3720 R4 Tire Choices- please advise

[rod330]

I'm considering the purchase of a 2011 3720 cab tractor with a 300cx FEL and rear wheel weights. It has only 100 hours on the clock and the price seems reasonable. However, I noticed it's equipped with the smaller R4 tires. While talking to the JD dealer, he mentioned another 3720 customer who wants to swap out his larger R4 tires for the smaller size and offered to do the swap at no cost (the other 3720 also has about same hours).

My primary uses are brush hogging 40 acres with an MX5, general FEL work and a front mounted snow blower for a very long paved drive and huge pad in front of my barn. There's a slope to my property in some areas but nothing extreme.

So what are the advantages or disadvantages of the larger R4 tires? Regardless of tire size, I think I'll add 2" spacers on each rear side.

FYI, I also own a 2007 3720 open station with the 7-iron belly mower for mowing 5 acres around the house. It has the larger R4s and there's not much issue with soil compaction but I do wish it had turfs. I won't have funds in the hobby budget to buy new turf rims and tires if I buy the newer 3720. Thanks for your feedback!

 

[forestcreature1]

I had a 3032e with the smaller r4 and now have a 3046r [cab] with the larger.
I can't tell the difference.
[mowing common ground, road work w/fel, rear blade work]
Agree on the spacers.

 

[TCowner]

My 3720 came with the larger R4 tires so I really don't have any experience with the smaller ones. It may sound silly but the tractor looks more "manly" with the larger tires I believe. My dealer says that he orders all of the 3000 series tractors with the larger tires as it seems to be what the customers want. So perhaps with respect to resale value it sounds like a good idea to get the larger tires especially since there is no additional cost. I believe when you order a new tractor Deere gets over $400 for the larger tires.

 

[Oldtink]

Of course it's all personal preference. IMO the choice would be either ag tires or turf. My 3520 came with the large R4. I don't care for them on turf or on snow and have to use chains to plow snow. My friend has a new 3720 with turf tires and plows a lot more driveway than I do and claims no need for chains.
Yes, I think the big R4's make the tractor look good but I think they are worthless when it comes to providing traction.