need help switching R4 to heavy duty R1

[nc_coyote]

I bought a TYM T-700 (same as a Montana 7074 if that helps) with R4 tires, needing their extra width for hillside stability and swampy-area flotation, and the extra sidewall strength for heavy loader work and working in woods around stobs. The current R4 tires are Titan:
18.4-24 rear, 15-19.5 front

I'm not getting nearly enough traction though. I'd like to keep the current R4 tire's width and sidewall strength/durability as much as possible - just with an R1 tread. Does ANYONE have an idea on a tire and/or wheel size combo that might work? At this point Titan, Firestone and Goodyear haven't been able to come up with an answer. I'm even willing to change out rims if need be, but simply can't find a good resource that can point me in the right direction.

If it helps, the factory R1 size options were:
16.9-30 rear, 11.2-24 front
... but again, they were too narrow, didn't hold up well under heavy loader work, and regular R1s haven't held up well for me at all in the woods.

Thanks for any insight anyone might have!

 

[magicheater]

I have 10 ply R4's front and rear on my L4350. I guess it is a trade off at times with the traction issue. R1's are more prone to punctures because of less tread surface. Just get chains if you need the traction. I work in the woods a lot too and would not trade the 10 ply for anything. I tend not to work when it is wet...

 

[Reg]

I bought a TYM T-700 (same as a Montana 7074 if that helps) with R4 tires, needing their extra width for hillside stability and swampy-area flotation, and the extra sidewall strength for heavy loader work and working in woods around stobs. The current R4 tires are Titan:
18.4-24 rear, 15-19.5 front

I'm not getting nearly enough traction though. I'd like to keep the current R4 tire's width and sidewall strength/durability as much as possible - just with an R1 tread. Does ANYONE have an idea on a tire and/or wheel size combo that might work? At this point Titan, Firestone and Goodyear haven't been able to come up with an answer. I'm even willing to change out rims if need be, but simply can't find a good resource that can point me in the right direction.

If it helps, the factory R1 size options were:
16.9-30 rear, 11.2-24 front
... but again, they were too narrow, didn't hold up well under heavy loader work, and regular R1s haven't held up well for me at all in the woods.

Thanks for any insight anyone might have!

Depends what you mean by "not enough traction".
Are you not getting the power to the ground ?
You didn't say if the R4s are loaded, if not that would help.
What sort of soil are you on where you don't get enough traction ?
Remember that loaded R4s typically weigh a LOT more than loaded R1s and can help you with drawbar horsepower - if that is what you mean by not enough traction.

 

[Turkeyman]

Not familar with the 18.4 x 24 could it be a 19.5 x 24 R4 size? If so, Michelin makes a R4 Radial called the XM 47 with a R1 tread pattern, but the ply rating on a R4. Being a radial you would need wheel weights vs fluids in tire so keep that in mind.
They also make that size in the XMCL, which is more aggressive the the R4 deisgn you have now. They are pricey but you are also getting a radial tire. Go to their Ag web site to see them.
Good luck.

 

[nc_coyote]

Thank you guys for the quick replies!

The soil in my fields is mostly red clay - yeah, THERE I'm pretty well screwed with ANY tire or tractor when it's wet. :laughing: But my beef with these has been excessive spinning on simple grass (wet or dry, especially when pulling my cutter) & in the woods though - conditions in which my old Ford 7000 2wd with R1s has no problem going. I know the sheer lower clearance of the tractor with these R4s had a lot to do with it when I got stuck so bad near the swamp recently... it only seemed to take 7-8" before I was sitting on the frame.

The tires are currently not loaded, Reg. I've been holding off on trying that until I saw if there was a better R1 option. I guess that could indeed make enough of a noticable difference for me to live with though... that will definitely be "plan B".

I really like the looks of the XM47 & XMCL, Turkeyman. The problem is the same as with Titan & the others: my size is indeed 18.4-24 rear.

Thanks again for the feedback!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Before you go and spend money for tires and rims, fill your tires. It is simply unbelievable how much better you tractor will perform. I would definitely try the loaded tires first. :thumbsup:

 

[JCB]

NC,

Sounds like you're in tough situation. 10-ply r1's are gonna be tough to find because most ag tires seem to be designed for low pressure in fields and low compaction. Not too many sticks to worry about puncturing a tire in a tilled field. In the woods you may be stuck with r4's.

Best of luck in your search, but based on your past performance with r1's you may have to settle for loaded r4's. I know chains give a rough ride and are miserable to put on, but if traction is still an issue, maybe chains on the front only would be smooth enough?

 

[nc_coyote]

I've seen a couple of good Forestry tires with R1 & R1W-type treads that would have the strength AND the deeper cleats (about 2 rotations of spinning in this NC red clay is all it takes to fill up the R4's tread depth), but it keeps coming back to the sizing issue. After searching through so many threads here and on the fascinating world wide web last night, at least I think I've found a good niche market to pursue if I ever decide to go into business for myself (customizing wheel/tire packages)!

I'll still be keeping my eyes open either way, but I think I WILL go ahead with loading the tires to see how that does.

 

[Reg]

I'd guess them at 65 or 70 gallons each at 75%... the firestoneag site will tell for sure.
Rim guard is what, 11 lbs per gallon ? something like that.
So another 1400 lbs or so DIRECT to the ground should make some difference (-:

 

[Turkeyman]

All 4 of my R4's are loaded and I still get lousy traction. Toby Sexton has some airplane R1 forestry (ROW) tires I like but will not fit my 4720 so I understand your problems. I must have the ply rating for our rocks as my hunt club is in a rock quarry. Michelin is coming out with more "small" tires this coming fall so maybe they will introduce your size.