Considering switching from R4's to R1's on B3200, suggestions?

Verticaltrx · Feb 2, 2010

After this most recent snow I'm really considering a set of R1 tires for my B3200. I was going to take a couple round bales out to the cows and absolutely couldn't make it up to my barn in about 8" of snow (moderately steep grade). Had to go back and put the bale spear on the back of my old Ford NAA, which is of course 2wd, and it had no trouble at all making it up the hill. Kinda left me sour that my new 4wd tractor couldn't make it.

With that being said, I'm wondering how much a set of R1 tires would actually help in the snow and mud? I didn't think the R4s would be bad, but maybe they aren't for me. I use the tractor for a lot of bush hogging, loader work, building fence, light excavating and grading, etc. I don't use the tractor on manicured lawns often at all, but I do use it on pavement some. Would it be worth the cost to switch over? Anyone have an idea on the price of a set of R1's on rims for a B3200?

Any thoughts or suggestions welcome, thanks in advance.

DmansPadge · Feb 2, 2010

Verticaltrx said:
After this most recent snow I'm really considering a set of R1 tires for my B3200. I was going to take a couple round bales out to the cows and absolutely couldn't make it up to my barn in about 8" of snow (moderately steep grade). Had to go back and put the bale spear on the back of my old Ford NAA, which is of course 2wd, and it had no trouble at all making it up the hill. Kinda left me sour that my new 4wd tractor couldn't make it.

With that being said, I'm wondering how much a set of R1 tires would actually help in the snow and mud? I didn't think the R4s would be bad, but maybe they aren't for me. I use the tractor for a lot of bush hogging, loader work, building fence, light excavating and grading, etc. I don't use the tractor on manicured lawns often at all, but I do use it on pavement some. Would it be worth the cost to switch over? Anyone have an idea on the price of a set of R1's on rims for a B3200?

Any thoughts or suggestions welcome, thanks in advance.

I don't know anything about snow... but I know about mud. I used to have a little 4WD tractor with R1's on it. That tractor would go anywhere and through anything. Then I got the B7410 and it came with R4's. I had never used them on a small tractor before so I didn't think much about it and figured they'd be fine. After getting stuck several times and having to get my neighbor to come pull me out I swore I would never have R4's again. They are useless in the mud... they turn into slicks. A lot of people on here love them but I wouldn't have them again. Most people like them because they are a little easier on the lawn but if I was that concerned about my lawn I'd put turf tires on it... they can't be much worse in the mud than the R4's anyway. The only problem is that not only do you have to get new tires but you have to have new rims as well! So it isn't cheap to do unless you can maybe make a swap with somebody or something.

Verticaltrx · Feb 2, 2010

Yup, I had only used larger tractor before I got this one, so at first I thought the poor performance in the mud and snow was just due to the tractor itself. I'm beginning to realize this may not be the case. We have a JD4400 with turf tires on it, and it is worthless in the mud, however I think it is better in the snow than these R4s (more biting edges).

Depending on the price I might just mount R1s on my existing rear rims (they are the same size), and get new front rims.

LBrown59 · Feb 2, 2010

If yer gonna buy a tractor an use it for a tractor then put tractor tires on it R1s.

bp fick · Feb 2, 2010

A set of wheels and tires will set you back at least One large. However, they do show up on ebay for a little less from time to time.

Call any Kubota dealer and ask for the Whole Goods price.

powerpace · Feb 2, 2010

Did you have the tires filled? I use a spear for round bales on my B3200 in mud that will touch the bottom of the front axel at the feeder. There is very little slip when I'm in 4WD with R4s. I have filled rears and a box blade only.

Chilly807 · Feb 2, 2010

I've been pretty happy with the R1's on my 3400, but they do play **** with any soft areas. Mine gets used for farm use and snow removal, so it's a compromise I'm willing to make. I also added ice chains, so it's tough to compare. Having said that, 8 inches of snow should be no challenge at all to a 4wd tractor the size of a 3200 unless there's ice underneath.

Chilly

MikeInEburg · Feb 3, 2010

If it were me, I'd look at a good set of chains first. I added duo-grip type chains to my B7800 w/R4 and it made a world of difference.
Mike

Chilly807 · Feb 3, 2010

MikeInEburg said:
If it were me, I'd look at a good set of chains first. I added duo-grip type chains to my B7800 w/R4 and it made a world of difference.
Mike

Mike's right, chains are the logical first choice. You'll probably need them anyway in icy conditions, even with R1's. I know I did.

New tires and rims are going to set you back a few pesos, although I've learned that the tire sizes make quite a difference in price. I'm thinking to change mine over would beat the good out of a couple thousand bucks by the time you get them mounted and loaded.

Chilly

LBrown59 · Feb 3, 2010

Chilly807 said:
I've been pretty happy with the
1* R1's on my 3400, but they do play **** with any soft areas. Mine gets used for farm use and snow removal, so it's a compromise I'm willing to make. I also added ice chains, so it's tough to compare. Having said that, 8 inches of snow should be no challenge at all to a 4wd tractor the size of a 3200 unless there's ice underneath.

Chilly

1*That's to be expected from a tractor that size and weight but not a problem with a BX Sub Cut .