R1's and R4's

gdilling · Jul 22, 2002

R1\'s and R4\'s

I've seen plenty of posts arguing the merits of R1's vs. R4's. My question concerns mixing the 2 types. Since R4's are better for loader work and R1's for traction/ag work could one put R4's on front for the loader work and put R1's on back for the traction/ag use? Would this create problems? I'm about to take the plunge on a JD4710 or Kubota L4610 with FEL.

Anonymous Poster · Jul 22, 2002

Re: R1\'s and R4\'s

Generally speaking, R1s have the best traction and R4s have decent traction yet do less turf damage than an R1.

When you say ag work, what do you have in mind and how much acreage is involved in each work type. Also, are you intending to mow a yard, or something more like a paddock?

Lastly, what are you going to be using the FEL for and on what type of surface?

Green_in_MI · Jul 22, 2002

Re: R1\'s and R4\'s

Mixing tires will be big problems for your transmission. The tires circumference must be matched correctly for your 4wd to work without damage. This means same tire types front and rear.

gdilling · Jul 22, 2002

Re: R1\'s and R4\'s

The only mowing at this point will be with a 6 foot brush hog. Sometimes this will be up and down hills. As for surfaces that the FEL will be used on, grass, dirt, mud, gravel ( lots ) and sand. The ag work is around horses and some cows. Prepatory work for riding arenas and construction. Other work will involve hay cutting and small square bales. Lots of road grading.

My worry on the R1's upfront with a heavy FEL load. How do they hold up?

Robert_in_NY · Jul 23, 2002

Re: R1\'s and R4\'s

NH showed in either their 3930 or TN literature this exact setup for heavy loader work. His best bet would be contact the dealer and ask him as it may be an option.

art · Jul 23, 2002

Re: R1\'s and R4\'s

DO NOT mix these two types of tires on a tractor. When driving in loose soil it is not the outer circumference that you would be riding on but the inner level of the tire, these do not normally match up as you have two different tread heights and it will cause damage to the tractors drive train. If you would just be riding on the tread surface than you might be ok. The r-1 tire will do just fine for the front.

cowboydoc · Jul 23, 2002

Re: R1\'s and R4\'s

For what you're doing I would go with R-1's. The R-4's are limited in traction and not sure why, unless you didn't want to scuff the ground that the R-4's would be any better for loader work. The R-1's will hold up just as good as the R-4's. Definitely don't mix the two types of tires.

Anonymous Poster · Jul 23, 2002

Re: R1\'s and R4\'s

I'd go with the R4s. From your description, I don't think traction will be an issue. If it ever were, due to something like a tough dirt pile, adding weight would compensate. I personally don't see the need for R1s unless you're planning to do a lot of of plowing, tilling or other heavy field work of that type.

If you're going to do a lot of work in horse areas other than a grass paddock, the R4s will leave a soother surface. My wife would make me drag out any tire tracks in her babies pens!

gdilling · Jul 23, 2002

Re: R1\'s and R4\'s

I have on occassion done some discing. This usually is due to overgrazing by horses and having nothing but weeds left. Disc and overseed. I wondering if R4's are ok for dragging a six foot double disc thru loose dirt. Also, the climb up a hill on wet grass and going uphill in snow to pull out a car. Unfortunately, our driveway makes a sharp turn up a fairly steep incline.

cowboydoc · Jul 23, 2002

Re: R1\'s and R4\'s

From my experience the R-4's are worthless in mud, snow or wet conditions. They just don't have any traction to speak of. R-1's seem to be much better that way. As far as tearing up the ground I've got the big tractors with R-1's that I run and they don't leave anymore marks than the R-4's do on the 4600.