Fallon
Super Member
R1s have a boatload more traction than R4s....not even close as soon as the slightest bit of moisture is present.
A while back I was skidding logs out of a cleared lane that is a bit low, so it stays wet after any significant rain. I started out using my LS (R4047H) in 4x4 with R4 tires....I had the FEL and 1,300lb counterweight on the 3pt, for a total of around 6,500lbs. No matter what I did, I was sliding all over the place skidding those logs out. After the first two trips I got my Massey (2wd) which weighs around 4,500lbs, and has R1s on it...no counterweight, no loaded tires...nothing. It went through the same area with virtually not slipping at all, and was much, much better than the LS was....skidding the logs like they weren't there, and no messing around spinning tires, slinging mud all over the place.
R4s are great for loader use, are extremely puncture/cut resistant, have a smooth ride, don't tear up the ground too much, and last a long time, but they don't have anywhere near the traction that R1s do.
They are definitely a comprimise. I like the fact they dont tear things up quite as much & are a bit more durable. I got chains for em off Craigslist when I got the tractor. Still wondering if they will fit 2 years later as I've never had any significant traction issuse that could make me care enough to try (after loading the rears, had noticable traction issues before that). I dont deal with much mud here in Colorado though & that is where R1s really shine & R4s dont. Thr R4s do fine in the snow. Plowing uphill in 1' of snow ive gotten "stuck" enough I had to back up & take a smaller bite a few times, but thats it.