Ag tires vs R4

[mayer2323]

Are loaded R4 tires just as good as ag tires? Looking at new tractor with r4 tires dealer says just as good if not better . Tractor is 4wheel drive.

 

[radman1]

In mud, the R1 will have much better traction than an R4. I would guess 30-50% better traction. R1 tends to ride a little smoother because the side walls are not as stiff. R4 will last longer and in most cases an overall more rugged tire.

 

[doall]

I agree R1's definitely pull better, but are harder on turf. And r1's look terrible on cut's because they are so narrow. But I agree 30-50 percent better traction.

 

[picker77]

The older 4WD Kubota I sold when I got my new JD had ag tires, and they were fine except for the turf damage. No matter where I went on my place you could see the tracks for days afterward, especially if the ground was the least bit damp. I have R4's on the JD and they are great so far, sort of "trackless". I hardly ever use a ground-engaging implement (in fact, the only one I own is a middle buster), don't have any major hills, don't clear snow except maybe once a winter, and never do tractor work in the mud, so the difference in traction, whatever it is, doesn't much matter to me. Unless you plow the south 40 or something pretty often I'd stick with R4's.

 

[gauthier]

In mud ags are better,but,,if you have loaded r4's and 4wd,you won;t probably get stuck,unless its serious mud,believe on ice,r4's would be better than r1's,,and can tell you after last winter,loaded r4's and 4wd,work very good in 2 ft snow.

R4'S give you a more stable platform on sideling slopes,and don't track near as bad in places you don't want tracked.

 

[RFB]

"Better" will depend upon the type of duties and your location.

I have used R4's and R1's. If my duties were commercial urban (paved and/or construction style dirtwork) then R4's.

Where I live, paved roads are rare except for main highways, and we measure snow in feet per day, with ice in January cured at -10f to -40f and 100+f in July. Most of my duties are ag in summer and winter, with 2 miles of driveway to keep clear in the winter as well. I tried R4's and after about a week of poor traction went to R1's and never looked back.

The R1's do have a weaker sidewall. This year I upgraded to the Michelin XM27 Michelin AG - Products - XM27 Utility & Industrial

for the fronts. It is called an R1w and it has r1 tread but industrial (R4) sidewalls.

Hope this helps

 

[2458n]

The R1w makes a great tire for FEL work. R4's would compare to a "all terrain truck tire". R1 would be like a snow tire or mudder on a truck. That is why they make different styles. You just have to ask how you are going to use the tractor. The truth is you'll have them a awful long time.

 

[flyingcow]

My tractor came with R-1's. No better traction, especially since they're loaded w/rimgaurd. But, have to be careful where i go on lawn. Usually avoid the lawn altogether. But when i do, i approach it at a straight line, will tear up, especially when turning. If I could switch w someone, i would go to R-4's. Unless you are in a high traction enviroment(row cropping, plowing sod ground, etc), R-4's are(IMO) the best choice.

 

[LD1]

Are loaded R4 tires just as good as ag tires? Looking at new tractor with r4 tires dealer says just as good if not better . Tractor is 4wheel drive.

Short answer is NO. They aren't as good as far as traction is concerned in most conditions. And R4's arent nearly as good at tearing up sod and digging holes

For the most part, you have gotten some good advise here. You have to consider what kind of conditions you will be operating in.

Out in the field, ground engaging work, muddy conditions, etc. R1's will excell.

Pavement, Very hard packed soil, construction type environment, etc the R4's will not give any better traction, but they will last much much longer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Nothing beats R1's for traction period. R4's have a place but not on any of my tractors. I tried to use my uncles tractor with R4's for pushing snow and logging and it was pathetic compared to my R1's and 5 HP less.

Remember, the root word of tractor is traction.

Chris

 

[TMR]

Just a bit off topic...but...

What would it cost to change out tires IF you discovered you wanted the "other" choice??

My land is mostly woods with 3+ acres of field that I plan to brush mow. Also will brush mow 1+ miles of trails and generally work as a tree farmer in my 120 acres. On one hand I want top traction for when I try to cross a damp gully...on the other hand I like the toughness of R4s driving over "stuff" in roughed out forest. I currently do not plan on plowing...or maybe even using...in the winter...but won't rule that out down the road.

Sooooo...approximately what would it cost to change out the tires on say a 35-45 HP size tractor...I know you can only estimate...but I have NO idea.

Thanks...Tom R

 

[TripleR]

No such thing as "good as", both R1 and R4 have their strengths/weaknesses, figure out what you do most and buy accordingly. I have R4 on my L5030 and R1 on my M8540, both work well for how I use them.

 

[mayer2323]

I have a 2 bottom plow and a 7' 6" disc . tractor is 50 hp . From what I hear it should be ok but better with ag tires . Dealer does not have the ags.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Unless you plow the south 40 or something pretty often I'd stick with R4's.

I think it's the back 40.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Like everyone else said it all depends on what you use the tractor for. I'm glad I could convince my dad to get the R4's on the BX25 instead of turfs.

 

[Thomas]

Depending on type of ground use.
As other gentlemen said I agree,but for me somewhat flat field mowing,snow removal,driveway repairs etc. I like R4's.

 

[Storm56]

Pretty good posts here so far. I have R4's on the JD and since that sees some turf duty I prefer them on that. Have never been stuck yet despite being in some pretty gooey spots. They work fine.

Have ags on the McCormick, of course being a utility tractor that is to be expected. FANTASTIC traction but stay away from the lawn with them.

 

[RFB]

Tom R.,

I think that with the duties you describe, R1w's would be a good choice (like the Michellin XM27)

I just put those on the front of my 5030, and have not yet gotten the bill but I think that they run about $500 each. I intend to switch to similar for the rears when they need replacement. Using the MFWA with lots of FEL work creates substantially more wear on the fronts; the rears will last for quite a bit longer.

 

[RFB]

I have a 2 bottom plow and a 7' 6" disc . tractor is 50 hp . From what I hear it should be ok but better with ag tires . Dealer does not have the ags.

Sir,

If you are going to pull that plow I would strongly consider the R1's or R1w's.
AG Ground engagement duty is what R1's are designed for. The dealer may not "have" them, but the dealer can "get" them if he wants the sale.

 

[TMR]

Tom R.,

I think that with the duties you describe, R1w's would be a good choice (like the Michellin XM27)

I just put those on the front of my 5030, and have not yet gotten the bill but I think that they run about $500 each. I intend to switch to similar for the rears when they need replacement. Using the MFWA with lots of FEL work creates substantially more wear on the fronts; the rears will last for quite a bit longer.

The XM27s do look good...that may be a good choice...also I understand the front first option...Tom R