius as the rears, I dont see a problem with it.
Most are set up where the fronts spin faster than the rears anyway, so even on a harder surface, I dont see it being an issue. But when on hard surfaces it isnt a good idea to leave it in 4wd anyway regardless of tire type.
Most are set up where the fronts spin faster than the rears anyway, so even on a harder surface, I dont see it being an issue. But when on hard surfaces it isnt a good idea to leave it in 4wd anyway regardless of tire type.
uglyboywith11fingers
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and since turf tires have a larger contact patch on hard surfaces, they may in fact have better grip than R4s in some cases. I'd say no problem.:thumbsup:
Pete
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Doty (the OP) now has varying opinions...I'll add one more comment.
From his post:
Make sure the tire circumference is the same. The size listed in the manual may not have the same circumference.
BTW, the R-4 tire may not fit on the R-3 wheel, so check on that too...before buying the tires.
From his post:
Make sure the tire circumference is the same. The size listed in the manual may not have the same circumference.
BTW, the R-4 tire may not fit on the R-3 wheel, so check on that too...before buying the tires.
LD1
Epic Contributor
Rolling radius, diameter, circumference, height.....etc.
Dont matter what you use, make sure they are the same otherwise it could tear up your 4wd.
Dont matter what you use, make sure they are the same otherwise it could tear up your 4wd.
RoyJackson
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Not "ignore" the manual...however, tire sizes don't always specify the outer diameter or circumference...might be the width and rim diameter (see this thread: Tractor Tire sizes - what do those numbers mean -- Tractor Tires)
As far as your rims, you'll want the width (of the rim, not the tire) and diameter.
An easier method might be to check the tire sizes (for the various types of tires) called out in your manual.
BTW, is there a specific reason you want to use R-4's up front? Are you planning on converting to R-4's on the rear too (when your turfs wear out)?
