L3400 w/ loader & hoe, R4 or AG tires?

Luke_theDrifter · Sep 1, 2007

Just making the final arrangments to purchase a new L3400 w/ a front loader, hoe and some aftermarket iron for the 3 point.

Mainly I'll be in dirt, maybe pulling a box blade or rake, do some brush cutting, trenching and so on. I can't really think of time when I'll be on pavement or concreat with the machine.

Whats the concenseus on the R4 tires versus the AG style tires? Traction, wear? Other factors? I think the dealer wants a few bucks more for the R4 style tires, but its not mouch dough$ in the big scheme of things.

Anyone ever mount/build or buy? a thumb for the BH75 hoe? Any real-world experince on actual digging depth for the 75 hoe?

Thanks in advance......LOTS of info on this site!

PS....Any general comments or concerns w/ the L3400 (HST) machine??

ceh007 · Sep 1, 2007

i have a 3400 w/R4 tires. i'm in the process of landscaping some of my wooded area and the R4's get me out of sticky situations in the low, wet areas. i think once i the landscaping finished i'll have to go to AG tires as the R4's seem to be pretty tough on lawn areas.
as for the thumb, if you do a search in the build it yourself section there are lots of posts from guys who have made them.

jbrumberg · Sep 1, 2007

I would research out the numerous discussions on tires here at TBN. There have been many, many opinions posted. It appears that R-4's are tougher in the woods possibly due to higher ply ratings and some operators feel that R-4's are more puncture resistant. Many TLB operators and those who do a lot of FEL work like R-4's also due to the ply rating. There are mixed reviews as to traction (R-1's vs R-4's) especially in ice and snow. R-4's appear to hold chains better than R-1's (but there are a lot of different chain configurations). R-4's will load up with mud and spin quicker than R-1's . It is my opinion that R-1's give better dirt/mud traction than R-4's and they will "goo" farther into mud, but R-1's are not so good at "gooing" in reverse (You do not have to ask me why I know this

.). Many of the operators who work primarily in the woods in my area reverse their front R-1's to aid in going into reverse in the woods.

Cehoo7- I would not recommend R-1's for lawncare. They will chew up your lawn more than R-4's especially when in 4WD/MFWD and/or during sharp turns especially if the grass is wet. If lawncare/mowing will become your primary task I would go with turf tires (R-3's).

Hope this helps- Jay

ceh007 · Sep 2, 2007

thanks for the correction j. i did mean to say i'd switch to turf.

Volnavy · Sep 7, 2007

I have the same setup and have R4s. They are great, but I've never had others.

As for digging depth, I've never really measure it, but I first dug a 300' long 4' deep ditch and probably could have gone 2 feet deeper, I would guess.

Wes

TonyS · Sep 9, 2007

I have the same sewt up with R4s - seem to work fine in most surfaces but I have no experience with any others.

Re the BH - I've dug a lot of trenches and excavations down to about 3 feet and a 2 foot bucket works well. One thing tho - the BH is a bit short for long/deep work - I keep having to move it every 4 or 5 feet - a longer BH would be better.

daveinnh · Sep 9, 2007

We have a Kubota 4310 w/ Ag tires. After 3 years, I like the ag tire in snow and mud, but the front tend to sink and become alittle unstable when loading the bucket heavy.

So, I'd ask your dealer (and anyone else) about using ag-tires in the rear and R-4s in the front.

BTW, our local State Forest bought a L30130? w/ cab and R-4 tires. However, the tires were mounted too close to the frame to allow tire chain mounting - I'm sure the wheels could be mounted farther out (per manual), but everything comes w/ tradeoffs.

Wayne_Freeman · Sep 9, 2007

Take a good look at this post and make sure you get the new valve. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ng/106517-l2800-standard-tractor-3-point.html I have a new L3400HST and have definately noticed I have the jerky 3 Pt. You have the leverage to get this fixed before the purchase. It is a very good machine.

beersngars · Sep 9, 2007

Wayne_Freeman said:
Take a good look at this post and make sure you get the new valve. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ng/106517-l2800-standard-tractor-3-point.html I have a new L3400HST and have definately noticed I have the jerky 3 Pt. You have the leverage to get this fixed before the purchase. It is a very good machine.

I believe the valve problem has been fixed. My new L3400HST is buttery smooth. Back to the tire question. I have R4's and so far there great. But, this is my first tractor so I have nothing to campare them to but my buddy's 40 year old 135 Massey with AG tires. Here in Ohio, dealers stock the machines in this class with R4's. I would assume others like them as well.

john_bud · Sep 9, 2007

R4's are great for solid firm ground. Smooth ride due to the large contact surface, typically higher ply count than R1's. They also wear longer on hard surfaces like concrete.

BUT, they totally lack traction in mud, snow and ice. They also slip sideways down the hill, which can leave a nasty pucker mark on your new vinyl seat. You will need chains with R4's - and the chains will need to have the cross links linked. So look for H-bar chain or the cross links will be living in the tread gaps and REDUCE the traction.

You can buy R1's with higher ply count to equal the R4's.

It all depends on what you will be doing and the conditions you will be doing it in.

jb