Tractor Sizing L series comparison

[jyoutz]

Today we got about 18" of heavy wet snow. My small JD was in the shop getting serviced, so I borrowed my neighbor's 39 HP Montana tractor. One thing I noticed was that the R4 tires on his much larger and heavier tractor spun on the slick spots and lost traction more than my little 20 HP tractor with R1 tires. Of course the larger unit was more stable, comfortable and got the job done quicker. But interesting about the traction. Also the rear tires on my 4100 are loaded, while his are not.

 

[LD1]

Loaded tires certainly help. But r4's do suck in snkw compared to r1's

 

[k0ua]

Loaded tires certainly help. But r4's do suck in snkw compared to r1's

That is why I put on the chains in the last week of November. Of course we haven't needed them. In fact we don't need a tractor. A boat would be a nice accessory here in Missouri about now.

 

[murphy1244]

That is why I put on the chains in the last week of November. Of course we haven't needed them. In fact we don't need a tractor. A boat would be a nice accessory here in Missouri about now.

Would you mount that on your 3-point or would that be a attachment for the FEL?

 

[k0ua]

Would you mount that on your 3-point or would that be a attachment for the FEL?

Maybe some water wings on the tires..:laughing:

 

[NoTrespassing]

Thanks for the suggestion. But late model used tractors are pretty much non-existent where I live. I have dealers that sell new, and we see lots of older, very well used tractors, but that's about it. The lack of the emissions equipment is why I was considering the L2501, but I'm still wondering if I would want the extra HP. I suspect that the 2501 would serve my needs well, because the only ground-engaging work I do is with my rototiller and one-bottom plow. I can marginally operate the plow, and the rototiller works fine with my current smaller tractor. But on the other hand, I would hate to be sorry, just to save a few thousand $.

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=9749247

 

[dchemphill1]

I own a L3901 and love it. Run a bush hog and have LA525 loader. I quickly learned that weight was needed. I have sloping ground and with out it I was tippy feeling. I added Rim Guard to my R1 tires which added over 500lbs of weight. Huge difference. I have pushed two snows with my loader this week. 9in and 5 inch. Never had an issue with traction in 4wd. I am trying to get a rear blade to use as well but no luck so far. Good luck on your decision.

 

[motownbrowne]

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=9749247

That's a nice one for sure. I'd rather have that than a 2501 or a 3901. I was quoted right about $20k for an identical l3800 when I was shopping. Seems like you get a decent amount off the price tag for the 130 hours on it.

 

[NoTrespassing]

That's a nice one for sure. I'd rather have that than a 2501 or a 3901. I was quoted right about $20k for an identical l3800 when I was shopping. Seems like you get a decent amount off the price tag for the 130 hours on it.

I believe what it comes down to is that it's not "NEW". That tractor will probably sell for the same money with another 500 hours on it in 5 years.

Kevin

 

[jyoutz]

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=9749247

Looks like a great find, about 5 hours from where I live. Probably worth looking into. Thanks.

 

[Garandman]

The L series do not have clearance for tire chains unless you buy spacers. The spacers are around $300 and chains seem to be around $500 for that size.

I grooved my R4's and along with weighted tires and ballast have had good traction for plowing, but not in deep snow in the woods.

 

[jyoutz]

The L series do not have clearance for tire chains unless you buy spacers. The spacers are around $300 and chains seem to be around $500 for that size.

I grooved my R4's and along with weighted tires and ballast have had good traction for plowing, but not in deep snow in the woods.

So where do the spacers go? Do you mean that they offset the wheels so that they extend beyond the fender? What about reversing the wheels so they make a wider stance?

 

[jyoutz]

The L series do not have clearance for tire chains unless you buy spacers. The spacers are around $300 and chains seem to be around $500 for that size.

I grooved my R4's and along with weighted tires and ballast have had good traction for plowing, but not in deep snow in the woods.

I just googled the wheel spacers and see what you are talking about. It looks like it would make for a wider stance and more stability. But I'm wondering if it would also put strain on the wheel hub/axles over time? Especially with loaded tires?

 

[Garandman]

Shortest possible answer: Kubota has them available as a factory part. Many here have spacers. I believe OEM is 2", not sure.

Grooved R4's.

 

[Fallon]

Rims for R4 tires can't be offset like R1 rims. Not sure about R1s, but on my L3200, there is 1", maybe less between the tire & fender. Spacers sit between the rims & the axle & increase the width of the axle.

 

[k0ua]

Notice the grooved R4 tires on the above photo that Garandman posted. Many users report much improved traction by grooving their R4 tires. When I had a L3400 I grooved my R4 tires, but we only had one small "rabbit tracking" snow to try them before I traded off the tractor. I felt it helped quite a bit, but we just didn't have enough snow to be sure. The concept of how it works is that snow on snow offers good traction. where rubber on snow does not. The grooves pick up and hold snow in the grooves and it acts as a traction device against the snow on the ground. This is why most users report better traction in snow from R3 tires than R4 tires in that the R3 tires have many grooves to pickup and hold snow. As for ice though, I don't think anything works as well as a good set of chains.

 

[tungularafishcamp]

So do the grooves help any/much with mud or sand?

 

[k0ua]

So do the grooves help any/much with mud or sand?

In all of my reading, and personal observation in using them in mud, the answer is no. The grooves seem to fill with mud just as they do with snow, and mud does not seem to gain any traction against mud. This is where R1 tires show their superiority in the ability to sling the mud out of their much larger spaces and "self clean".

 

[tungularafishcamp]

In all of my reading, and personal observation in using them in mud, the answer is no. The grooves seem to fill with mud just as they do with snow, and mud does not seem to gain any traction against mud. This is where R1 tires show their superiority in the ability to sling the mud out of their much larger spaces and "self clean".

I was afraid of that just had to ask

Was trying to get out of using chains for a little logging I have to do this jan/feb

 

[varmint]

The R-4 tires on our old L3130 were on two piece rims, like the L3800 in the ad, and they were reversible to change the spacing. Someone with a L3800 manual should chime in.

Our present L3400 has turfs, on one piece rims, and I added Kubota spacers for tire chain clearance. The L3400 rear end is beefy, and the extra 1.75" per side shouldn't create any stress issues. It does help with clearance, stability, and that manly "wide stance" look. Spacers and chains can be had for much less than the $800 that was mentioned, with a little luck. Even so, they will provide traction to get the job done!