Tires Mixing Tires

[Steve_Miller]

Has anyone mixed there tires, R4's on front and R1's on the rear. I have R1's all the way around. I went to the dealers a while ago and measured, the R4's and the R1's are from what I can tell the exact same diameter with respect to each other front and back so the ratio shouldn't be a problem should it? I ask just for the reason that the front R1's on my CK20 don't have what I would call an overly aggressive tread and I think that the R4's would carry the front end with a load in the FEL much better than the R1's as well as being less prone to punctures and not lose that much traction in the process. Let me know your opinions good or bad, I don't consider any answer good or bad, just opinionated which is what i'm looking for.

Steve

 

[KiotiJohn]

I haven't mixed tires, but if the rolling diameter is the same, there shouldn't be a problem. I've never heard that the wider R4 tires mixed with an R1 would be a problem unless the diameter is different.
That said, however, I'm not so sure they're the same size. Be sure or your lead/lag will be off (when in 4WD), and you could cause the tires to wear faster and may damage to the drive train. John

 

[frank_f15]

i am not sure /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif but i think i remember reading somewhere that mixing tires was not a good idea, not sure why?

 

[KiotiJohn]

Frank, check out this Firestone tire article. It explains what happens when one has front tires not sized properly with the rears when using 4WD. With two wheel drive, there should be no problem with mixing. John
Lead/Lag info

 

[Henro]

If it were me, I would keep the R1s on the front and get them foam filled.

Foam filling will eliminate the puncture issue, and also I bet (don’t know for sure) give you a better load bearing capability when using the loader. At least equal to air-filled R4s, and maybe better.

Keeping the R1s would also make the question about size differences moot. Additionally, R1s on the front are better in mud for traction as far as I can see. I can only see as far as my R4s though, and I do know in mud they leave a lot to be desired.

Keep the R1s on the front and get them foam filled. That is my advice, and what I would do if I were in your situation.

But like you said, there may be more than one right answer.

 

[JerryG]

Steve,
The key to mixing and matching is the rolling radius. If the rolling radius matches your front to rear ratio, it would work. If it doesn't match, it will cause undue stress on your drive train that will damage it or at the least wear it at a much accelerated rate. The rolling radius can be obtained from the tire manufacture.

 

[keeney]

I have turfs on the rear and Titan true-power bar style tires (wider than an R1, but angled bars in the style of an R1) on the front of my JD4100. No problems so far. The rolling radius must match pretty good because it doesn't really seem to bind up if put in MFWD on dry pavement.

- Rick

 

[LBrown59]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( MFWD

- Rick




)</font>

MFWD What does it stand for?

 

[Gatorboy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( MFWD What does it stand for? )</font>

MFWD = mechanical front-wheel-drive

 

[LBrown59]

=========
<font color="#666666">Thanks
I had it all but was stuck on the M </font>

 

[Steve_Miller]

You know Bill for as many times as I read that you had foam filled tires on your tractor I still never clued in to think of that solution. I don't want to think what my memory will be like when I hit 60. I guess thats why I posed the question as I can rely on you guys too much sometimes. Gotta go plow the 10 - 12" of snow we got last night and this morning. (just gotta remember how to start the tractor again /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif)

Steve

 

[Henro]

Steve,

JD3130 has posted a nice summary on foam filling tires... Tractor Flat Prevention Options.

Important to get the right foam in your tires if you do it. I used a large tire shop recommended by my dealer and got the high end foam. I did not realize there was a less desirable alternative. I was lucky I got the good stuff...well, maybe not lucky since I took my dealer's recommendation, but still...I did not know there was cheaper, less durable foam filling out there... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

You may have already have seen that thread, but I though I would mention it just in case you have not.

 

[Casco1]

I once tried mounting my front tires both on the right and my rear tires on the left. It worked great for mowing my slopes but on flat ground I kept spilling my coffee. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[txdon]

What about the treads? Are the Ind. treads thicker/wider and will wear more slowly? Will this make a significant change over time? I don't know just a thought.