R1 Ag Tires or R4 Industrial Tires?

[namesray]

Which tires would be best for my applications???

I am planning on purchasing a 50+ hp tractor (kubota mx 5100 or mx 5200 with fel). I am narrowing down the options I want on it, and I am stuck on the tire decision.

Thr tractors main uses will be doing firewood (winching and skidding) and bush hogging. Both jobs are commercial use and the tractor will see a lot of use on muddy, icy, and steep logging roads, very steep hills and fields, and public dirt roads.

There is benefits of both tires, as I have run equipment/tractors with all 3 types of tires, but I am hung up on this particular decision.

The r4s cost $400 more then the r1s.
The r4s give the tractor about 9inches wider stance in rear and the tractor sits about 2inches lower then with the r1s.
The extra width would seem to make me feel more steady on the steep side hills bush hogging. 2inches lower would also seem to help with this as well as it might just fit under my garage door with the rops up. Its going to be close. The 2inches lower to the ground will also help the pto shaft sit straighter when my winch is on (2inches higher would put a little more of a steep angle for the pto shaft =hard on knuckles.)

The r1s would seem to have better traction in the mud (cleans mud out of tread better) and when climbing and decending steep hills bush hogging.
The r1s would make the tractor and winch 2 inches higher, thus when skidding the logs would be lifted 2 inches higher out of the mud (I know 2 inches might not be a lot, but I do run into a lot of mud when doing firewood).
I would save $400 dollars I could use elsewhere if I got the r1s.

I am concerned the r1s will puncture easier then the r4s with sticks or brush stubble both in the woods and when bush hogging.

I will be using a good set of chains in the winter with which ever type of tire I get.

I think I already have my mind made up, but I really would appreciate some opinions with real world experience. Thanks again for the help.

 

[motownbrowne]

Seems you're sort of darned if you do and darned if you don't here. I've heard of R1s that are built on a tougher carcass similar to R4 tires, but you definitely won't be saving any money with them. I think Michelin makes them if you're curious.

R1s will give better traction in mud. No two ways about it. They definitely are less puncture resistant, though you could fill them with foam.

R4s will be more puncture resistant and have more volume, which translates into more weight if you fill them.

Of the two, R1s are better in snow, but you'll need chains either way on ice.

It's a tough call. I think you need to figure out which is more important, performance in mud (plus $400), or puncture resistance.

Good choice on the MX, I'm extremely happy with mine.

 

[nybirdman]

If most of your work is in mud not doubt the R1's will be better.I have the same on mine and do similar work and have had no problems with flats.R4's suck in mud,chains of course for either will help.

 

[oosik]

I went thru the same dilemma when I bought the Kubota. I ended up with R1s because of the increased traction in mud & snow. I do have my rims set for max width to also aide in stability - 80" - outside to outside. The tires are filled with Rimguard which adds 760 lbs/tire. The R1s are giving good traction, as I'd hoped for.

The thing that is irritating - - the rims for R1 are different than the rims for R4. So if I ever change my mind and want R4s - I will have to purchase new rims also.

The rear tires - R1 - for a MX5100 are 14.9x28 - if filled with Rimguard, will add 567 lbs/tire.

 

[k0ua]

I would go with the R4's you will need chains when it gets nasty.. But I like the better puncture resistance and stance. R1's are ideal for plowing and field work in the dirt and mud. It is all a trade off. But you know all of that already.

 

[LD1]

I am gonna say go with the r4's.

Snow and ice will be a wash with chains.

So that really leaves the logging and mowing. And while R1's do give better traction, I dont think the added traction outweighs the tougher tire and lower COG for hills. The winch will be doing the pulling, so tons of traction isnt required. Same for mowing. I have done alot of bushhogging in some pretty muddy areas. There isnt very many times that 4wd is needed cause of the weight of the bushhog over the drive tires.

I have a smaller tractor and got R1's cause at the time, I was doing alot of dirt work, and pulling logs and trailers in the woods. Now my primary use of the tractor is commercial bushhogging. Unless my needs change, my next tractor will be R4's cause I have spent alot of money and downtime repairing tires. Either that, or even MORE $$ and get R1's foam filled. But the wider R4's offer better flotation as well, so less rutting.

 

[millertire]

For your application, I would use R1 tires.

 

[CJONE]

R4's. I do a lot of woods work so the extra toughness of the tires are needed. Also run on pavement quite a bit and like the extra surface area. I have a lot of time on r4's and don't ever remember getting stuck. CJ

 

[arrow]

I have never punctured an R1 while logging and have done 30 years of it. Stability can be matched with the r1's by setting out rims at their widest stance on the tractor. If you plan on traveling on your manicured lawn at all, go with the R4's.
Ground clearance is your best friend when in the woods. If you are going to spend the bulk or all of your time in the woods and are going to encounter mud, then go with the r1's or plan to chain the r4's. You'll make compensations for whatever comes up.

 

[s219]

I can see pluses and minuses for both, but after reading your description I am thinking R4. Especially since you will use chains regardless of what you get. I also give a slight edge to R4s for loader work, as technically they should have a higher load rating.