Do you like your R4 tires?

[jenkinsph]

If you are buying a compact utility tractor and envision using it for a multitude of wide ranging projects I would stay with R4 tires. While the R1 tires will get more traction in plowed ground and muddy conditions there isn't 3 times as much difference. On firm ground the difference is less noticeable, and I would mention when inclement weather sets in most experienced operators park their equipment when possible. No point in making ruts if you don't have to.

 

[TripleR]

We have tractors with all three types and as mentioned, it depends on the tasks for which you will be using your tractor. I view the Industrial as a good compromise tire on our BX2660, JD 2305 and L5030. We have Ag tires on our M8540, Case 995 and Ford NAA/600's with Turfs on our Massey Ferguson 375.

Like jenksph, if at all possible, we don't use our tractors in the mud, but we have mucked out ponds and the Industrial tires, while not a match for Ags were not useless as some will tell you.

I will add however, buy what you want.

 

[Stonehaller]

I have had both and I agree with jenkinsph. In soft dirt such as a tilled field, sand or mud there is no comparison, the R1 tires will run circles around R4s. But on firmer ground there is no real difference in traction. The R4s are more durable for land clearing work and loader work. So as most everyone has said, it depends on how you are going to use your tractor. For me, since I don't do any Ag type field work any more, I like the R4s.

 

[bigbull338]

the choice of R1 or R4 tires is up to you.i have R4s on my tractor an i havent noticed any real probs in the mudd yet.but i do know this they are wider than R1 tires.i cant falt the R4 tires in anyway.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

There is a compromise solution to R1 vs R4 tires.

Get a set of chains to go with the R4s. Put them on before doing a job you'll need them for (like blowing or plowing on ice, or bumping over rocks and logs pretending to be a log skidder.) Leave them off when running a finishing mower on your yard.

Point to remember when using a tractor to mow your yard. The heavier the tractor, the more your soil is going to be compacted, and the worse your lawn will grow.

 

[daveinnh]

I have R-1 tires on A Kubota L4310 that work fine in the snow and mud. If you happen to see construction loaders working in the mud, their R-4 tires tend to cake up and become big slicks.

It seems that wider R-1 tires may be available for the larger tractors - that would help with floation on the front set - especially dealing with a full bucket.

If you're buying a new tractor, it would seem the dealer should be able to get the R-1s.

 

[grsthegreat]

I have R-1 tires on A Kubota L4310 that work fine in the snow and mud. If you happen to see construction loaders working in the mud, their R-4 tires tend to cake up and become big slicks.

It seems that wider R-1 tires may be available for the larger tractors - that would help with floation on the front set - especially dealing with a full bucket.

If you're buying a new tractor, it would seem the dealer should be able to get the R-1s.

er, im kinda confused. i run large backhoes and cat loaders all the time. all they have are r4 tires. we dont have any problems with them. our soil here doesnt have much clay in it. maybe thats what causes your slick problems.

my r4's are alot wider than the r-1 of same size, and 1" overall taller. i measured both on the lot i purchased tractor from. i would have been happy with the r1's or the r4's. but since i could choose either one with my purchase for the same price, and since the r4's are generally 400-600 more at the Kubota & JD dealerships i was looking at, i chose the r4's.

 

[Ford tractor]

er, im kinda confused. i run large backhoes and cat loaders all the time. all they have are r4 tires. we dont have any problems with them. our soil here doesnt have much clay in it. maybe thats what causes your slick problems.
.

Exactly. Clay in our area will fill the spaces in the R4's completely in as little as one rotation, turning the tire into a greasy slick with as much traction as a banana peel. R4's are not self cleaning, so once filled they stay filled unlike R1's which are designed to self clean.

 

[grsthegreat]

Exactly. Clay in our area will fill the spaces in the R4's completely in as little as one rotation, turning the tire into a greasy slick with as much traction as a banana peel. R4's are not self cleaning, so once filled they stay filled unlike R1's which are designed to self clean.

i can see the issue with clay soils. i cant even walk in clay soils. i gain 6" in height.

glad we dont have that here

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'm wanting R1, agri, tires. However the dealer only has R4, industrial, tires on the tractor I want. He is going to try and find a set of agri tires to swap out with before I show up Saturday. In the event he can't I have to decide what to do. How do you like your R4 tires? Ever wish you had R1's?

Get what you want. I have R1's on my 28HP Jinma and my uncle has R4's on his 35HP John Deere. I can out pull, plow, push, ect him. Tires make all the difference, especially when you are talking a cut. Guy down the road has a JD 33HP tractor with turfs and that thing is just worthless in our soil. He calls me to plow him out from time to time in heavy snows.

Not saying R4's and turfs do not have a place.

Get what you want. I know I could not do 1/3 of what I do with my tractor running R4's on the same machine.



Chris