industrial or turf tires?

mikemike39 · Nov 15, 2003

I have just decided on a mid sized compact - basically the decision was most of all influenced by the great dealer I found just a few miles away - I've decided on a JD 4410.

What I now need to decide is whether to go with the standard turf tires or to choose industrial tires (R4) instead. I'd like the extra traction of the industrial tyres on land away from my house, but I would like to use the tractor to mow the grass near the house which is finer - although it isn't like a golf green, just close mown grass, fairly level.. I can choose when to mow - so I can avoid very wet conditions. What I wondered is whether industrial tires will generally be unsuitable near the house - will they leave deep prints or ruts? Or will the prints last only a few days?

I have asked pretty much this question on the JD forum, but only a couple of people answered - anyone who has experience of this I'd be grateful to know what you think!

I've told the dealer I'll let him know monday morning which tires I want - this is my first tractor so I have no experience to help me choose /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Cheers Mike

rdam · Nov 15, 2003

You need to provide the experts with more information. How much land? Is it flat? Are you getting a FEL and if so what will you use it for? Are you only going to be cutting grass? What kind of mower will you use?

If you update your profile that would help.

My amateur opinion is that turfs are for finish mowing only. If your going to do anything other than finish mowing, go with the R-4's and be cautious around the house.

Von · Nov 15, 2003

I have turfs on my Kubota B2710 and have no problems doing all that I do, from bushhogging to digging in the dirt with the FEL! Just last week a boxed out 150' x 12' x 12" driveway. It had rained the day before and there was standing water on the grass. There was some slippage, but I got the job done in under 3 hours! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif We then put down fabric and spread 40 tons of #2 crusher run on top. I also plow and snowblow my ice rink without chains with no problems! I think the turfs are way underrated on this board. Most people are used to the tires on garden tractors, not a tractor of the size you are getting. If you find that you do have traction issues, just get the tires loaded. Makes a big difference in traction, yet still gentle on the sod! I have had both turfs and ag's and will take the turfs anyday! If I was farming and using the tractor for just ground work it would be a different story, but for my needs turfs are the tire of choice.
Von

beenthere · Nov 15, 2003

I have the R-4's, and am happy with them on turf and especially happy with them in the mud. In the mud, the R-4's clean up quickly and don't carry mud around like other tires (tyres).

mikemike39 · Nov 15, 2003

thanks for the replies so far - it is much appreciated - I have just updated my profile so there is some more info -

We have just 7 acres, undulating but not steep hills - horses to come soon so loader work there.. my wife is keen to "garden by tractor" - ie on an industrial scale, so I'd guess I'll be working a few hundred square yards at a time - plough, rotovate and seed, I'd guess Industrial tires would be better for this, a fair bit of mowing to do - a little of it on the finer grass area around the house.

What I can't guess is whether the industrial tires would chew up the grass around the house - I don't mind a temporary tread pattern for a few days, I don't want to leave ruts.

I think the industrial tires would be better for everything else, I can imagine the turfs spinning covered in mud in certain situations -

If you've used industrials with a mid sized machine to finish mow a lawned area, and you are careful - can you get awway with it - or are you really much better using turfs? Or doesn't it make a lot of difference?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

cheers Mike

thcri · Nov 15, 2003

Mike,

I have a TC29D with Industrials. I use it mostly for finish mowing around the house. My personal opinion is that the weight of the tractor is what causes ruts not the tire so much. My neighbor has a tractor about the same size with turf's and he has just as much problems with ruts as I do on our lawn's. You just may have to be careful some in the wet times. For what your telling me you have and want to do I would go with the Industrials.

Again it is just my opinion and that is it.

murph

PineRidge · Nov 15, 2003

Mike I had the Ag tires on my last rig. I got by with them for 5 years but they did have a tendency to tear up the turf. I traded up to a TC-40D with R-4s and I love them. They are not aggressive to the turf, they do not hold the mud, and in the thick stuff they pull you through without getting stuck. Tires are a personal choice and no 2 people will agree on what's best but with R-4s you can't go wrong for what you want to do.

5030 · Nov 15, 2003

mike:

R-4's wear longer than R-1's.
R-1's will provide more traction in muddy conditions.
R-1's clean out fast and retain no mud.
R-1's provide a rough hard surface ride.
R-4's clean out slower and retain some mud.
R-4's have a wider footprint, thus are better for FEL work.
Turf Tires are best for mowing, fair for FEL work(they have a wide footprint but poor wet traction) and poor for mud or snow. They load up and become traction less.

If you get R-1's or R-4's for that matter, make sure they are "stubble proof". Stubble proof means the casing will be less susceptible to puncture. Stubble Proof or reinforced will usually be stated right on the casing.

RoyJackson · Nov 15, 2003

A compromise tire that may work for you is the bar turf. I've used these for varied tasks for a few years now.
A more aggressive pattern then standard turfs, yet not aggressive enough (on dry ground) to tear the grass up.

Down side, I'm not sure if they're available for a tractor the size of a 4410. Ask your dealer...

BTW, a 4310 would probably do you every bit as well as a 4410 for less $$$'s.