Ag tires on my lawn, my opinion

[Wacky]

I have read alot of comparisons before buying my 2610 and bought the machine w/ the AGs already on the unit. I also purchased a set of R-4's, both sets loaded. However, I am still waiting for the R-4's to come in. I have been using the Ags for a couple of weeks now, and here is what I experienced.

They bite really good and in 4 wheel mode in turns I haven't noticed a bad tendency to "tear-up" the turf, even in wet conditions. I have used them on hills and flat ground. I have noticed the bars seem to "track" the turf, but seems to go away after a day or so. This may become worse as time goes on, and repeated use. I have been to the point where the tires will dig into the turf on steep side-hill use, but so does the turfs on my Z148 Gravely. This machine out weighs the Z148 by about 1000 lbs. So, I will see if I need the R-4 set, since I already bought them. It has been very wet here so I have not tried the Ags w/ the BH or rotary cutter yet. I do not see the R-4's working as good sidehilling because of the "straighter" tread, I would think they would tend to slide more than the Ags, due to the angle of the tread. I will see when I get them. Anyway, this is just a early review of my experience to date.

 

[bp fick]

Back in the days of forced living in the 'burbs, I had a lawn.
Now that I'm back out in the country, I have a yard.

 

[Bird]

Like BP, I had a yard instead of a lawn and I never owned any tractor tires except the R1 or Ag tires. My ground was firm enough that I never wanted anything but Ag tires, even when using the finish mower.

 

[Tig]

I found that ags really compact the yard. I do not cut with my Kubota but I am busy in the yard getting things in order. My tractor comes in at about 2400 lbs and I have ags. The places where I drive seem as compacted as my driveway. As an example, two years ago I reworked an area and graded it. When I tried to rake some grass seed into the fresh dirt I found that it was pounded down bullet hard and could not be raked. So I did what any tractor owner would do, I spread the seed and graded more dirt on top.

 

[Bird]

When I tried to rake some grass seed into the fresh dirt I found that it was pounded down bullet hard and could not be raked. So I did what any tractor owner would do, I spread the seed and graded more dirt on top.

I've run into that hard surface when putting out grass seed right here in town, and since I don't have a tractor anymore, I have to use my Mantis Lawn Dethatcher. I didn't buy it so much for dethatching as just for a power rake.

 

[soulasphil]

I have no experience with R4s, always had R1s and really appreciate the traction. I had two Massey 35s, both bought used, and the tires didn't hurt the grass. Changed for a new JD 3520 last year and discovered the brand new tires could easily make a mess in the yard. I now avoid 4WD and sharp turns as much as possible around the house and I'm happy to say a divorce has been avoided.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have no experience with R4s, always had R1s and really appreciate the traction. I had two Massey 35s, both bought used, and the tires didn't hurt the grass. Changed for a new JD 3520 last year and discovered the brand new tires could easily make a mess in the yard. I now avoid 4WD and sharp turns as much as possible around the house and I'm happy to say a divorce has been avoided.

I hear what youre sayin about new tires. It may be those ag fronts on the JD. With the loader they are carrying a bit. Also in 4wd, if the fronts dont have a good lead ratio and good dynamic toe out you will have scrubbing in the turns which will leave you fixing the turf every time you turn hard.
larry

 

[SPYDERLK]

Dup ... O-oops.
larry

 

[Wacky]

I have no experience with R4s, always had R1s and really appreciate the traction. I had two Massey 35s, both bought used, and the tires didn't hurt the grass. Changed for a new JD 3520 last year and discovered the brand new tires could easily make a mess in the yard. I now avoid 4WD and sharp turns as much as possible around the house and I'm happy to say a divorce has been avoided.

Your JD seems to have a more aggressive R1 than mine. Also, it is a bit heavier than my 2610 w/o the FEL or BH. That may be the difference in why it would tear up turf.

 

[Johndeere3720]

Our yard is very compacted so I dont get any lawn damage from running my R1s on the lawn, even in 4wd.