puncture resistance of ag vs ind tires

[lilranch2001]

Folks always tell of better puncture resistance of R4 vs R1, BUT, the only flat tire I have had on my tractors is on my R4 tires. Never had a flat on my R1 tires. I think that is because it has much taller tread so thorns, etc. have to penetrate much more rubber to get thru the tread. OF course if something hits in between the tire treads, it will be a bit thicker with the R4.
I would rather recommend the R4 for better wear resistance on hard surfaces than for puncture resistance. An R4 has much more rubber contact surface than an R1 which is the main reason for using them on industrial application.

BIG CON: R4's only have a little more traction than a turf tire in mud, so if you plan to use your tractor for ground engagement activities or in muddy contact, stick with R1 tires.

Note: R4 tires have a sexier look on a tractor than R1 (if you are into that sort of thing)

Ya know, I cant say that I have ever once thought about having sex with my tractor....
Now maybe I have thought a time or two ON it!

 

[Gary Fowler]

It seems that R4 tires would be more puncture resistant than R1, however I have only had one flat tire on my tractors and it was on a R4 tire on my Kubota, right thru the tread on it. I just put a tubeless plug in it and it is still holding 2 years later.
Now as to traction, with R4 tires in mud, you may as well have slicks since they slick over and dont pull any thing. Anytime I have muddy or just wet conditions, I have to use the tractor with the R1 tires.