Tires R1 vs R4 Tires on 4120?

tillboy2001 · Jan 5, 2005

I think we're close to getting a 4120. Still in the works. My problem is I keep going back and forth on the tire issue. I like the idea of the R4's not being as aggresive in the lawn...but I really don't keep a photo perfect lawn. So if there were a few places on turns where the R1's dug in a bit, I think I could easily live with that. The tractor will mainly be used in the field, on hilly terrain...sometimes fairly steep, other times not so steep. I just worry about the hills mainly. With 4x4, would it still be ok with the R4's...or do you think I should just stick with the standard R1's and save a few hundred bucks? I know the R1's would be killer with 4x4. Please give me your thoughts. I think I'm leaning back to the R1's now...but might go ahead and go with the R4's if you have no issues with them in wet grass on slopes, etc. Will be getting a 400X loader too.

tillboy2001 · Jan 5, 2005

This is the lawn I'm talking about, on slopes: http://www.pbase.com/kygarden/image/31884635/large.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/kygarden/image/36789398.jpg

And this is the field area:
http://www.pbase.com/kygarden/image/38304258.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/kygarden/image/38304279.jpg

The really steep parts are in my lawn, not in the field.

Sadler · Jan 5, 2005

I'm using my 4120 with R4s in the same situation you describe--mostly on hills and pastures but also around my house to mow my less than perfect lawn and I've found that if I'm patient around the house and not mow with the tractor when it's wet, I don't have a problem. I use my riding mower when I have to mow and it's wet--takes more time, but doesn't eat the lawn. I've used the traction of the R4s many times now away from the house when doing loader work and brush cutting on hills, so in my case, the R4s have worked out well.

tillboy2001 · Jan 5, 2005

Hmm...problem is, I'm sort of stubborn and I like to get out and do things when I'M ready...not mother nature...LOL So that means I'm very likely to be out when it's wet...

dicker · Jan 5, 2005

I have R4's on my 4310. I can't attest to slippery grass because I try not to use the tractor on the grass when it is soft or wet because of the damage, and I don't have any significant hills on my property. Also, if I do have to go on the grass in anything but really dry conditions, I always try to stay in 2 wheel drive. Four wheel drive tears up the grass on sharp turns.
However, I can tell you that R4's and four wheel drive are great in the snow. So if slippery grass is equal to snow, R4's could be the answer.
Good luck in your decision

Richard

timb · Jan 5, 2005

There are some decisions and circumstances that might color your choice...

What's your soil like out there, and are you planning on filling the rear tires? A little extra weight goes a long way in making ruts.

A 4120, with filled rears and the loader mounted, is likely too heavy to drive more than only very occasionally on anything you'd remotely call a lawn - with R1s or R4s. I'm not sure what your weather has been out in Cinn but we had a fairly wet fall here in western PA and our (clay) ground was soft. My 4710 with filled R1s and the loader left full-width ruts (meaning the whole tire print, not just the lug impressions) between an inch or so deep to as much as six to eight inches deep anywhere I drove. I don't think R4s would have reduced that much. Even in the driest part of the summer I could usually see my tracks (although that was more often just the lug impressions).

My point is I think a large-framed heavy JD CUT with filled tires is simply too heavy for regular lawn travel on our clay soils - especially if and when they soften up at all. That said, if your soils and conditions are like ours - unless you need the higher strength of the R4 carcass, you might as well get all the traction you can and go with the R1s.

(p.s. - your lawn looks a lot nicer than ours! Nice place.)

tillboy2001 · Jan 5, 2005

We have heavy clay here too. In summer, it's usually very firm and the old Ford 640 with somewhat worn R1's don't do much of any damage or even show up much (this is my wife's grandparents Ford I speak of). I think I'm more leaing on the R1's now. Wet grass is worse than snow. Once it folds over, unless you've got something to dig in and penetrate, you're screwed. Turf tires are totally worthless where I live. The first time I slid down the front lawn on my lawn mower, I ordered a set of R1 style tires for my rider mower. No problems since then.

I think long term, we'll be better off with R1's. Grandpa is sold on them anyway...LOL Maybe it's wishful thinking that I'm going to mow the lawn with this tractor. It's a pretty big tractor actually. I think I can get away with it though in the not so pretty sections of the lawn. I've got KY tall fescue growing and it's tough as nails.

Bird · Jan 5, 2005

( I think long term, we'll be better off with R1's )

Beautiful place you have there. And of course there's some personal preference involved, but there's no doubt that I would go with the R1s myself.

tillboy2001 · Jan 5, 2005

These tires are tubless, right? I guess I'm still thinking old school since we have that old Ford 640 around and it has tube tires. I would think the new models are tubless. Correct?