Ag vs. R4 tires

   / Ag vs. R4 tires #21  
Not true!

In my case, I needed a compromise on my JD 790. I do spend time on my yard, but do loader, blade work, towing & mowing (both finish & rough) at the farm. R4's are the best choice for me.

Sounds like the original poster's best choice would be R1's! ~~ grnspot110

+1 here, my tractor is not a toy, and I have the snow piles to prove it! I have R4's and they are the right tire for me, it sounds like R1's are the right tire for the OP, as his circumstances are different, there is no one right tire, that is why they make different ones. Each one has its strengths and weakness.

James K0UA
 
   / Ag vs. R4 tires #23  
Gotta love all the R4 bashing!

For me I went with R4s for two main reasons: weight rating on the tires (I do a lot of FEL work) and for the toughness (I am taking down a ton of thorn trees on my property.

R1s do not have the resitance to flats like the R4s and R1s do not have the weight rating of the R4s.

As always, your situation and use applies. You have to choose based on your circumstances. There is no right answer that fits all.
 
   / Ag vs. R4 tires #24  
My reasoning was similar when I chose the R4 option. I do a fair amount of work in the woods and wanted the extra plies and weight rating. I have since found out that tougher ag-treaded tires are manufactured...but, of course, these aren't on the choice list from dealers when you buy a new tractor.
From his intended uses, I'd agree that the OP should go with R1's.

BOB
 
   / Ag vs. R4 tires #25  
I am looking at getting around a 30-40HP machine. I would prefer a larger frame, but I have looked a a couple of 35hp smaller frames that might be the ticket.

I got an L3940 Kubota with R4s about 2 years ago. We bought about 11 acres that was viciously overgrown on a creek bottom in SC. We knew we were going to use the tractor to clear it and prep it for some gardens and small pastures. I waffled back and forth and finally decided on the R4s. 250 hours in the seat later, I wish I had gotten the R1s. I am always pushing out trees and dragging logs, and root ripping, etc and the extra traction of the R1s would be welcome. I have found the R4s to be very durable, but have managed to flatten both front tires. Apparently, the previous owner collected old square roof felt tacks. (Antique button-caps) :) I slimed the fronts and haven't had any more issues.

The R4s are fine when it is dry, but quite often I am in slimy clay areas and the treads load up and I couldn't pull a twig. Thankfully, I do have 4wd so the R4s do an acceptable job for me.

Just my rambling 2 cents!

Joel
 
   / Ag vs. R4 tires #26  
R1s based on what you propose to do with the tractor. Even crossing your yard shouldn't be an issue as long as you're not doing it right after a rain.
 
   / Ag vs. R4 tires #27  
My reasoning was similar when I chose the R4 option. I do a fair amount of work in the woods and wanted the extra plies and weight rating. I have since found out that tougher ag-treaded tires are manufactured...but, of course, these aren't on the choice list from dealers when you buy a new tractor.
From his intended uses, I'd agree that the OP should go with R1's.

BOB

Yup - wish I had know that heavier duty R1s were available before I signed.
 
   / Ag vs. R4 tires #28  
You often see R4 defenders claim that they like them tires for woods work due to the increased puncture resistance. The problem is, as "small farm Guy" noted, you are severely limiting the load you can drag compared to R1's. The slight improvement, if any, in puncture resistance certainly does not make up for that, making R4's a very poor choice for woods work in my opinion. I have flattened my front R1's several times in the woods, but they are tubeless and I can repair in less than 5 minutes. It dont sound like the front R4's hold up much better. In 40 years off woods work, dragging logs, etc, I have yet to flatten a rear R1. I would have needed to make a lot more trips to the woods and burned a lot more fuel with R4 tires.
 
   / Ag vs. R4 tires #29  
I have one tractor and both turf and R1 tires.

R4s are definately a good choice (compromise) on a SCUT/CUT w/MFWD or FWA especially if it is not intended for field work or mud.

Since my "tractor" is a CUT 4x2 and I use it for everything I switch the tires to match the task at hand. For the cost of the additional set ($200) it's a steal and my best option.
 
   / Ag vs. R4 tires #30  
R-1 for tractors. Tractors where made to push-pull loads, Max traction is a must.

R-4 for industrial type equipment. Backhoes, stuff that gets intermittently ran stationary or used on hard, paved surfaces. Harder compound rubber, broad flat lugs and thicker sidewalls its a tire designed for non-ag applications. More for high load carrying and stability than traction.

Has anybody seen r-1 tires on a backhoe, skidsteer, snorkel or a rough terrain forklift or a compact loader such as kubotas 410 or a 520?
 

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