Putting the R1 vs R4 debate to rest?

[ptsg]

Very well stated. My European experience is France, Germany and United Kingdom. European tractors have been advanced in regards to versatility ahead of American tractors for 30 years that I know of. I distinctly remember in 1987 seeing a farm tractor pulling a four wheel wagon going down the road at what appeared to be 30 mph!!!! And it had a license plate!!!! First time I saw a tractor equipped with a trailer light plug was in Germany!!!!

Yes, you do need license plate and insurance for both tractor and trailer, fully working lights (marker, flashers, high beems, brakes), Beacon (optional on some countries). And depending on the size/weight of the tractor, you do need to have a certain category (1,2 or 3) attached to the drivers license. This of course requires a couple of lessons and a driving test.

Depending on the size of trailer, it can also require brakes. Either air or hydraulically actuated.

 

[ovrszd]

Yes, you do need license plate and insurance for both tractor and trailer, fully working lights (marker, flashers, high beems, brakes), Beacon (optional on some countries). And depending on the size/weight of the tractor, you do need to have a certain category (1,2 or 3) attached to the drivers license. This of course requires a couple of lessons and a driving test.

Depending on the size of trailer, it can also require brakes. Either air or hydraulically actuated.

All good requirements for countries that "road" their tractors almost daily. Our country is wayyy behind in this regard.

Another first for me was front mounted 3pt. Saw that in Germany. Can't remember what year it was but been a couple decades at least.

 

[4570Man]

I’ve always been fascinated with the European firewood splitters. To be fair with the lower cost of other fuels firewood isn’t worth enough here to build stuff like that. The hill side excavator is really cool too. There’s nothing like that over here.

 

[ovrszd]

European farmers have a different perspective in regards to space. They highly value space. They are innovative to create equipment that allows them to utilize the maximum amount of their space.

Southeast Asia Farmers take that to an extreme!!! They are very innovative and efficient.

 

[Ford850]

Very well stated. My European experience is France, Germany and United Kingdom. European tractors have been advanced in regards to versatility ahead of American tractors for 30 years that I know of. I distinctly remember in 1987 seeing a farm tractor pulling a four wheel wagon going down the road at what appeared to be 30 mph!!!! And it had a license plate!!!! First time I saw a tractor equipped with a trailer light plug was in Germany!!!!

My '55 Ford 850 still has it's original trailer light plug on the fender, but I've never used it.

 

[ovrszd]

My '55 Ford 850 still has it's original trailer light plug on the fender, but I've never used it.

Wow, that's unique!!! I grew up around Fords but don't specifically recall the 850 model. I never saw one on any I was around. I wonder if it was factory installed or added on?? Do you know?? Very cool!!!!

 

[ptsg]

European farmers have a different perspective in regards to space. They highly value space. They are innovative to create equipment that allows them to utilize the maximum amount of their space.

Southeast Asia Farmers take that to an extreme!!! They are very innovative and efficient.

This is very true. For Europeans, a Compact tractor, means an actually compact tractor where you get the gearbox in between your legs and you all crammed up in the seat. Yet, some of these tractors are full of features like front diff locker, two modes for the PTO (linked with the diff for trailer powering or independent), 3 PTO speeds, front 3 pt + PTO, optional down force on the rear 3 pt.

When I got my tractor, which is built to US standard, I could barely reach the pedals. I had to push the seat all the way forward and still had to take a 2" spacer they had under the seat. :laughing:

On the other hand, the vineyard tractors that Same/Deutz make go above and beyond on features. Adding to those I mentioned above, you get stuff like front axle suspension + brakes + locker, high flow hydraulic pumps, lots of remotes on the front and back, hydraulic stabilizers for the lift arms. The price goes up accordingly but they are full of features.

 

[ovrszd]

This is very true. For Europeans, a Compact tractor, means an actually compact tractor where you get the gearbox in between your legs and you all crammed up in the seat. Yet, some of these tractors are full of features like front diff locker, two modes for the PTO (linked with the diff for trailer powering or independent), 3 PTO speeds, front 3 pt + PTO, optional down force on the rear 3 pt.

When I got my tractor, which is built to US standard, I could barely reach the pedals. I had to push the seat all the way forward and still had to take a 2" spacer they had under the seat. :laughing:

On the other hand, the vineyard tractors that Same/Deutz make go above and beyond on features. Adding to those I mentioned above, you get stuff like front axle suspension + brakes + locker, high flow hydraulic pumps, lots of remotes on the front and back, hydraulic stabilizers for the lift arms. The price goes up accordingly but they are full of features.

Yep.

And to focus back to the thread subject. Metric wide sized tractor tires have been used in Europe for quite awhile. Are just now beginning to catch on here.

Side note. The first Kubota I ever saw was in South Korea. It was a two wheeled tractor pulling a two wheeled cart. It had steel paddle wheels for use in Rice Paddies.

 

[Ford850]

Wow, that's unique!!! I grew up around Fords but don't specifically recall the 850 model. I never saw one on any I was around. I wonder if it was factory installed or added on?? Do you know?? Very cool!!!!

It is factory but likely optional, and it's listed in the original parts diagrams mounted by the work light. It's not like today's trailer plugs though, just a plug for a tail light on a trailer I believe.

 

[Ford850]

Back to tires, I still think this new R14 is closer to a modified R4 than the R1. We do get caught up on the main categories, R1, R4, R5, but in reality there are already many variances within each one. Especially R1's. Take a look at Titans or another brand, and browse through the pages of different style R1 lugs.