puncture resistance of ag vs ind tires

[ovrszd]

When I bought my tractor, I was mainly mowing, uprooting cedar trees and using the grapple to stack them in burn piles. So I got R4 tires.

Now I'm doing a lot more tillage and ground engaging work, and I wish I had R1's for the increased traction. My next tractor will have R1's for sure.

Yep, I did that too. No comparison. No going back.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

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)

Only flat i had was an R4.

 

[charlton289]

When I got my tractor my sales man suggested that I get AG tires and after 2 Winters here in South Central VA. And all the rain this past year I wouldn't have nothing else but R1. Because of their self cleaning ability and traction in both mud and snow which I think we will have a nasty winter this year compared to other years so in my opinion go with the R1's.

 

[Diggin It]

My problem with that is how much they'd dig into normal turf/lawn areas that are soft. Even if not mowing, I still have to drive across lawn areas quite a bit.

I don't think I want to find out what a spare set of wheels with R1s mounted would cost to have on hand to switch out.

 

[Gary Fowler]

My problem with that is how much they'd dig into normal turf/lawn areas that are soft. Even if not mowing, I still have to drive across lawn areas quite a bit.

I don't think I want to find out what a spare set of wheels with R1s mounted would cost to have on hand to switch out.

That is the conundrum: you really cant have both traction AND low damage to the grass and dirt. SO, you have to choose the best of the worst so to speak. If you can tolerate low traction and really have a high need for not damaging your lawn, then go for the R4 tires. On the other hand if you have a high need for traction in mud and only the occasional lawn crossing, your best bet is the R1 tires.
I don't use my tractor to mow with and never would (I use a zero turn mower for that) so my trips thru the yard with the tractor when wet are few and far between. I actually leave more tracks with my RTV that has big R1 type lug tires on it than I do with my tractors. I can always use the FEL after it dries up a bit to smooth down the ruts if I leave any. It is a real PIA to walk home and get another tractor to pull my R4 tired tractor out of the mud but it has happened a couple of times.

 

[crazyal]

The idea of chains.. ugh.. I will pass for sure on those.

The debate continues

I think there's little debate on this. In the flat country of Central Florida I don't think chains are required. :laughing:

 

[kenmac]

I bought my kubota used. It had industrial tires and I was concerned about traction.
I don't pull a plow only disc from time to time
I have had no traction issues, and really like the wider tires on the front for loader work.
If I need to pull a plow, I'll bring out the yanmar with AG tires

As far as industrial being puncture resistant, I have had to repair my industrial tires twice for punctures.
I have never had a puncture with the AG tires on my yanmar.

 

[Oldoak]

The debate continues

I think there's little debate on this. In the flat country of Central Florida I don't think chains are required. :laughing:

I don't think there is any real debate. Most members are just giving their opinion on what they prefer for their own individual wants/needs and what works best for them. :confused3:

 

[ovrszd]

And the uses are more varied than most can imagine.

 

[Trillium Farm]

That is the conundrum: you really cant have both traction AND low damage to the grass and dirt. SO, you have to choose the best of the worst so to speak. If you can tolerate low traction and really have a high need for not damaging your lawn, then go for the R4 tires. On the other hand if you have a high need for traction in mud and only the occasional lawn crossing, your best bet is the R1 tires.
I don't use my tractor to mow with and never would (I use a zero turn mower for that) so my trips thru the yard with the tractor when wet are few and far between. I actually leave more tracks with my RTV that has big R1 type lug tires on it than I do with my tractors. I can always use the FEL after it dries up a bit to smooth down the ruts if I leave any. It is a real PIA to walk home and get another tractor to pull my R4 tired tractor out of the mud but it has happened a couple of times.

+10 I think the OP wants a tractor for all duties including that of a lawn-mower, well it will never happen! Tractors that mow grass (unless pulling) are just toy tractors or blown-up lawn mowers. I'd get a "Tractor" for his needs and duties and a lawn mower, push, riding or zero turn for the grass. Industrial tires are designed NOT for traction but for friction and are more prone to puncture than ag tires because of the depth of tread.