R1 Ag Tires or R4 Industrial Tires?

[namesray]

Thanks for all the replies. I have decided to go with the r4 industrials mostly due to the concern of the r1s puncturing easier when going over stubble bushhogging. I wanted the r1s, but I can compensate much better with the short comings of the r4s then I could if I had the r1s, such as I can add chains for traction or lighten a hitch of logs if spinning, but I couldn't "make" the r1s more puncture resistant, or give the tractor that wider more stable feeling if I chose the r1s.

I guess to sum it up, there was more benefits of getting the r4s that makes it worth the $400. I hate break downs and last thing I want is a flat tire on a remote jobsite.

As for "setting" the rims to their widest stance with r1s, does the mx5200 offer adjustable rims? I didnt look into that yet.

 

[9973720wb19]

I just removed my R4's (including the rims) for a new set of R1s...my experience had been the tractor ( JD 4720 cab) was pretty much useless on soft ground and snow with R4. the R4s quickly filled with mud/snow and become slicks. My R1s are great. I have not had to deal with heavy chains, and can get more done and go where I have never gone before with no worries.

 

[chuck172]

I have R1's too. No need for chains for snow plowing. Had problems with the R-4's loading up.

 

[s219]

I have R1's too. No need for chains for snow plowing. Had problems with the R-4's loading up.

Heh, I do most of my plowing (with rear blade) on R4s without chains, and in 2WD no less! Never plow more than 8-10" at a time though, and my driveway is mostly flat with just a couple hundred feet of about 5% grade.

The whole thing about tires is that they are always a compromise unless you do just one thing. The focus of turf tires is traction on grassy surfaces and minimizing turf damage. The focus of R1s is forward traction in soft soil, for pulling implements (and note you lose that benefit going in reverse since the tread is directional). The focus of R4s are rugged construction/industrial type usage under heavy loads and variable surfaces, hence the wider flatter lugs and thicker tread. Take any of these tires off-design and they are a compromise. The trick is to choose the right compromise overall that prioritizes your needs.

I sometimes see people describe R4s as a combination of R1 and turf that won't damage a lawn as much as an R1, but that's just a side effect of the R4 design's flatter tread. Backhoes and other construction and industrial equipment (like fork lifts) use an R4 tread for industrial purposes, and have zero interest in turf performance.

Here's how I see the tires comparing:

R1 is the best choice for traction in farming type usage pulling ground engaging implements, or traction in mud in all situations (in both cases, that means forward traction). They are not an ideal choice for operating on hard surfaces or doing a lot of loader/lifting work, and of course they would tear up turf the worst of all the tire choices.

R4s would be the best choice for loader/lifting work, construction work, or working on variable surfaces including hard surfaces. They are poor in muddy conditions or soft soil, but less damaging on turf.

Turfs are the best choice for operation on nice turf where minimal damage is desired. They are soft tires, however, so they don't have as high a load capacity or the ability to take abuse. They are poor in muddy conditions.

So basically, take your pick and know what the strengths and weaknesses are. There is no perfect tire!

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you are worried about puncture, get the R1 in the rice and cane version. They are much more puncture resistant than a regular R1, have larger/deeper lugs for more pulling power in the mud. They wont be of value in turf unless you want to tear it up.
They will likely cost you as much as R4 tires though.

 

[puckgrinder85]

I liked the R1's for what we did (mostly in the woods and snow plowing). Never had any real issues but they had a bit more traction than the new tractor with R4's and 1500 more lbs than the old tractor. The was I see it is, I dig less up with the R1's as I don't spin, if I spin the r4's, oh god, there is a hole I have to fix for sure.

 

[SweBota]

Here's how I see the tires comparing:

R1 is the best choice for traction in farming type usage pulling ground engaging implements, or traction in mud in all situations (in both cases, that means forward traction). They are not an ideal choice for operating on hard surfaces or doing a lot of loader/lifting work, and of course they would tear up turf the worst of all the tire choices.

R4s would be the best choice for loader/lifting work, construction work, or working on variable surfaces including hard surfaces. They are poor in muddy conditions or soft soil, but less damaging on turf.

Turfs are the best choice for operation on nice turf where minimal damage is desired. They are soft tires, however, so they don't have as high a load capacity or the ability to take abuse. They are poor in muddy conditions.

Sums it up pretty good, but I would like to add that turfs are the best choice for snow work without chains, especially on compacted snow / ice. R4s the worst. There are special snow tyres for those that need it with even softer rubber compounds using a turf-style pattern. Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI for example:

https://nokiantyres.studio.crasman....0h14tFJSZGVA/Nokian_HKPLTRI_closeup_hires.jpg

/Marcus

 

[Dave M7040]

When I bought my M7040 2 years ago I wanted R4's because I drive on lawns and they dont tear the turf as badly as R1's.
Furthermore the R4's were $1,500 cheaper than Ag radials.
Dave M7040

 

[jcummins]

When I bought my M7040 2 years ago I wanted R4's because I drive on lawns and they dont tear the turf as badly as R1's.
Furthermore the R4's were $1,500 cheaper than Ag radials.
Dave M7040

First M7040 I had was shod with R1. This second one has R4..bought used and it was what it had. The R1 definitely is my preference, however, given how I use this current tractor, it crosses my lawn a lot and I have not had much issue with the R4's doing everything I'm wanted. So I just may be better off with them.

 

[pat32rf]

My "first" tractor was a used Bota that came with R1s, so when I bought my new JD 4300 I wanted R1s. Dealer could not find any so he eventually agreed to split the price and gave me R4s. Best thing I ever did. Off trail they may not have the R1 traction, but the floatation is much better. On ice and snow I run chains which are better on R4s as they don't get lost in the valleys.
My only complaint is the one piece rims that I cannot widen...