OP
nc_coyote
New member
As an update, I had the tires loaded this past week and was able to give the tractor a good workout this weekend. Impressions:
Ride smoothness in general was honestly not any different that I could tell, but the T-700 IS a short-wheelbase tractor... that and the sidewall strength of the R4s in general may both contribute to the constant in ride performance.
Mowing (12' lift-type, in 2wd, and with front end loader off) was still disappointing in terms of any 2wd traction. I've simply concluded that having always had loaded R1s on all my tractors, I had unrealistic expectations for even the best-case traction scenario of these R4s in this category.
Front end loader ON, no attachments: I DID see a noticable difference here, even with the short wheelbase. With absolutely nothing to counterbalance on the back end, I did some pretty heavy loader work and was pleasantly surprised with the extra stability the back end has now with the tires loaded. There seemed to be slightly less tendency to wheelspin as well.
Conclusion: Heavy loader work is the biggest purpose I bought this tractor for, and to that end these R4s are STILL the only way to go. If or when I see a tire / wheel package come along that has the same sidewall strength and width of these R4s, but WITH an R1 tread, then I'll definitely switch them out if finances allow. Otherwise, I'm still (overall) happy with what I've got.
Thank you guys for all the input!
Ride smoothness in general was honestly not any different that I could tell, but the T-700 IS a short-wheelbase tractor... that and the sidewall strength of the R4s in general may both contribute to the constant in ride performance.
Mowing (12' lift-type, in 2wd, and with front end loader off) was still disappointing in terms of any 2wd traction. I've simply concluded that having always had loaded R1s on all my tractors, I had unrealistic expectations for even the best-case traction scenario of these R4s in this category.
Front end loader ON, no attachments: I DID see a noticable difference here, even with the short wheelbase. With absolutely nothing to counterbalance on the back end, I did some pretty heavy loader work and was pleasantly surprised with the extra stability the back end has now with the tires loaded. There seemed to be slightly less tendency to wheelspin as well.
Conclusion: Heavy loader work is the biggest purpose I bought this tractor for, and to that end these R4s are STILL the only way to go. If or when I see a tire / wheel package come along that has the same sidewall strength and width of these R4s, but WITH an R1 tread, then I'll definitely switch them out if finances allow. Otherwise, I'm still (overall) happy with what I've got.
Thank you guys for all the input!