Dilemma: R4 or Ag tires

Johndeere3720 · Jan 12, 2011

R1 tires are superior for traction, no doubt. My yanmar has r1s and i have to admit i have come close to tipping over with it but then again my tires aren't at the widest stance as I use it in narrow spots out in the woods. Loading the rear tires is a great addition to reduce tipping factors. Having your tires reversed or "put in widest position" will help also.

k0ua · Jan 12, 2011

I have had r4 on my last 3 tractors, but in your stated situation, I dont see why you would not want the r1's as they will give the best traction, in your situation. If you are not going to run on the lawn, and are not worried about punctures (the R4's are tougher) then why not have maximum traction.? Of course like the others have said, set them widest, and load em. for maximum stability. All tires are compromises, just choose the "best" compromise for your situation.
James K0UA

buck12 · Jan 13, 2011

If you plan to use tractor in muddy conditions at all go with Ags. I have R4s and my next tractor will have Ags. For my uses R4s work well except the few times I have to get in mud where they are completely useless. Enjoy the new tractor.

IslandTractor · Jan 13, 2011

I've never used Ags but nothing in your list of chores seems a problem for R4s with a 4wd tractor. Bush hogging in the woods would be safer with R4s.

rd_macgregor · Jan 13, 2011

I don't operated my DK45 very much on the lawn, so the ag tires wouldn't be a detriment to me...plus, I would appreciate having a bit more traction. I mainly chose R4s because they are tougher than standard ags. Since then, I have found out that the choice isn't really just R1 vs. R4; you can get a specialty ag-tread tire with as many belts/plies as an R4, or an R4 with deeper treads, but I doubt that is the choice your dealer is giving you!

I work in the woods a lot and blow considerable snow. Yes, I would appreciate the greater traction of the R1 tread, but I get by just fine with the R4s. Seriously, I don't think this is a real critical choice for you. Whatever you choose, be sure to get them loaded and mounted with the wider stance; these will be much bigger factors in your traction and safety than what tread design you end up with.

BOB