Ag vs industrial tires

nybirdman · Dec 16, 2017

I would vote for R1's also;problem is once you make a choice you are stuck(they use different rims).We use our tractors in the dirt and snow so R1's are a must.I have done a lot of brush-hogging and FEL work and no real problems.

Junguda · Dec 16, 2017

Hmmmm.... thanks for pointing that out birdman... Rims needed to convert...

buckeyefarmer · Dec 16, 2017

I already made the mistake of R4s. They dont hold on a hill, no traction in mud.

JerryK · Dec 16, 2017

If your property has lots of big sharp rocks, I'd go with the R4's. Lose a little traction from the R1's, but gain a lot stronger sidewall and tread structure... R1's have a fairly weak sidewall and tread structure compared to the R4's....

Gary Fowler · Dec 16, 2017

I would go with R1 for the traction on the hills and mountains. For those who think R4 are more puncture resistant (the only flat I have had is on R4, my R1's never had a flat), you can get the best of both worlds by ordering R2 deep tread rice and cane tires. They have larger treads and more plies than standard R1 tires.

coobie · Dec 16, 2017

coolbrze said:
Looking at purchasing a new Kubota (possibly L3901 or L4701) & not sure if I want ag or industrial tires. Tractor will be used mostly in the mountains on pretty steep grades but will also be used on flat ground (fields). Will be running a rotary mower (bush hog), York rake, & front end loader. Any recommendations?

I live in hilly terrain and have had both.After a nice little butt pucker sideways ride down a slight hill went back with ags verses the industrials.No issues after that.

mljenkins · Dec 16, 2017

Gary Fowler said:
I would go with R1 for the traction on the hills and mountains. For those who think R4 are more puncture resistant (the only flat I have had is on R4, my R1's never had a flat), you can get the best of both worlds by ordering R2 deep tread rice and cane tires. They have larger treads and more plies than standard R1 tires.

I agree with you on puncture resistance. Of course maybe it varies by tire brand. I have R1s on my current tractor and if the tires were susceptible to puncture I would know by now. We recently had a modular set and a barn built and I have done a lot of debris cleanup. No issues with the tires, other than lifting close to max weight on the loader will cause the fronts to bulge out despite proper inflation.

I have a lot of tree cleanup to accomplish now so I went with R4s on the machine I just ordered. Hoping I don’t regret it when mowing but once I get the place cleaned up in 5+ years I could just pay to replace them I suppose. Time will tell